http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/177901.html
It appears Brooks is in Kings' pool
The assistant coach had lunch with Geoff Petrie, three sources say.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:48 am PDT Sunday, May 13, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C8
Nearly one month after the Kings fired Eric Musselman, their search for a new coach is expected to move ahead this week.
The first step forward, however, might already have taken place. Scott Brooks, Musselman's former lead assistant, had lunch with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie on Friday, according to three sources who didn't want to go on record for fear of repercussions.
The meeting had all the appearances of an informal interview and was the latest sign that Brooks might get a legitimate chance to land the position. Brooks and his agent, Warren LeGarie, declined comment. The Kings, it is believed, have yet to set up formal interviews but are expected to do so this week.
While Petrie has indicated the search will be wide-ranging and without many parameters, Brooks' reputation within the organization and his solid résumé work in his favor. Even before Brooks came to Sacramento, he was considered to be on a short list of NBA assistants with head-coaching potential. He spent nearly two of his three seasons as an assistant in Denver under head coach George Karl, who lauded Brooks in early February for his promise as a coach.
"I think he has a player's background with a coaching passion, and I don't think that happens all the time," Karl said. "I think a lot of times players stay players. His passion right now is to be a great coach and to get an opportunity to be a head coach."
Brooks spent 10 seasons in the NBA as a reserve, playing for six teams and winning a championship with Houston during the 1993-94 season, in which he averaged 5.2 points and 16.7 minutes. He was known as an overachiever early, small at 5-foot-11 but putting up big numbers as a shooter at East Union High School in Manteca, San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, TCU and UC Irvine.
Brooks, however, might not be the only candidate with local ties under consideration.
Another source who did not want to be identified for fear of repercussions said Bill Cartwright, the Elk Grove High product who played 16 seasons in the NBA and is a New Jersey assistant, likely will become part of the search once the Nets are out of the playoffs.
Cartwright, who won three championships in Chicago, was the Bulls' head coach from late in the 2001-02 season until he was fired early in the 2003-04 campaign. Petrie said he will not contact any assistants while their teams are still in the postseason.
Petrie met with Musselman's former coaching staff last week, all seven of whom are under contract for next season. They were told they would be retained until a new coach is hired. At that time, the new coach will decide their fates, although they have been given permission to pursue other opportunities.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
It appears Brooks is in Kings' pool
The assistant coach had lunch with Geoff Petrie, three sources say.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:48 am PDT Sunday, May 13, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C8
Nearly one month after the Kings fired Eric Musselman, their search for a new coach is expected to move ahead this week.
The first step forward, however, might already have taken place. Scott Brooks, Musselman's former lead assistant, had lunch with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie on Friday, according to three sources who didn't want to go on record for fear of repercussions.
The meeting had all the appearances of an informal interview and was the latest sign that Brooks might get a legitimate chance to land the position. Brooks and his agent, Warren LeGarie, declined comment. The Kings, it is believed, have yet to set up formal interviews but are expected to do so this week.
While Petrie has indicated the search will be wide-ranging and without many parameters, Brooks' reputation within the organization and his solid résumé work in his favor. Even before Brooks came to Sacramento, he was considered to be on a short list of NBA assistants with head-coaching potential. He spent nearly two of his three seasons as an assistant in Denver under head coach George Karl, who lauded Brooks in early February for his promise as a coach.
"I think he has a player's background with a coaching passion, and I don't think that happens all the time," Karl said. "I think a lot of times players stay players. His passion right now is to be a great coach and to get an opportunity to be a head coach."
Brooks spent 10 seasons in the NBA as a reserve, playing for six teams and winning a championship with Houston during the 1993-94 season, in which he averaged 5.2 points and 16.7 minutes. He was known as an overachiever early, small at 5-foot-11 but putting up big numbers as a shooter at East Union High School in Manteca, San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, TCU and UC Irvine.
Brooks, however, might not be the only candidate with local ties under consideration.
Another source who did not want to be identified for fear of repercussions said Bill Cartwright, the Elk Grove High product who played 16 seasons in the NBA and is a New Jersey assistant, likely will become part of the search once the Nets are out of the playoffs.
Cartwright, who won three championships in Chicago, was the Bulls' head coach from late in the 2001-02 season until he was fired early in the 2003-04 campaign. Petrie said he will not contact any assistants while their teams are still in the postseason.
Petrie met with Musselman's former coaching staff last week, all seven of whom are under contract for next season. They were told they would be retained until a new coach is hired. At that time, the new coach will decide their fates, although they have been given permission to pursue other opportunities.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
