http://www.nj.com/nets/index.s...h_will_be_prior.html

“That’s why you heard me equivocate,” Thorn said. “I said experience is not a must. So you can’t eliminate all those people, and I can think of a few of them who would be candidates for what he might bring to the table.”

There are more bright young assistant coaches in the NBA than ever before, and some of them are long overdue for a shot at the top spot, such as Mike Malone, Tom Thibodeau, and Mike Budenholzer.

Thorn also could opt for a coach who deserves another chance, such as Bill Cartwright, Dwane Casey, Reggie Theus, and Avery Johnson. He can take someone without any experience who is a natural teacher, such as Mark Jackson and Darrick Martin. Perhaps Mike Krzyzewski is ready for a new challenge. Or maybe Thorn is overruled entirely, and Mikhail Prokhorov brings in a coach from Europe, such as Ettore Messina of Italy.

If Karl becomes available, Thorn has peers – practiced in the art of informed speculation — who believe the decision would be a slam dunk.

Vandeweghe knows Karl’s ability – and flaws – as well as anyone, and he likes him personally and respects him as a coach. And the last time they worked together Karl hit the ground running and led Vandeweghe’s team to a 32-8 record and a playoff berth – an extraordinary achievement for an outsider, and an unexpected payoff for the six-year, $20 million deal he signed five years ago this month.



Karl is an interesting option and someone who has proven himself to be a big time winning coach but he also hasn't been able to get to the finals in Denver let alone a championship. There's also always been a lot of speculation that he doesn't like to play young players.

Ettore Messina still sounds like the frontrunner to me and I would be okay with him as our coach I guess.

Tom Thibodeau sounds like my ideal coach. He's a great teacher and a defensive mastermind. I looke at his resume a while ago and everywhere he's been for the past 5-10 years he's made them into one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. He needs to get a chance from someone.

Avery Johnson shouldn't be an option, Cartwright wouldn't be a good option and coach K? No thanks.

I agree Thibodeau sounds like the best coach for this team. Sounds like Thorn's leaning towards an assistant but you never know with him.

quote:

experience is not a must...and I can think of a few of them who would be candidates for what he might bring to the table.”