J.J. Redick seems to as soon as once more be the frontrunner for the Lakers head-coaching job after Dan Hurley determined to stay at UConn, Marc Stein writes in his newest Substack column (subscription required). The ESPN broadcaster was broadly thought of to be the favourite earlier than information of the crew’s curiosity in Hurley turned public final week.
Stein mentioned one supply informed him on Friday, “You already know who’s getting the job,” whereas one other identified that the Cavaliers‘ curiosity in James Borrego might go away Redick as L.A.’s solely high-profile candidate. The Lakers are six weeks into their teaching search after firing Darvin Ham on Could 3.
Stein additionally dismisses accusations that the Lakers and Hurley have been one way or the other working collectively to assist him get a greater provide from UConn. Stein factors out that the Lakers suffered embarrassment by dropping out to a school crew, they usually created a harder state of affairs for whomever they finally rent as a result of he’ll seem to be a second selection at finest.
Stein shares extra inside info from across the league:
- Sources inform Stein that the Cavaliers are unlikely to commerce Jarrett Allen if Donovan Mitchell agrees to an extension as a result of Mitchell likes having him on the crew. Which means Allen and Evan Mobley, who’s additionally eligible for an extension this offseason, will most likely stay collectively, even when it’s typically a clumsy match. Quite a few insiders affirm to Stein that Borrego is considered because the most certainly candidate to switch J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach.
- The Mavericks have curiosity in drafting Bronny James, Stein hears, however he’ll seemingly be off the board by the point they choose at No. 58. After James had pre-draft exercises with the Lakers and Suns, his agent, Wealthy Paul of Klutch Sports activities, mentioned classes with different groups are unlikely, in line with Stein.
- Monty Williams remaining head coach of the Pistons is “the seemingly end result,” a supply tells Stein. The supply mentioned Friday’s report that Fred Vinson will go away New Orleans to develop into an assistant coach in Detroit is a “clear sign” that Williams will preserve his job. Vinson beforehand labored underneath Williams from 2011-15.
- Stein suggests Mario Hezonja could possibly be again within the NBA subsequent season after spending the final 4 years abroad. Hezonja was chosen fifth by Orlando within the 2015 draft and spent 5 years within the league with the Magic, Knicks and Path Blazers. He’ll be a free agent after enjoying for Actual Madrid the previous two seasons.
