Notes

Just some random notes gleaned from the internet ...

The Nuggets are apparently interested in Flip Murray.

The Jazz’ draft-day selection of Illini guard Deron Williams has cooled Antonio Daniels interest in signing up with the Mormons.

Even if the Sonics were interested in Flip Saunders, it appears he ain’t interested in them. Of course, for what it’s worth, that same article mentioned there was zero chance Bret Boone would be joining the Twins.

As in Utah, both AD and Grizzlies’ PG Earl Watson have expressed interested in playing in Miami, replacing free agent Damon Jones.

Daniels and Vlade Radmanovic are both rated as among the top 10 available free agents by one website.

Coach Question Mark

Well, it seems like everyone's got a favorite candidate to coach the Sonics. I'm still holding out for Lenny (c'mon, he's only 90!), but here's what sane people are thinking:

The Seattle SuperSonics have told prospective candidates for their coaching vacancy that they have trimmed their list of potential replacements for Nate McMillan to Marc Iavaroni, current assistant Bob Weiss and at least one other person, sources said.

A third candidate is thought to be Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, whom Sonics general manager Rick Sund contacted in the past few days to inquire about Izzo’s interest.

Also, the Sonics have let it be known that they are going to be cost-conscious, which would seemingly rule out coaches such as Flip Saunders and Doug Collins, who would command larger salaries because of their NBA experience.

That said, it seems as if Iavaroni, an assistant to Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni and a close friend of Sonics CEO Wally Walker, is the front-runner for the job. Iavaroni was likely to get the Portland Trail Blazers job if McMillan didn’t take it.

from the Tribune

Meanwhile, the real brains behind the Sonics, Danny "Da Fort" Fortson, says his pick is Bob "The Original Wheedle" Weiss:

"He'd be my No. 1 vote," forward Danny Fortson said yesterday during a telephone interview. "He's well-deserving. He's paid his dues. I think a lot of us can relate to him. ... Now, it might not happen for him, but I'd be very comfortable with Bob Weiss as my coach."

Weiss, a member of the first Sonics team in the 1967-68 season, has strong ties to the franchise, has detailed knowledge of the players and favors the up-tempo offense the Sonics have adopted.

from The Times

So, what do you think? Weiss? Izzo? Iavaronionioni? How about Nussbaums's darkhorse, Eric Musselman? Did I mention Lenny?

Musselman

Eric Musselman: Future Sonics coach?

G-State W-L in the five years pre-Mussels:
19-63
21-29
19-63
17-65
21-61
Warriors in Mussels’ two years:
38-44
37-45
Warriors post-Mussels:
34-48

Plus:
Does not rely heavily upon the 3-point shot
Gets the most out of his talent
Capable of coaching up-tempo or slow-down game
Workaholic
Develops young players. Arenas, J-Rich, Boykins, Brian Cardinal, Troy Murphy, and Dampier are all players who had some of their best seasons under Mussels, or else began to show improvement in play during his reign.
Knows the importance of rebounding. GS went from outrebounding or matching their opponents in his two years to being outboarded by a 320-rebound margin last year.

Minus:
Not a fan of Da Fort. Fortson went from double-double pre-Mussels to trouble-trouble and see ya later.
Did not develop Adonal Foyle or Mike Dunleavy. But, then again, neither has anyone else.
Didn’t take the Warriors over the hump and into the playoffs.
Had a less-than-fantastic relationship with his team.

To me, the minuses do not outweigh the pluses. The Sonics are a veteran-type team that needs a guider more than a punisher. Unlike the Warriors, who needed guidance but didn’t want it, the Sonics have an established leader who knows that winning is the only thing separating him from true greatness. Collison, Ridnour, Lewis, Radman, Allen – these are all solid citizens who just need someone with a bit of intelligence to help them along. It’s unknown if Mussels can handle Sugar Ray’s (thanks, Hank) large number of FGA, or if he and Fort can coexist, or if he can enable Lewis to develop into a legitimate all-star.

Still, he’s relatively inexpensive, has a good hoop pedigree, and has a modicum of NBA experience. Unlike Saunders (too expensive), Carlisimo (too much of a headache), Silas (not enough energy), and Iavaroni (no experience at all), Musselman is ready to help the Sonics right away at a fair price. Most important, putting Mussels in place doesn’t mean the Sonics will take a back step next season. If I’m Wally Walker, I make the call today.