Collins to Bulls story premature?
The Bulls are hoping to wrap up their coaching search this week, but they have not yet settled on a candidate.
General manager John Paxson has strong interest in bringing back Doug Collins for a second stint with the Bulls. But premature reports that Collins had the job could put Paxson in an awkward situation.
It would be tough to turn away Collins after so many people assumed his return was a done deal. At the same time, evidence suggests Collins or his associates jumped the gun in spreading word that he was headed back to the Bulls.
A source close to the situation believes if Paxson holds any further interviews, they would involve second visits with known candidates. Two strong possibilities are Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin and Sacramento assistant Chuck Person.
Corbin met a second time with Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr about the Suns' vacancy, according to reports. The buzz at the Orlando predraft camp had Detroit assistant Terry Porter emerging as a front-runner for that position.
In the meantime, the Bulls are set to begin predraft workouts in the next few days. The leading candidates for the No. 1 pick, Memphis point guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley, are not expected to visit right away.
In addition to the top pick in the June 26 draft, the Bulls also own the No. 39 pick overall in the second round.