RealGM Basketball Wiretap

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.

Nets Won't Bring Back P.J. Carlesimo

Sun, 05 May 2013 13:23:03 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets will not offer a new contract to interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo.  

A search for a new head coach will commence immediately. 

“The Brooklyn Nets organization would like to thank P.J. for his efforts with the team in his roles as both head coach and assistant, and for his contributions to the team’s success both on and off the court," said Billy King in a prepared statement. "We wish P.J. and his family only the best in the years to come.”

Carlesimo replaced Avery Johnson in December as head coach of the Nets.

Jeff Van Gundy is a top target, according to a source that spoke with Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Phil Jackson is also considered a candidate the Nets are believed to be interested in.

Nets' Players Would 'Love To See' P.J. Carlesimo Return

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:35:25 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets lost in Game 7 to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, leaving an uncertain future for P.J. Carlesimo, who took over for Avery Johnson during the season.

Still, Nets players supported Carlesimo and want to see the veteran coach return.

"I think he did a great job," Deron Williams said. "With everything that went on this season, we had a lot of turmoil and he kind of inherited us. And I think he did a great job of leading us and getting us that fourth seed. I'd love to see him back, but as you know, that's not up to me."

"P.J.'s been great. He's gotten us to this point," Joe Johnson said. "We had a pretty good year, especially when he took over."

Carlesimo's future as the Nets' coach, however, hinged on his postseason success, according to sources.

Joe Johnson Doesn't Expect To Need Surgery On Foot

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:41:05 EDT

Joe Johnson does not expect to need surgery on his persistent plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Johnson had a cortisone shot before Saturday's game.

"Nah, no surgery," said Johnson. "I've talked to the doc. The damage is done. I can't do much more than I've already done. It's just going to take time to kind of let it rest and heal. I probably won't be able to work out for a little while. I'll just have to rest up."

Nets Expected To Pursue Phil Jackson

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:10:54 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets signed Billy King to a contract extension last week to remain general manager, but sources expect Mikhail Prokhorov to again pursue Phil Jackson.

Prokhorov reached out to Jackson following the dismissal of Avery Johnson.

Jackson is interested in an advisory front office position and not in returning to coaching.

Carlesimo: Deron's Really Beat Up

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:34:45 EDT

Deron Williams played 58 minutes and scored 32 points with 10 assists in the Brooklyn Nets' 142-134 loss to the Chicago Bulls in triple-overtime.

“Take your pick," said P.J. Carlesimo about Williams' various injuries. "I don’t know how many injuries he had. Deron’s really beat up.”

Williams has played better in the second half of the season, seemingly getting healthy for the first time since joining the Nets.

Gerald Wallace Clueless About Role On Nets

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:28:23 EDT

One day after a 79-76 Game 3 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets players were frustrated, and Gerald Wallace was mystified about his role on the team.

"I couldn't tell you my role," Wallace said Friday at the team hotel. "I don't have a clue of what my role is on this team."

After scoring 14 points in Game 1, Wallace has been a non-factor offensively over the past two games of the series. He had five points in 25 minutes and was benched during crunch time on Thursday.

"I just think that we're going through a tough time right now," Carlesimo said. " That's what the playoffs are all about. We're all frustrated. And we have to.

"I have to do a better job of constantly defining roles and redefining roles so we can perform the way we're capable of performing."

Nets Sign Billy King To Contract Extension

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:23:20 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets announced on Friday that they have signed Billy King to a contract extension.

"Billy has been a great asset to the Nets organization over the last three years," Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. “He has shown he is not afraid to be bold and take risks, and, as a result, we have a playoff team with a world of potential. We are glad we will have the opportunity to continue our work together and realize that potential."

"I am anxious to continue working hard for Mikhail Prokhorov and the Brooklyn Nets," King said.

King, who was named general manager of the Nets on July 14, 2010, presided over a team that posted a 49-33 record in the franchise’s inaugural season in Brooklyn, matching the second best record in Nets’ history, while making their first postseason appearance in six seasons.

Billy King Close To Extension With Nets

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:17:49 EDT

Billy King is finalizing a multiyear contract extension to remain general manager of the Brooklyn Nets.

