Jackson, Rambis front-runners for coaching job

Former NBA point guard Mark Jackson, Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis and Houston assistant Elston Turner are on David Kahn's short list for the Wolves coaching job — with Jackson and Rambis clearly the frontrunners

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: July 27, 2009 - 1:59 PM

Now that he’s back from four days in Spain that he termed “productive,” David Kahn is embarking upon his second — and presumably final — round of interviews for a coach to replace Kevin McHale, a decision that presumably could come by the end of the week.

Former NBA point guard Mark Jackson, Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis and Houston assistant Elston Turner are on the short list — with Jackson and Rambis clearly the frontrunners — in a search in which Kahn appears to have interviewed more than a dozen candidates, including Wolves assistant Jerry Sichting.

League executives long have considered Jackson the favorite, but those in the know in the league think Rambis is getting strong consideration.

Right now, I’d make Jackson the slight favorite, if only because it might be easier to get him to sign on the dotted line in terms of years and salary on a contract.

Kahn returned from Spain Saturday and called his time there working for Ricky Rubio’s release from DKV Joventut “productive” but declined further comment.

In regards to Spanish reports that Rubio is close to signing with a Madrid team, he pointed out that Joventut officials denied the report and reminded that Rubio doesn’t sign anywhere until that buyout is settled.

It’ll be interesting to see if his coaching choice is related to the Rubio matter. If he can strike a deal soon with Joventut and sign Rubio, would it impact who can get as coach?

I expect, though, the coaching decision comes before Rubio’s situation is resolved. That still could drag on toward the end of summer. That could be decided in a few days or still take several more weeks. Who knows?

It’s also almost a month now into the free agency period, so you’d think the time is coming to pluck a player or two at bargain prices. Kahn has talked to Rodney Carney’s agent a couple of times and is interested, but at the right price, of course.

And he’s been a little busy with other matters as well.

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