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Coach search heating up

Jun 29, 2002 8:55 AM EST

Marc J. Spears of the Denver Post reports: The Denver Nuggets coaching search continued Friday as Dallas Mavericks assistant Donn Nelson interviewed. Nelson, son of Mavericks coach Don Nelson, interviewed while having lunch with Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe and assistant GMs David Fredman and Jeff Weltman. Nelson was the first candidate interviewed since Wednesday's NBA draft. The 39-year-old has 18 years of NBA experience and coached the Mavericks to a 15-8 record during his father's absences over the past two seasons.

"It went well, and I appreciate the opportunity," said Nelson, who has been an assistant with Dallas since Jan. 2, 1998. "It was nice to sit down and exchange some basketball ideas with them. It's nice to be considered as a candidate. I think we're just progressing."

Nuggets interim coach Mike Evans, Milwaukee assistant Terry Stotts, Cincinnati coach Bob Huggins and former Nuggets great Alex English all have talked to Denver about the position. Other candidates expected to interview include Dallas assistant Del Harris, New Jersey assistant Eddie Jordan, Utah assistant Phil Johnson and possibly Kentucky coach Tubby Smith. Nuggets assistant Clyde Drexler is in the mix, too, but may not need an official interview because of his longtime relationship with Vandeweghe.

Vandeweghe has said he hopes to have a hire by July 14, which is the beginning of summer-league training camp.

Via Denver Post

Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks

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Rentzias free to join sixers, Phily on minds of Rogers and Billups?

Jun 29, 2002 8:12 AM EST

Phil Jasner of the Philadelphia Daily News reports: FC Barcelona, Efthimios Rentzias' team in Spain, decided against picking up an option on his contract yesterday, clearing the way for him to open negotiations with the Sixers.

"They had to notify me in writing by 6 p.m. [yesterday] if they were exercising their option," said Keith Glass, Rentzias' agent. "That didn't happen."

Instead, Barcelona was required to pay Rentzias a buyout fee that will net him nearly $200,000. Had he remained in Spain, his contract for next season would have been worth nearly $1 million.

"I think the people over there think he'll still re-sign with them, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Glass said.

"I hope things work out," Sixers general manager Billy King said via e-mail. "They look good right now."

In other news: NBA teams can begin speaking with free agents Monday, and players can begin signing July 16. It remains to be seen whether the Sixers consider either Boston forward Rodney Rogers or Minnesota guard Chauncey Billups as priorities.

"Rodney thinks a lot of Philly, and wants to stay in the East," said James "Butch" Williams, Rogers' agent. "I think Philly is one place he'd seriously consider."

Andy Miller, Billups' agent, said, "From our perspective, Philadelphia would be on a short list. If they don't call, I'll call them. I will definitely inquire."

Billups, who opted out after the second year of a three-year contract, is thought to have an interest in returning to Denver, his hometown.

Via philadelphia Daily News

Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics

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Denver Eyes Donnie Nelson

Jun 28, 2002 11:25 AM EST

Mavericks assistant coach Donnie Nelson may have the inside track on the head coaching position for the Denver Nuggets, the Star Telegram's Dwain Price reports, because of his experience with international players. The Nuggets just drafted Brazilian Nene Hilario and Georgian Nikoloz Tskitishvili.

The younger Nelson has been an assistant coach for the Lithuanian Olympic team, has helped in the acquisition of many of the Mavs' foreign players and has traveled and run clinics extensively in Europe and elsewhere.

Nelson is glad to be considered. Also under consideration are Mike Evans, Bob Huggins, Terry Stotts, Alex English, Del Harris, Eddie Jordan, Clyde Drexler, Tubby Smith and Phil Johnson.

Via Star Telegram

Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks

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Nuggets Jun 2002 Archive