May 28, 2003, 11:20PM Dawson re-examining first three choices By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle The Rockets downshifted on their high-speed coaching search, with no interviews on Wednesday and none scheduled, general manager Carroll Dawson said. Dawson said there could be several more interviews before the Rockets move into what he described as another phase of the process: landing the coach they choose. But he said he and team owner Leslie Alexander have been thrilled with interviews so far with Larry Brown, Mike Dunleavy and Jeff Van Gundy. "There's nothing scheduled, not right now," Dawson said. "Right now, I'm going to rest. I haven't had much sleep, but it's been a very productive two or three days. We got a lot done in 48 hours, talked to three very good people. "It's been very enlightening, very interesting. I don't know if fun is the right word, but it's been enjoyable. We talked basketball with three of the better coaches out there. We're very fortunate to have been able to talk to them so quickly. "You couldn't go wrong with any of the three coaches. We're trying to find the best fit for this team." Dawson said he and Alexander are still gathering information before they switch their emphasis to targeting and trying to land a particular candidate. He said no offers have been made and that he was not ready to rank the candidates he has met so far. The competition for the coaches in the Rockets' sights, however, might be picking up. The 76ers on Wednesday were granted permission by the Knicks to talk to their former coach, Van Gundy, who met with Alexander and Dawson on Monday. The Trail Blazers on Wednesday denied the 76ers' request to speak with Portland coach Maurice Cheeks. The Cavaliers, with whom Van Gundy talked before meeting with Alexander and Dawson, have stepped up their recruiting efforts to bring Van Gundy to Cleveland. Van Gundy, reached in Dallas on Wednesday, said he did not think it would be appropriate to talk about any of the discussions he has had with teams. Dunleavy is expected to become the leading candidate for the position in Atlanta after David McDavid is approved as Hawks owner. Though Brown and his wife, Shelly, met with Alexander and Dawson a day after Brown stepped down as 76ers coach, Brown is also thought to be considering a return to the Clippers. Brown has maintained a home in Malibu, Calif., and Shelly Brown is a Los Angeles native. Brown said Tuesday he and his family would "figure this out" together. "The main thing is to get the right guy," Dawson said. "It's not to get it done quickly. But there is so much talent out there. I've never seen anything like it." Mavericks coach Don Nelson strenuously said Wednesday that there has been no contact between him and the Rockets. A source on Tuesday and again on Wednesday said Nelson has expressed interest in the Rockets opening but that there had been no contact between the parties nor will there be while the Mavericks are still playing. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he would not comment on information provided by an unnamed source.
Updated article slightly different. See below: May 29, 2003, 12:23AM Dawson re-examining first three choices By JONATHAN FEIGEN Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle As Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown described his first impressions and all he is looking for, he touched on just about everything the Rockets would love to hear. He stopped short, however, of "I do." A day after his first meeting with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and general manager Carroll Dawson, Brown has not received a proposal yet. But he said the man Rockets management chooses to follow Rudy Tomjanovich will be getting "a great job." Brown said he has other options to consider and that his first priorities are helping the 76ers find his successor and assuring the positions of his assistant coaches, Randy Ayers, Bob Bender, Dave Hanner, John Kuester and Mike Woodson. But Brown, seventh in all-time NBA victories, said his meeting with Alexander and his long admiration for Dawson made him confident the Rockets could offer the qualities he is seeking. "I'm looking for a chance to win and a commitment to be successful where I feel comfortable with the people," Brown said. "I'd like a team with the same commitment and goals I have." Brown said his long-held admiration of Dawson and friendship with Rockets vice president and trainer Keith Jones helped give him confidence the Rockets might have the same goals, adding that he was impressed with Alexander. Brown called Jones on Wednesday evening and received a call from Rockets guard Steve Francis. "I've known Carroll for a long time, and I was fortunate to get to know Rudy. And Keith worked with me as my trainer for two years (with the Clippers) and was with us with the Olympic team (in 2000)," Brown said. "They speak so highly of the franchise. That's why I even visited with them and why my wife (Shelly) went with me. "I'm really impressed with Les. He's a straightforward guy who wants desperately to win and loves his players. And I like the team. Steve Francis called me. And I talked to (former Rockets player) Kenny Thomas, and I talked about the team and organization. He loves it. He said very good things about the organization