RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Prokhorov Believes Nets Have Budding Coaching 'Star' In Kidd

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:29:55 EDT

Mikhail Prokhorov sees a budding coaching star in Jason Kidd because of the former Nets guard's knowledge and playing experience.

“The point is that there are people who are born coaches,” Prokhorov said. “And it is known that Jason Kidd was in fact a player-coach on many teams. And he has been training for a long time. He has played under many coaches, and he has always wanted to be a coach.”

Prokhorov thinks Kidd will bring star power to the Nets sideline.

“Despite all the N.B.A.’s competitive potential, they lack a little bit of star coaches,” he said. “Of course, we are very glad that now, together with our fans, we can grow up a new star and finally, naturally, win the N.B.A.”

Chandler: Kidd Had 'Couple Of More Years In Him'

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:49:09 EDT

Tyson Chandler was not surprised that Jason Kidd retired recently to eventually become head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, but he does think the former New York Knicks guard could have played more seasons in the NBA.

"I tried to [convince him]," Chandler said. "I did. I thought he had a couple of more years in him. I gave my input. I tried to tell him he could still do it, and you have a lot left in you.’’

Although Kidd went scoreless in the final 10 games of the season, Chandler does not believe he went through a slump.

“I didn’t consider it a slump,’’ Chandler said. “He’s a floor leader. He entered the game as a floor leader and leaves it as a floor leader.He didn’t make shots in the playoffs, but that’s not a slump for him. It’s everything else Jason brings.’’

Source: C.J. Watson To Opt Out Of Contract With Nets

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:38:53 EDT

C.J. Watson will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets, thereby becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1, a league source confirmed.

Watson signed a two-year contract with a player option for the second year before the 2012-13 season.

In terms of free agent contracts, the Nets are limited to the veteran’s minimum because they are over the salary cap.

Kidd Extended Offer To Lawrence Frank To Join Nets Staff

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:36:28 EDT

Jason Kidd offered Lawrence Frank the opportunity to be part of his staff with the Brooklyn Nets.

"The invitation is out there, so it's up to him," Kidd said Friday.

"He's in a special situation. He's at home, his wife is sick, so I understand coming off of coaching [the Detroit Pistons] and [possibly] wanting a year off with his family, so I respect that. The big thing is he knows how much I love him and how much I need him, but family comes first, and I respect that."

Frank’s wife underwent emergency surgery in March for an undisclosed illness.

Kidd wants to put together an experienced team of assistants.

"There's a lot of people that have come out publicly saying that I need to get a seasoned staff, and that's what I'm looking at, people who maybe have been head coaches in this league or have been assistants and understand what it take to have some success so I can learn on the job," Kidd said. "One of those candidates is Lawrence Frank that I'm trying to get because we get along well, I trust him and I think he understands what it takes to have some success in this league."

Kidd Aims To Use Championship Lessons Learned As Player To Help Nets

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:47:31 EDT

Jason Kidd played in two NBA Finals with the then-New Jersey Nets, and won his only championship in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks.

Kidd hopes to take those experiences, couple them with lessons from past coaches, and use them to help improve the Nets next season.

"I spoke to Mikhail (Prokhorov) on the phone and understood right away how much he wants to win,” Kidd said of his interview. “I understood their concerns that I had never coached. But what they got from me is that I would be willing to learn. And that my work ethic as a coach was going to be the same as it was when I was a player. I shared with them the things that I plan to share with Deron (Williams) and with the whole team. After I left the Nets I found out what it takes to not just make the Finals, but to win a championship. I think I have a sense now of how you build a championship structure and how you maintain that structure."

Kidd interviewed at the Nets practice facility in East Rutherford, N.J.

"I felt like I was home, I really did," Kidd said. "I felt like I was home all over again once I was inside my old practice facility. This was the place where we practiced when we made our runs to the Finals. Whatever nerves I felt on the way over there, they really did settle inside me once I walked up the stairs."

Nets Hire Kidd As Head Coach

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:30:17 EDT

Late Wednesday, the Nets announced that the team has hired Jason Kidd to become its new head coach.

Kidd played seven seasons as a Net and just retired from playing with the cross-town rival Knicks.

The all-time great point guard will be the Nets' third head coach in less than a year.  His close relationship wit Deron Williams is believed to be a major factor in the decision.

Nets On Verge Of Hiring Jason Kidd As Head Coach

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:47:20 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of hiring Jason Kidd as their next head coach, according to sources.

Kidd has convinced Mikhail Prokhorov and the Nets that he is ready to make the jump from player to coach after retiring recently.

"The job is Jason's," one source said.

The Nets interviewed Brian Shaw for the vacancy on Wednesday and he made a strong presentation.

Kidd also has sold to the Nets that Lawrence Frank can provide him with a veteran lead assistant coach.

Shaw Meets With King For Over Four Hours

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:48:14 EDT

Brian Shaw met with Billy King for over four hours on Wednesday to discuss the Brooklyn Nets' head coaching vacancy.

Shaw is also pursuing a job with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Nets are expected to quickly hire a new coach, deciding between Shaw and Jason Kidd.

