Jackson could be on radar for Clips, Nets

Edited on: March 19, 2010 8:11 am

Mark Jackson’s decision to sign with an agent this week has not gone unnoticed in coaching circles, where it is believed that the former All-Star point guard and current broadcaster finally will get his chance to roam the sidelines as an NBA head coach.

Jackson did not employ an agent when he was in the running for head coaching jobs in New York and Minnesota last summer and Phoenix in 2008, preferring to deal one-on-one with team executives. Jackson, 44, got passed over for all three jobs but is expected to be in demand once the NBA’s coaching carousel starts spinning at the end of April.

“Despite the economy and the potential work stoppage, there’s going to be more movement than we’ve seen in the past,” said one person involved in the coaching business.

The two most sensible landing spots for the ABC/ESPN commentator are the Clippers and Nets, according to sources familiar with both situations. Jackson lives in Los Angeles and is a native New Yorker. Despite turmoil in both organizations, the situations will be extremely attractive for top coaching candidates this summer.

One person familiar with how coaching candidates view the Clippers job described the team as being in the “best shape in the league” payroll-wise and talent-wise. There are signs that frugal owner Donald M. Sterling, who demoted and then fired former coach and GM Mike Dunleavy in recent weeks, could be ready to open his notoriously tight checkbook for a high-profile name like Jackson. The Nets, according to sources, would be viewed as more of a longer-term growth opportunity for Jackson, who has no previous coaching experience. But the cap space to sign a max free agent, the possibility of landing presumed No. 1 pick John Wall, and the team’s eventual move to a new arena in Brooklyn – one borough over from Jackson’s native Queens – might overshadow the fact that the Nets (7-61) are on their way to one of the worst seasons in NBA history.

Another situation that bears watching is Indiana, where Jackson enjoyed some of his best years as a player. Former Pacers GM Donnie Walsh, who also is represented by Jackson’s new agent, Steve Kauffman, thinks highly of Jackson and still holds sway over Pacers owner Herb Simon when it comes to transformational decisions such as a coaching hire. If the Pacers decide to dismiss Jim O’Brien after the season for a new voice, and Jackson’s communication skills and popularity within the organization will be among his biggest strengths.

Jackson’s decision to sign with Kauffman Sports Management made official his well-known private desire to leave the broadcast booth for a chance to coach. Sources familiar with Jackson’s thinking say he is cognizant of the role his lack of experience would play and is determined to recruit the most experienced assistants possible to help him make the transition. Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans and Golden State are among the other teams that could be contemplating coaching changes

this summer.
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I bet the Clippers get him

I would love for the Knicks to get Jax. Two guys I would love to see on the bench next season are JVG and Jax. Both are being rumored to possibly be going to NJ.

Childs2Dudley wrote:Damn. The Nets and Clippers? I'm jealous of those 2 franchises and their amazing management.

I am guessing that you are joking but the Nets are much better managed than the Knicks. The Nets have cap space, probably the number one pick in the draft, a second pick first round pick, Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, CDR, and Yi as guys under contract next year. If they get JVG or Jax and a big time free agent they will be in very good shape. I think Thorn will have to be creative with his cap space and will get guys through sign and trades. I would not be surprised to see Lee in NJ next year.

Childs2Dudley wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Childs2Dudley wrote:Damn. The Nets and Clippers? I'm jealous of those 2 franchises and their amazing management.

I am guessing that you are joking but the Nets are much better managed than the Knicks. The Nets have cap space, probably the number one pick in the draft, a second pick first round pick, Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, CDR, and Yi as guys under contract next year. If they get JVG or Jax and a big time free agent they will be in very good shape. I think Thorn will have to be creative with his cap space and will get guys through sign and trades. I would not be surprised to see Lee in NJ next year.

Oh? So much talent on that team and it amounts to 7 wins all year? If that was the Knicks right now you would be calling for Walsh's head. Let's get real here. I don't care what cap space they have. They have 7 wins, CDR and Yi blow, Lee is a role player, and they play in New Jersey (at least until 2012). The best they can do is throw max money at a Rudy Gay and Carlos Boozer. They have 0 appeal to a big time NBA player.

I disagree about CDR and Yi. I usually watch the Nets if the Knicks aren't on and while Yi is always hurt, when he plays he looks like he is going to be a star. I think he would do great playing as center for D'Antoni. CDR is very good. I think his problem is more that he is head strong. I would not be calling for Walsh's head if the Knicks had that roster because I think the Nets are rebuilding in the conventional manner, have had a ton of injuries, and have the option of being very active in the free agent market. The Nets do not have the allure of the Garden but Thorn has alot more sign and trade options with their roster and the cap space he has. I am glad that Walsh has a plan but I think the Hill trade with picks was over the top and a mistake. I thought Frank was a much better coach than D'Antoni and I think if they get JVG, Jax, or Calipari they will be in great shape.