Who might be next?

By Jerry Zgoda

Last update: June 17, 2009 - 10:37 PM

New Wolves boss David Kahn says he won't begin the search for a new coach until the day after next week's NBA draft, but here are a few names he might consider to lead his team on the court:

Mark Jackson

Was Indiana's point guard when Kahn was there. The television analyst never has coached an NBA team but really wants to and he'd understand the truism that NBA players let you coach them.

Bill Laimbeer

The timing of his sudden resignation Monday as Detroit's WNBA coach is intriguing, but don't know if this former Pistons bad boy is the positive, nurturing presence Kahn says he is seeking. Never has coached a NBA team.

Mike Fratello

Has coached three NBA teams, and the TV guy is itching to get back in the league (tried to get an interview for Sacramento's just-filled opening) at age 62. There's a Kahn connection, too: They both worked on NBC broadcasts in the early 1990s and both are tight with Marv Albert.

Paul Silas

Maybe the best people-managing NBA head coach currently not working. Has coached three NBA teams, the last time with Cleveland in 2005 and wants to get one last job.

Jay Wright

If Kahn calls up Larry Brown -- a coach Kahn apparently has admired since he was a student at UCLA in the late 1970s -- and asks for a recommendation, the Villanova head coach might be the first name out of the esteemed coach's mouth. Did a courtesy interview with hometown 76ers before they hired Eddie Jordan. Would be a tough "get," but you never know...

Quin Snyder

If Kahn is smitten by a cerebral, out-of-the-box candidate -- you could argue that's exactly what attracted the Wolves to Kahn -- then the last guy he hired as an NBA Development League coach in Austin, Texas, might be the guy, if you can get past former Dukie's baggage at Missouri and elsewhere.

Maybe a hot assistant?

Tom Thibodeau, above, is the oft-mentioned hot NBA assistant-coaching name known for his defensive philosophies. Mario Elie won two NBA titles as a player with Houston and now is a respected assistant under Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, the former Pacers coach who probably would be Kahn's first choice if he didn't already have a job.

Or an old familiar face

Former Phoenix and Milwaukee coach Terry Porter, above, was a favorite for top assistant if McHale came back but still might be an option. Some other unemployed ex-coaches who might get a look: Jeff Van Gundy, Avery Johnson and Sam Mitchell are all available and seemingly employable.

JERRY ZGODA

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