A report from the Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that Kidd would be named head coach of the Nets by the end of the week on a three-year deal.

Report: Kidd Finalizing Three-Year Deal With Nets

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:39:43 EDT

Jason Kidd will become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, according to a source that spoke with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Kidd and the Nets are working on the final details of a three-year contract.

Kidd interviewed with Billy King on Monday.

Brian Shaw Identifies Clippers' Job As Priority

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:12:40 EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers' head coaching vacancy is the priority of Brian Shaw, according to sources.

Shaw will meet with the Clippers on Tuesday.

Shaw was scheduled to meet with Billy King of the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, but it is unclear if that meeting will still take place with the team moving closer to a deal with Jason Kidd.

Kidd, Nets Discussing Contract To Become Head Coach

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:10:13 EDT

Jason Kidd and the Brooklyn Nets are in discussions about a contract to become their next head coach, according to sources.

Kidd has emerged as the frontrunner and could be hired by the end of the week.

Kidd would give the Nets a "fresh face" as coach, according to league associates that have spoken with Nets' ownership.

Kidd is working on building a staff, with Lawrence Frank and Roy Rogers as possibilities.

Billy King was scheduled to interview Brian Shaw on Wednesday, but it is unclear if that will still happen. Shaw is meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Report: Nets Interview Jason Kidd For Head Coach Opening

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:27:00 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets interviewed Jason Kidd on Monday regarding their head coach vacancy, according to a report.

Kidd has been pursuing the Nets' opening after retiring from the NBA last week.

The Nets will interview Brian Shaw on Wednesday, according to sources.

Kidd had a storied run with the Nets, highlighted by back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.

Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Kidd has emerged as a formidable candidate and is competing with Shaw for the job. Kidd has convinced the Nets that he is committed to the demands of becoming a head coach.

Jason Kidd Interested In Becoming Head Coach Of Nets

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:22:38 EDT

Jason Kidd is interested in becoming the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Kidd's interest has been internally discussed within the highest levels of the franchise, according to sources.

Kidd retired from the NBA last week and spent many of his best seasons with the Nets.

The Nets have targeted Brian Shaw as their top candidate.

Nets Won't Pursue George Karl

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:40:30 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets will not pursue George Karl, according to sources.

Karl was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

The Nets have zeroed in on Brian Shaw as their primary candidate.

Gorgui Dieng To Work Out For Knicks, Nets

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:35:40 EDT

Gorgui Dieng will work out for the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets before the June 27 draft.

Dieng, a 6-foot-11, 230-pound center, anchored the No. 1-ranked defense in the country during his senior year at Louisville.

The Knicks pick at No. 24 while the Nets own the 22nd selection.

Nets Will Receive Permission To Interview Lionel Hollins

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:38:10 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have not yet received permission to interview Lionel Hollins, according to a source.

The Grizzlies received a request the day after they were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals and have yet to ask a second time.

The Grizzlies have granted permission to the Clippers to interview Hollins.

The Nets are believed to be targeting Brian Shaw.

David Aldridge of NBA.com reports that the Grizzlies will grant permission to the Nets when they ask again. The Grizzlies began giving permission to other teams on Sunday.

Nets Receive Permission To Pursue Brian Shaw

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:01:43 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have received permission from the Indiana Pacers to interview Brian Shaw.

Shaw has emerged as the Nets' top target.

Billy King is expected to speak with Shaw in the coming days and a formal offer could be forthcoming.

King has done extensive due diligence on Shaw over the past few weeks.

Shaw was a popular choice to replace Phil Jackson as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011.

Nets Identify Brian Shaw As Lead Coaching Candidate

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:55:43 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have identified Brian Shaw as a leading candidate to become their next head coach.

Shaw is currently an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers.

Shaw has been a strong candidate for several head coaching vacancies in recent seasons.

Lionel Hollins Recieves Permission To Speak To Other Teams

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:25:35 EDT

Lionel Hollins has received permission from the Memphis Grizzlies to talk to other NBA teams about a head coach opening.

Discussions between the Grizzlies and Hollins stalled on Saturday night, with "major philosophical differences," according to a source.

The Brooklyn Nets will primarily target Hollins and Brian Shaw for their coaching vacancy.

Hollins led the Grizzlies to the Western Conference finals and has said he wants to return.

Source: Nets Reach Out To Jeff Van Gundy About Coaching Vacancy

Fri, 31 May 2013 21:33:01 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have reached out to  Jeff Van Gundy about their coaching vacancy, according to a league source.

Van Gundy also has been contacted by the Los Angeles Clippers about their coaching vacancy.

The Nets are in search of a replacement for P.J. Carlesimo, who led the team to the playoffs with a 49-33 record and a fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Peyton Siva Impresses At Nets Combine

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:08:17 EDT

Peyton Siva auditioned for the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

“He’s real competitive, [has] great speed,” Nets director of player personnel Gregg Polinsky said. “What do you say? [He comes from a] winning culture, he’s been coached, can take all you can give him ... he’s going to get some looks.”

Siva led Louisville to a national title and believes that experience will help him handle the pressure of playing at the next level.

