Hollins talks to Clippers officials
Nuggets OK’D to contact coach
Lionel Hollins spoke with two Los Angeles Clippers executives by phone Thursday about the team’s head coaching vacancy, according to sources.
Hollins had lengthy conversations with Clippers executive vice president Andy Roeser and general manager Gary Sacks. Clippers brass asked Hollins to continue the interview process with a meeting in Los Angeles next week.
Hollins’ contract as Grizzlies head coach expires June 30. The Griz are still deciding whether to retain Hollins, who attended the team’s second predraft workout Friday morning. Hollins was present Wednesday for the Grizzlies’ first workout. He declined to be interviewed on both occasions.
A source cited “philosophi-
cal differences” for the schism between Hollins and Griz management. Hollins is still waiting to speak with CEO Jason Levien to address the perceived issues. Hollins did have conversations about his contract situation with Griz lead counsel David Mincberg over the past two days.
The Denver Nuggets have also received permission to talk with Hollins about their head coaching vacancy. Denver is considering Hollins and Indiana assistant coach Brian Shaw as a replacement for George Karl, with whom the Nuggets parted ways Thursday.
The Clippers are looking to replace Vinny Del Negro and have reportedly shown interest in Hollins, Karl, Shaw, former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry and former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott.
If the Griz don’t come to terms with Hollins, they will consider Karl and Gentry, along with Griz assistant coach David Joerger as a replacement, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s plans.
Joerger is still widely believed to be the frontrunner to replace Hollins because the front office views him as an up-and-coming, potential star coach. Joerger’s salary also would be far less than what Hollins, Karl and Gentry would command. That’s significant because there is a belief among some people in the Griz front office that similar results could be achieved without a high-priced coach.
Under Hollins, the Griz reached the Western Conference Finals after winning a franchise-record 56 games in the regular season.
The Grizzlies’ wavering on Hollins hasn’t gone over well with a segment of the fan base. Griz fans are planning a Hollins pep rally for 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Tom Lee Park.
Fans have also created a Facebook page in support of Hollins.