HoopsHype.com Rumors

After Thursday’s workout, D’Antoni confirmed a New York Post report that he won’t be part of Mike Krzyzewski’s staff for Team USA going forward and also discussed the status of Lakers’ stars Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard, as well his former Knicks’ buddy, Carmelo Anthony. As for coaching with the Olympic team, D’Antoni said, ”Probably not.” “It’s been an unbelievable experience and I would recommend it for any coach,” D’Antoni told SNY.tv exclusively in his first interview since the news broke. “But I kind of ran my course, and happy for it.” ZagsBlog.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni, USA Basketball, Team USA 

Brandon Jennings unofficially threw his support behind Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson in the Bucks’ search for a new head coach. Jennings posted a picture of he and Sampson, who was an assistant with the Bucks for three seasons before he went to Houston to become Kevin McHale’s top assistant. As a caption, he added, “This my guy for Life. He needs to be a Head Coach in the NBA.” Sampson interviewed for the Milwaukee coaching vacancy nearly three weeks ago and Jennings, of course, is a restricted free agent. Behind The Buck Pass

Milwaukee Bucks, Free Agency, Brandon Jennings, Coaching, Kelvin Sampson 

Maurice Williams: I really hope Mike Malone gets a chance this go around. Stand up guy and a great coach. Helped me turn the corner to become a better player. Twitter @mowilliams

Golden State Warriors, Maurice Williams, Coaching, Mike Malone 

Ric Bucher: Warriors owner Joe Lacob used what he learned as a Celtics' minority partner to shape his new team. Vivek Ranadive, former Warriors minority owner and now presumptive Kings primary owner, apparently is doing the same, beginning with putting Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone on his list of candidates to be the Kings' next head coach, a source said. Sulia

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Mike Malone, Vivek Ranadive 

It's no wonder then that Malone's name has floated to the top of the early lists of candidates for the Clippers job, now that Vinny Del Negro has officially been let go. The lead assistant for the Golden State Warriors has always been regarded as a shrewd tactician, but the extra warm fuzzy feelings from Paul don't hurt his case. Williams, for one, thinks his time is overdue. "You don't know what it takes to get a job. It's not just about basketball all the time. But I just hope, I hope that he gets a job soon," Williams told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I know he really wants to do it, and I know he'll be a really good head coach. The tough part is knowing I gotta coach against him because I know he really knows his stuff." ESPN.com

New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 

It should be noted that Malone also has a reputation for standing up a bit too forcefully at times. Williams said he appreciated that fire, though. "I've really grown from the coaches around me who aren't afraid to voice their opinions," Williams said. "Mike was smart enough, he knew the game well enough to give me something that was going to help the team that didn't have anything to do with him. "I can only base it on my experience with him. I was the head coach and I know that he made me a better head coach. He's certainly a guy that can run a team." ESPN.com

New Orleans Pelicans, Coaching, Monty Williams, Mike Malone 

Mark Berman: Clips DeAndre Jordan on firing of Vinny Del Negro:"I was definitely surprised about it but I wish him the best. That's tough losing a coach" Twitter @MarkBermanFox26

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, DeAndre Jordan 

Despite the Celtics’ strong desire to put the matter behind them, Doc Rivers’ immediate future with the club has still not been decided. There still is the possibility — stress possibility — Rivers will choose to walk away from his contract to coach the Celts. A source close to the situation, however, insists it remains far more likely he will return. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Coaching 

The word as expressed to us is that it is “90-10” that Rivers will continue on a contract that has three years and $21 million remaining. If he leaves the Celtics, it will not be with the intent of coaching another team. Boston Herald

Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers, Coaching 

Sam Amick: In case anyone wondered, I'm told the Brooklyn Nets have not asked for permission to speak with Memphis coach Lionel Hollins. Twitter @sam_amick

Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, Coaching, Lionel Hollins 

"I like [the WNBA] because there is no babysitting involved. There's no recruiting and you just draft players. They are grown adults, you treat them accordingly," Bill Laimbeer said. "I like that they listen very well, much better than the guys, by far. The guys think they know everything. Women have egos too, but the guys think they are it because of the money." SI.com

Coaching, Bill Laimbeer 

Ken Berger: Brian Shaw's agent, Jerome Stanley, tells @CBSSports his client hasn't spoken with any teams about head coaching jobs. Twitter @KBergCBS

Indiana Pacers, Coaching, Brian Shaw 

Ken Berger: Stanley on Shaw's candidacy for vacancies: ”Any interviews will be conducted when the season is over, if there is still availability." Twitter @KBergCBS

Indiana Pacers, Coaching, Brian Shaw 

Ken Berger: Several teams have requested permission to interview Shaw, but the Pacers and Shaw have mutually decided to deny those requests for now. Twitter @KBergCBS

Indiana Pacers, Coaching, Brian Shaw 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Philadelphia GM Sam Hinkie is moving slowly on coaching search, league sources tell Y! So far, focus has been on structuring front office. Twitter @WojYahooNBA

Philadelphia 76ers, Coaching, Sam Hinkie 

CSKA Moscow head coach Ettore Messina told R-Sport on Friday there is no credence to reports he has been in talks with the Atlanta Hawks about taking over as head coach of the NBA team next season. “They’re rumors,” said the Italian-born Messina. “It’s meaningless to talk about rumors.” R-Sport

Atlanta Hawks, Coaching, Ettore Messina 

On the other hand, sources say Dumars' top two choices are Nate McMillan and Maurice Cheeks. Dumars also was hoping to make his hire before last week's NBA draft combine in Chicago, the sources indicated. ESPN.com

Detroit Pistons, Maurice Cheeks, Coaching, Joe Dumars, Nate McMillan 

It's a poorly-kept secret that Dumars did not hire the Pistons' last coach, Lawrence Frank. While Dumars wanted Mike Woodson, Gores, after just purchasing the team, pegged Frank for the job. ESPN.com

Detroit Pistons, Mike Woodson, Coaching, Joe Dumars, Lawrence Frank 

It is not one of the sexier jobs available, but many executives around the league are eager to see what happens with the Detroit Pistons' head-coaching vacancy. That's because the Pistons' hire will be a tell-tale sign of how much power truly remains in the hands of franchise icon, and current president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars. ESPN.com

Detroit Pistons, Coaching, Joe Dumars 

Some executives still insist that Dumars is running the Pistons' coaching search and that he would walk away before staying on as a president in name only. Others are taking a wait-and-see approach, and they view Detroit's upcoming hire as the best evidence. ESPN.com

Detroit Pistons, Coaching, Joe Dumars