and the players there." Brown is reportedly also considering a return to the Clippers. He still owns a home in Los Angeles, his wife's hometown. But he said Tuesday she is open to moving to whichever city has the right position for him. "She has said geography will not be a problem and wherever I'm happy, she's happy," Brown said. "I am concerned about where we'll live and where our kids will go to school." Dawson said there could be several more interviews before the Rockets move into what he described as another phase of the process: landing the coach they choose. But he said he and Alexander have been thrilled with interviews so far with Brown, Mike Dunleavy and Jeff Van Gundy. "There's nothing scheduled, not right now," Dawson said. "Right now, I'm going to rest. I haven't had much sleep, but it's been a very productive two or three days. We got a lot done in 48 hours, talked to three very good people. "It's been very enlightening, very interesting. I don't know if fun is the right word, but it's been enjoyable. We talked basketball with three of the better coaches out there. We're very fortunate to have been able to talk to them so quickly. "You couldn't go wrong with any of the three coaches. We're trying to find the best fit for this team." remarks about Kenny interesting. I wonder if the conversation went something like this: Larry: So Kenny, guess you've heard I'm begging Carroll for the Rockets job. Any thoughts on Houston? Kenny: Man, coach, **** Houston. Larry: Thanks for your input. I'll try to bring you back in a trade. You'll have to accept the exception, though. Kenny: Whatever. You know, old man, you really need to learn to mellow out. You too crazy. <click> (hangs up on Brown and calls up Iverson) Answer: 'lo? Kenny: What up, Allen. Coach just called me up. Looks like he's heading to Houston. Answer: Man, **** Larry. <click>
I have the feeling that Brown personally wants to come to Houston but his wife wants him to return to LA. So I think that family meeting is gonna be decisive...
remarks about Kenny interesting. I wonder if the conversation went something like this: Larry: So Kenny, guess you've heard I'm begging Carroll for the Rockets job. Any thoughts on Houston? Kenny: Man, coach, **** Houston. Larry: Thanks for your input. I'll try to bring you back in a trade. You'll have to accept the exception, though. Kenny: Whatever. You know, old man, you really need to learn to mellow out. You too crazy. <click> (hangs up on Brown and calls up Iverson) Answer: 'lo? Kenny: What up, Allen. Coach just called me up. Looks like he's heading to Houston. Answer: Man, **** Larry. LOL funny stuff Relativist
If La gives Larry some control over signings, I think he will go back to La. Wit the talent we have and La, He have alot of pieces ready to take that team into the playoffs. They could resign Kandi,Brand and Odom and wait a yr for Q or just play Jaric at the other guard spot. Not to mention that they have a lotto pick again this yr.
franchise called larry too... sounds like stevie is doing some more recruiting! i sure do like stevie, i mean, what ever you say about his smarts or his game, he wants to win. and i respect that.
That's a great article and it sounds like Brown might be on his way over here. I love that Francis gave him a call and it goes to show you how much players respect him in the league.
Same here! That's what I wanted....good job Steve. It doesn't seem like Francis will demand a trade...if we get Larry Brown.
The Clippers job isn't as bad as some of you may think. LA's a helluva lot better place to live than Houston. Brown could afford a house on the hill overlooking the Pacific. Yes, it is the Clippers, but they've got some talent in Kandi, Brand, and Odom. Only problem is that Brown would be working for Donald Sterling, the cheapest owner in pro sports.
No, I think it is every bit as bad as I think. LA may be near the Pacific, but it is also the one city more polluted than Houston. Its roads are also crappier, the cops are more corrupt, they have more murders, more gangs, and more just about everything good and bad. Plus, the Clippers won't have Kandi because he's finally free to sign elsewhere. And you know Sterling -- despite how much he might say he's changed his ways -- will not spend the money it would require to keep all his young talent in town. I doubt he'll even offer competitive wages for the coach.
Francis called Brown? I guess he won't get traded if Brown comes. Mobley, or his publicist, should do the same thing.
Brown has already said he likes Mobley and he especially likes hard workers like Cat. While he may have something to say about a third guard..hes going to like Houstons backcourt.
Larry Brown already has a house in Malibu. And the cheapest owner...will not resign Brand, Kandi, and Odom. He's probably going to resign only one of them. REPRESENT HOUSTON! Well......Houston may not be a great place to live in, but SUGAR LAND IS THE MOST LIVABLE CITY IN TEXAS! And................Yao should call Larry Brown. That would impress Brown. Mobley as well.
These articles make it sound like recruiting LB is 75% done. Well if it does happen, then I'll be happy. Heck, I'll be happy with any of the three top candidate coaches.
I hope Larry Brown can bring back Kenny T. to Houston. Stop the debate-- Posey or KT. Let's have both.
