After Rick Adelman retired from his post as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, three candidates — Fred Hoiberg, Tom Izzo and George Karl — surfaced as the most likely candidates to take over.
One other major college coach is now very much in consideration.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, Florida’s Billy Donovan has emerged as a new target.
Been discussing Izzo/Hoiberg for some time as candidates to replace Adelman, but here’s a new name I’m told interests Wolves: Billy Donovan
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 21, 2014
Wolves vowing comprehensive search to find coach who can help them persuade Kevin Love to stay. Donovan, I’m told, has emerged as new target
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 21, 2014
Donovan was once courted by the Orlando Magic, but after he was close to accepting the job he opted to return to Gainesville, opening the door for Stan Van Gundy. Upon his return to the Gators, Donovan signed a no-compete clause that restricts him from coaching in the NBA for five years. That agreement, however, has expired.
The Utah Jazz cut ties with coach Tyrone Corbin Monday, so after Jerry Sloan was in charge for 23 years, his successor lasted just three.
One coach who has shot up the short list of coaches doesn’t boast a major NBA background. He isn’t a highly coveted assistant or a major college coach. His best years have come in the European League.
The candidate, according to Stein, is Ettore Messina, who is expected to want to make the leap to the NBA.
In wake of Tyrone Corbin‘s exit, Spurs assistant Jim Boylen understandably getting lots of early pub in race for Utah opening. But …
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 22, 2014
More than one coaching insider has insisted Utah is on short list of teams that will give legit consideration to Euro legend Ettore Messina
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 22, 2014
Utah’s Dennis Lindsey and top front-office aide Justin Zanik are both known to be big fans of Messina. And word in Europe all season …
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 22, 2014
Word in Europe all season has been that Messina, once he’s done with CSKA Moscow’s current campaign, wants to make the jump to the NBA
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 22, 2014
Detractors say Messina drives players too hard to succeed in NBA. Fans insist he can adapt after that season he spent as a Lakers assistant
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 22, 2014
The Atlanta Hawks were considering Messina last year at this time. Messina, 54, is a four-time Euroleague championship coach and two-time coach of the year. He’s won five Russian League titles and four in the Italian League.
