The Los Angeles Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets appear to be battling it out for the same coaching candidates. Both teams are looking to hire proven talent to take over and both are willing to pay a large amount of money to get the best guy. As of now, the two hottest coaching candidates are Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw and Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. The Clippers and Nets are set to interview both coaches, may the best team win.
Shaw is rumored to be the top choice for the Clippers. He has shown the ability to coach up young players with the Pacers. Pair that with his championship experience with the Lakers and Shaw becomes a prime candidate to step in as head coach. Clippers forward Lamar Odom already gave Shaw a strong endorsement to the team after having played for him in Los Angeles.
The Clippers have not interviewed a single coach yet and no one has officially met with Donald Sterling. They continue to keep their options open. The team first reached out to current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy about interest in the open position, but he turned them down reportedly due to his disinterest in Sterling. George Karl also remains at the top of the Clipper's list of candidates. The current Denver coach is a long shot considering he is still under contract with the Nuggets.
The Brooklyn Nets have also identified Shaw as their top priority. They have been granted permission to speak with both him and Hollins. The Memphis Grizzlies told Hollins that he is free to look elsewhere after contract negotiations between the two parties stalled out. Hollins would be an interesting choice for either the Nets or the Clippers. He led the Grizzlies to their best season yet, making it to the Western Conference finals before losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
As other teams in need of new coaches have already hired less marquee assistants, Shaw and Hollins remain the top best options for the Clippers and Nets. If Los Angeles hires away Shaw, then Brooklyn will be prepared to top whatever contract Hollins is looking for.
