Overview
- The Mavericks launched an active, wide-ranging head-coach search reported Thursday after parting ways with Jason Kidd in May and have begun seeking permission to speak with candidates.
- Sources say Dallas expects to interview roughly a dozen candidates as it examines NBA assistants, veteran head coaches and occasional exploratory talks with college coaches.
- League insiders report exploratory conversations with Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Michigan’s Dusty May but add both are likely to remain with their programs and may not be viable hires.
- Named NBA targets include Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, Celtics assistant Tony Dobbins, Heat consultant Noah LaRoche and veteran coach Terry Stotts.
- The search reflects Masai Ujiri’s stated willingness to ‘look everywhere’ while creating time pressure and competition for candidates after some targets, like former Mavs assistant Sean Sweeney, were already hired elsewhere.