The job security of Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has been one of the bigger points of speculation around the league for some time, and it remains widely expected that he will take the blame for Orlando’s first-round exit, writes Marc Stein in a recent edition of The Stein Line (subscriber link).
In terms of who would take over should Mosley be let go, Stein notes that there have been rumors about Billy Donovan taking the job, which he was first offered in 2007, since before he left the Bulls. Another name of interest for Orlando is Michigan head coach Dusty May, though Stein notes that the expectation is that May will remain with Michigan after winning the national championship this year.
As far as the current coach’s future is concerned, Stein cites a previous report from Jake Fischer about the Pelicans‘ ongoing interest in bringing Mosley into the fold.
We have more league-wide news from Stein:
The Nuggets will have to look in the mirror and figure out what comes next after losing in Round 1. Stein reports that head coach David Adelman‘s job is expected to be safe, but adds that Denver is rumored to be open to any trade possibilities that would improve the athleticism and defense around star Nikola Jokic.
The Bulls are close to reaching their decision regarding their head of basketball operations search, and while many people believe the Timberwolves’ Matt Lloyd is the frontrunner, Dennis Lindsey (Detroit), Bryson Graham (Atlanta), and Dave Lewin (Boston) are all finalists for the position.
As the Mavericks look to find their long-term head of operations, owner Patrick Dumont is hoping to hire the splashiest name possible in an attempt to put Nico Harrison’s tenure firmly in the rearview mirror, Stein reports. It appears unlikely that the Mavs will get to interview their top choice, the Wolves’ Tim Connelly, or their second choice, Bob Myers. Stein muses about the level of unavailability that Connelly truly is, and whether his future contract extension talks will come into play. Former owner Mark Cuban has endorsed Detroit’s Lindsey in the past, but the team has yet to seek permission to interview him. Finally, Stein notes that the Mavs could choose one of his co-interim GMs, Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley, for the position. Dumont has stated previously that he intended to fill the position by mid-May.
A decision is imminent for Steve Kerr and his future with the Warriors. Stein reports that ESPN has been recruiting Golden State’s coach to return to his time as a broadcaster, and that the team is expected to meet with him as soon as Monday, and has been operating as if they expect him to return.
