Bulls search for new head coach at a standstill
All was quiet Monday in the Bulls' coaching search.
The process is likely to last well into June, now that former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni decided to pass on the Bulls' job to work for the New York Knicks.
The next logical step is for general manager John Paxson to interview former Dallas coach Avery Johnson, who has been to the NBA Finals and owns the highest winning percentage in league history of any coach with at least 250 games under his belt.
As of Monday afternoon, though, no meeting had been arranged.
Asked to gauge Johnson's enthusiasm for the Bulls, a source close to the longtime point guard said the issue has never come up, since the Bulls have yet to formally express interest.
The Bulls also are hoping to interview a pair of assistants still working in the playoffs -- Boston's Tom Thibodeau and Detroit's Michael Curry -- which is why the search may continue through the conclusion of the NBA Finals.
Paxson also may have some disappointed players on his hands. Multiple sources confirmed that a group of Bulls were very enthused about the possibility of playing under D'Antoni, some to the point of lobbying Paxson on his behalf.
D'Antoni ran a very player-friendly system with the Suns, which featured a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. He also has a reputation for communicating well with his players and keeping practices short.
The players were said to be perplexed by the Bulls' inability to close a deal with D'Antoni. Paxson admitted in a statement that he liked D'Antoni enough to make a contract offer but was not given a chance Saturday before the ex-Suns coach committed to the Knicks.
A source close to one player felt Johnson would be an acceptable alternative to D'Antoni, while another voiced concerns about Johnson's reputation for calling plays most every offensive possession. Some Bulls grew tired of that practice with former coach Scott Skiles.
Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr, the former Bulls guard, also announced plans to conduct a deliberate search. The Bulls and the Suns have the only current openings, though many believe Atlanta may seek a replacement for coach Mike Woodson once the Hawks hire a new general manager.
"I don't want to do a 180 and all of a sudden try to turn us into something we're not," Kerr was quoted in the Arizona Republic. "I still want us to maintain our identity as an up-tempo team. I'd like to expand that and be more balanced and add some defensive emphasis, but not at the expense of who we are."
That statement would seem to make Johnson and Thibodeau less-likely options for the Suns. Vinny Del Negro, Dan Majerle and Jeff Hornacek are among the names being suggested in Phoenix.