King's contract was set to expire in the offseason, but talks have been ongoing since the beginning of the season.

King has had mixed results as GM as he has attempted to make the Nets instant contenders. The Nets finished the 12-13 season with 49 wins and the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Joakim Noah Could Miss Entire First Round

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:46:23 EDT

Joakim Noah could miss the Chicago Bulls' entire first round series against the Brooklyn Nets due to lingering plantar fasciitis, according to Tom Thibodeau.

When asked whether it is possible that Noah could sit out all or parts of the opening round, Thibodeau said Thursday: "It's possible, yeah; he's still day to day. If he has soreness, we're going to take it as it comes."

Still, Thibodeau is optimistic he will have Noah available against the Nets.

Nazr Mohammed is likely to start at center -- with or without Noah.

Carlesimo: Playoffs Aren't Enough For Nets

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:07:51 EDT

Simply making the playoffs isn't enough for the Brooklyn Nets, according to interim coach P.J. Carlesimo.

"No. I certainly wouldn't say that going into the playoffs," Carlesimo said on ESPN New York 98.7's "The Michael Kay Show."

The Nets are in the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

"I don't know what expectations are. When you have as many changes in a roster as we've had for a year, who knows what we should've done; whether we've won as many as we should've; whether we should've won a lot more; whether we're supposed to win our matchup in the playoffs, whoever that is," Carlesimo said. "That's all gonna evolve. I mean, injuries could be a factor, a lot of things could be a factor.

"When it's all over, certainly (owner) Mr. (Mikhail) Prokhorov is gonna be the one to decide if we did a good job; if we did what we were supposed to do; we did what was expected ... who knows that? That's not for a coach to say."

Jay-Z Begins Selling Shares Of Nets To Become Agent

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:59:04 EDT

Brooklyn Nets minority owner Jay-Z has begun the process of selling his stake in the team so that he can become an NBA agent.

The rapper has a 1/15th of one percent stake in the club, worth $350,000.

Jay-Z would be required to relinquish his stake in the team in order to represent NBA clients as an agent.

Jay-Z has partnered with Creative Artists Agency.

Teletovic Has No Plans To Return To Euroleague

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:27:42 EDT

Mirza Teletovic is not considering leaving the Brooklyn Nets after this season.

“No,” he said flatly about going back to Europe, where Teletovic was last season’s leading scorer of the Euroleague. “Never going to happen.

“I’m going to prove some stuff.”

Teletovic has remained positive despite seeing limited minutes.

“You have to deal with it. It is what it is,” Teletovic said. “You have to learn from it and be ready every time you get in and try to do your best.”

Nets Sign Kris Joseph To 10-Day Contract

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:48:38 EDT

Joseph (6-7/215) becomes Brooklyn's second NBA D-League Call-Up of the season, joining the Nets from the Springfield Armor.

In 27 combined games for Springfield and Maine this season, Joseph averaged 18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 34.0 minutes per game.

Jay-Z Starts Sports Agency, Hopes To Represent NBA Players

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:45:05 EDT

Shawn Carter, also known as Jay-Z, is getting into the sports agency business by merging his entertainment company Roc Nation and Creative Artists Agency.

This arm in CAA will be known as Roc Nation Sports, and it announced Monday that its first client is MLB star Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees.

Robinson left powerful agent Scott Boras to join Jay-Z's firm.

Jay-Z ultimately also wants to represent pro football and basketball players, and to do the latter he would have to sell his small ownership stake in the Brooklyn Nets.

Nets Set To Call Up Kris Joseph From D-League

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:13:59 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets will call up Kris Joseph from the Springfield Armor, the team’s D-League affiliate.

Joseph, a 6-foot-7 wing player, out of Syracuse, averaged 19.4 points in 14 games with the Armor this season.

Shengelia, Taylor Recalled By Nets

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:59:48 EDT

The Brooklyn Nets have recalled forward Tornike Shengelia and guard Tyshawn Taylor from the Springfield Armor of the NBA Development League.

Shengelia and Taylor have played 10 and eight games, respectively, for the Armor.

Both players will be available for the Nets on Thursday.

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