The Denver Nuggets search for a new coach is officially underway. After parting ways with George Karl on Thursday, the Nuggets are targeting some of the biggest coaching names out there. The team has requested to speak with Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw, along with current Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins.
Hollins, Shaw and now Karl are the three most sought after coaches this offseason. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies are the three teams in play. It is conceivable to think each team will sign one of these coaches. Denver and Memphis could easily switch coaches, leaving the Clippers or possibly the Brooklyn Nets to sweep up Shaw.
Shaw is reportedly the No. 1 choice for the Clippers. The team has been impressed with what the assistant has been able to do with the Indiana Pacers. Pair that with his championship experience with the Los Angeles Lakers and he is the ideal candidate to make the jump to head coach. Adding Denver to the hunt will complicate Los Angeles' chances of hiring Shaw.
Denver enters the coaching race after firing Karl. The reigning Coach of the Year had been with the Nuggets since 2005. He led them through a successful 57-win regular season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs, bring another year of disappointing postseason play. If Denver makes a strong run at Shaw, Karl will be in play for the Clippers.
Los Angeles did not assume Karl would be available without restrictions. The team is looking for a well-established coach that brings a big name and a good record. They are hoping whatever coach they hire will be pleasing to free-agent-to-be Chris Paul. Karl certainly fits the bill for what the Clippers want.
After Shaw and Karl are taken care of, Hollins is the lone coach left. While he has been vocal about his intentions to remain in Memphis, talks of a contract extension have not gone well. The Grizzlies gave the head coach permission to speak with other team. He led Memphis to their best season in franchise history, complete with a trip to the Western Conference finals where they eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
All three coaches are excellent options to take over for another team. The carousel of interviews between the teams will continue on until all three are hired.