“It helped me a lot,” Siva said, “because I was able to play against a lot of different guards, and especially against some of the top-tier point guards.

“Obviously winning helped a lot.”

Carlesimo: Nets' Title Expectations Not Realistic Based On Roster

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:57:59 EDT

P.J. Carlesimo had a 35-19 record as interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and said that expectations from ownership are not lining up with the level of talent on the roster.

Carlesimo, however, did say that the Nets' head coach opening is one of the best in the NBA since they are a playoff team.

"Having said that, the expectations to win a championship in two years, that’s a heavy load for anybody, not just for Brooklyn. But I don’t know if that’s realistic the way the roster is right now," Carlesimo said Thursday.

"I wouldn’t say that team cannot win a championship, because we thought we could this year if things broke a little better for us. But if that’s on your plate that you need to win a championship in two years, I think that makes it a little challenging."

Mikhail Prokhorov said after buying the Nets in 2010 his goal was to win a championship within five years. 

"I also think the expectations are maybe not totally realistic, but you’d rather have that from your owner, and then he’s got the wherewithal to back it up," Carlesimo said. "That’s his goal. We talked about that from day one. He doesn’t make any bones about it. He doesn’t want to have a nice team, he doesn’t want to just sell tickets in Brooklyn and make the team competitive. He wants to win an NBA championship, and as a coach you can’t ask for more that. So if what comes with that is a short leash, well, so be it."

Celtics Deny Request From Nets To Interview Doc Rivers

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:11:16 EDT

The Boston Celtics have denied a request from the Brooklyn Nets to interview Doc Rivers for their head coaching vacancy.

Rivers has three years and $21 million remaining on his contract.

Danny Ainge declined to comment on the interest Rivers is receiving from the Nets.

"Doc has told me he's coming back," Ainge said. "I talk to him almost every day about our team and what we are going to do moving forward."

Skiles May Be Frontrunner For Nets' Job

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:16 EDT

Scott Skiles is the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Skiles was fired in the middle of last season by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Skiles previously was head coach of the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls.

The Nets fired Avery Johnson in December and parted ways with interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo following their first round exit to the Bulls.

Sources: Nets Expect To Sign Bojan Bogdanovic

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:03:29 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets expect to sign Bojan Bogdanovic this summer, multiple sources confirmed.

Bogdanovic, a 24-year old swingman from Croatia, was acquired by the Nets in a draft-day trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011.

Bogdanovic is averaging 14.4 points and shooting 38.6 percent from the three-point line this season for Fenerbahce Ulker.

Source: Phil Jackson Open To Coaching If He Has Influence On Roster

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:28:21 EDT

Phil Jackson turned down the Brooklyn Nets' head coach opening, but he is open to coaching a team if he has influence on the roster in the organization's front office, according to a source.

Jackson wants a role similar to the one Pat Riley has had with the Miami Heat -- preferring front office control but open to coaching if he can have power.

If he doesn't have influence over a franchise, a source says Jackson might stay retired for now.

Phil Jackson Uninterested In Nets' Position

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:40:06 EDT

Phil Jackson has informed the Brooklyn Nets that he is uninterested in discussing their head coaching position, according to a source.

Jackson is seeking a broad management role with an NBA team.

Nets Contact Phil Jackson, Uninterested In Either Van Gundy

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:57:06 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have contacted Phil Jackson to gauge his interest in their head coaching vacancy.

Jackson is currently consulting the Detroit Pistons on their search for a new head coach. Jackson is helping the Pistons as a favor to owner Tom Gores.

The Nets fired P.J. Carlesimo following their Game 7 elimination to the Chicago Bulls.

Jackson is believed to prefer a role in a team's front office.

The Nets are not interested in hiring either Jeff Van Gundy or Stan Van Gundy for their head job, according to a source. 

Source: Mike Dunleavy 'May Be The Leading Candidate' In Nets' Coaching Search

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:23:18 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have had conversations with Mike Dunleavy about the organization's head coach opening and the former coach has emerged as a legitimate candidate for the vacancy, according to a source.

“He may be the leading candidate in Billy King’s mind,” said the source.

Dunleavy, who lobbied for the Knicks' opening a few years back, is desperate to get back in the NBA after being fired as Clippers GM in 2010.

According to the source, conversations about the Brooklyn job occurred during the season between Dunleavy and King, long before the Nets’ Game 7 defeat in the first round of the playoffs.

Brian Shaw Allowed To Speak To Nets At Season's End

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:53:06 EDT

Donnie Walsh expects Brian Shaw's name to come up in head coaching vacancies this offseason and will give the Indiana Pacers' associate coach permission to interview for the Brooklyn Nets' opening at season's end.

“I think Brian would be great as a head coach," Walsh said Sunday. “Just as I thought Mark Jackson would be a tremendous coach, I feel the same way about Brian. They both know the game, you can tell they see it like head coaches. And they also know how to relate to players and get them to do what they need to be successful."

Phil Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy have also been reported as potential candidates for the Nets.

The only person Billy King ruled out Sunday was Mike Krzyzewski of Duke.

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Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:17:02 EDT

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