Mavericks Make Coaching Changes, Jason Kidd in High Demand
Jason Kidd may not remain available for long following the Mavericks’ recent decision to part ways with him.
As reported by Marc Stein of The Stein Line, several teams are expected to show interest in Kidd after the Mavericks made the change earlier this week.
One leading contender is the Magic, who previously expressed interest in Kidd back in 2021 before ultimately hiring Jamahl Mosley. With Mosley’s recent dismissal, the Magic are back in the coaching market.
The Trail Blazers are another team to consider. Stein mentions that Kidd has a relationship with new Portland owner Tom Dundon, further fueling speculation about this potential pairing.
Given Kidd’s impressive coaching track record, he is likely a candidate for coaching positions across the league. He led the Mavericks to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024.
76ers Front Office Structure Raises Questions
The 76ers’ public discussions about their front office have led to increasing uncertainty. According to Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer, there is growing belief among league insiders that Bob Myers may end up having more influence in Philadelphia’s basketball decisions than initially anticipated following Daryl Morey’s departure.
Initially, Myers’ position with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment seemed broad and organizational, covering various teams including the New Jersey Devils and Crystal Palace F.C. However, the situation may not be as straightforward.
“Josh desperately wants Bob to run the team,” a source told Hayes. “Bob desperately does not want to run the team.”
This statement underlines the current ambiguity surrounding the 76ers’ future direction. Hayes notes that Myers still operates outside Philadelphia, balancing roles across multiple franchises. This underscores the importance of the Sixers hiring someone capable of managing daily basketball operations independently.
Timberwolves Seek Improvement After Playoff Exit
Tim Connelly made it clear this week that the Timberwolves are not satisfied with their current roster. After Minnesota’s second-round playoff exit, Connelly emphasized that while there was “more good than bad” about the season, the team simply did not meet expectations.
“We have to be realistic,” Connelly stated, according to the Associated Press. “We know that we’re not good enough right now.”
He pointed to issues like inconsistency and emotional maturity as key areas for improvement, referencing forward Naz Reid who recently mentioned “moodiness” within the team.
“There’s too many nights when we were not as locked in as we should be,” Connelly remarked. Still, he has shown a tendency towards aggressive decision-making as an executive.
After executing the significant Rudy Gobert trade shortly after joining the Timberwolves, Connelly hinted that the team will continue to pursue impactful moves if necessary.
“I’d rather get fired for trying than sit here and just do the job in survival mode,” he declared. This indicates that a busy offseason lies ahead for the Timberwolves.