Mavericks Interested in Pitino?

[Donoghus]

Per NY Post:

Should Mike D'Antoni and the Suns soon part company, his name will be added to Mark Cuban's short list that ultimately may include Rick Pitino. I've been told he'd consider leaving Louisville for a third NBA chance, but the team would have to be in relatively good roster shape. I don't know; the thought of coaching Erick Dampier (11M/$12M/$13M) for the next three seasons might be a turn-off. It's not as if he can be traded. I doubt Cuban could package Dampier with Microsoft and get a good deal.

Please let this happen. The thought alone is making me devious.

[SShoreFan]

I hope it never happens - I really hope it never happens.

Count me as one who still likes Pitino, but only on the collegiate level.  I think he, Calapari, Krzyzewski and others are wonderful motivators and great coaches to watch and follow -- but as history has proven, the NBA requires a different kind of coach.  Not a better coach, a different coach. 

I for one want to see Pitino stay in Louisville, commit to Louisville and become a legend in the ranks of NCAA hoops.  I feel the same way about Pete Carroll and USC.  As long as those guys stay where they are, count me in as a fan.
 

[Redz]

Cuban trying to find someone shorter than himself to coach his team?  Avery wasn't quite short enough?

[TrueGreen]

They would deserve each other. But let us not forget the one legacy Pitino left us that has really helped the Team. Pitino got the Waltham training facility built. Before that the Celtics practiced at various college gyms. They had no training facilities such as weights and endurance machines. There was no place for TA to rehab his knees. They had no place to practice in the summer. No summers for Perk and Big Al and others to learn from Clifford Ray. No place for Ray Allen to help Rajon Rondo with his shot.

[Kuberski33]

Pitino's major fault was his lack of patience when it came to constructing an NBA team.  He couldn't sit still and watch his young players develop, was clueless about the ramifications of the salary cap plus he trusted Chris Wallace.

If his own ego would allow someone else to manage the business aspects of the operation, he'd probably be a successful NBA coach.  Only problem is he and Cuban would be like oil and water due to the ego's involved, so they'd probably last about a season together -- that is if the team was winning.

[wdleehi]

Just as long as it fills a vacancy before teams look to raid the Celtics assistant. 

[Celtic]

I can see it now, "Raef Laefrentz is not walking through that door, fans. Jamal Mashburn is not walking through that door, and Jim Jackson is not walking through that door. And if you expect them to walk through that door, they're going to be gray and old."

God, I can't stand him, I hope they sign him and he ruins that team even more, the same way he did here in Boston. I can never get over him saying that line, to Boston reporters and fans, as if we had no clue about basketball. How can you come to coach in a city which has arguably the most knowledgeable sports fans and expect to get away with talking down to them like that.

[KeepBigAl]

I know its not a popular opinion around here...but I would easily swap Doc for Pitino, if Pitino agreed to leave GM duties to Danny and just coach.

 

[JSD]

I know its not a popular opinion around here...but I would easily swap Doc for Pitino, if Pitino agreed to leave GM duties to Danny and just coach.

 

Doc Seems more humble and Rick has quite the Ego. Doc seems to have good rapport with players... but I agree Rick was a bottom of the barrel Gm not coach

[JSD]

So it looks like the Mavs Want D'Antoni (http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52289/20080502/source_mavs_want_dantoni/)

[Mr October]

I hope it never happens - I really hope it never happens.

Count me as one who still likes Pitino, but only on the collegiate level.  I think he, Calapari, Krzyzewski and others are wonderful motivators and great coaches to watch and follow -- but as history has proven, the NBA requires a different kind of coach.  Not a better coach, a different coach. 

I for one want to see Pitino stay in Louisville, commit to Louisville and become a legend in the ranks of NCAA hoops.  I feel the same way about Pete Carroll and USC.  As long as those guys stay where they are, count me in as a fan.

I agree. Pitino, stay in College!!!! Same for Pete Carroll!

[Redz]

I hope it never happens - I really hope it never happens.

Count me as one who still likes Pitino, but only on the collegiate level.  I think he, Calapari, Krzyzewski and others are wonderful motivators and great coaches to watch and follow -- but as history has proven, the NBA requires a different kind of coach.  Not a better coach, a different coach. 

I for one want to see Pitino stay in Louisville, commit to Louisville and become a legend in the ranks of NCAA hoops.  I feel the same way about Pete Carroll and USC.  As long as those guys stay where they are, count me in as a fan.
 

And who could forget Jerry Tarkanian's six games of glory with the Spurs?

[bstnsportsfan3]

well, since i live here in dallas...i can tell you right now, its being said that the mavericks do NOT want to hire any coaches from college...they are looking for a proven NBA coach, D'antoni or maybe even Rick Carlise (thats spelled wrong i think). cuban is not intrested in hiring someone fro the college ranks....even if he has pro experience like pitino....im with you guys....i still like him so i hope he says with lousiville and has a great legacy thier.

[Who]

This rumour sounds like a load of baloney to me