04-18-2008, 04:42 AM
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,212
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Hammond talks about the coaching vacancy
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"In this kind of situation, the best thing to do is be decisive," Hammond said in an afternoon news conference at the Cousins Center. "That doesn't mean there's a timetable, but we're going to react as quickly as possible.
"Obviously, immediately we started going through the process of identifying potential candidates."
The Bucks are in competition with a number of other teams for the experienced head coaching candidates on the market. The Chicago Bulls fired interim coach Jim Boylan on Thursday, and the New York Knicks were expected to fire Isiah Thomas, although he could be reassigned to another job in the organization.
Hammond would not comment on specific candidates but made it clear that he was looking for someone with a strong personality.
"We're going to hire a coach that is capable of leading," Hammond said.
A team source said the Bucks were pursuing former Bulls coach Scott Skiles, who also might be a strong candidate for the Knicks' anticipated opening. Skiles, a close friend of Krystkowiak's, advised him when the Bucks promoted Krystkowiak to the head coaching job in March of last year.
Skiles coached four-plus seasons with the Bulls, leading them to a 49-33 record and the second round of the playoffs last season. Chicago swept defending league champion Miami, 4-0, in the opening round.
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Quote:
Rick Carlisle, who was with Hammond in Detroit and later was head coach of the Indiana Pacers, also is considered a strong candidate. Carlisle coached the Pistons for two seasons and was named the NBA coach of the year during the 2001-'02 season. Other experienced coaches on the market include Larry Brown and Jeff Van Gundy.
"There are potential pieces here," Hammond said. "We have some things to work with. I don't know how quickly we can get better. People will look at this situation around the league, and they understand that and will know that if they have an interest in this job."
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http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=740873
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