ducks
05-21-2005, 08:34 PM
Lucas says he could revive Wolves
BY RICK ALONZO, Pioneer Press
Former San Antonio Spurs coach John Lucas said Friday that he has interviewed with the Timberwolves for their head coaching vacancy.
Lucas said he had a phone interview Wednesday with Kevin McHale, the team's vice president of basketball operations, and added that he thought it went well.
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Lucas said the job interests him because he believes he could re-energize the Wolves.
"I've been trying to get back in a situation like I had in San Antonio," he said during a phone interview. "Kevin Garnett and David Robinson remind me of one another. With Sam Cassell and the other players, it's a great fit."
Lucas said he would focus on teaching strong defense to go with an up-tempo offense.
He has close ties with Wolves free agent Eddie Griffin and Cassell, who has worked out with Lucas during the offseason in the past. Lucas runs an alcohol treatment aftercare program in Houston. He helped Griffin get sober last year and remains a big influence in his life.
Lucas coached San Antonio in 1992-93 and '93-94, guiding the Spurs to a 94-49 record and two playoff appearances. He went on to become the coach and general manager in Philadelphia and coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has a 173-258 career NBA coaching record. He coached the Miami Tropics to two United States Basketball League championships.
In 1976, Lucas was the first pick in the NBA draft after a standout career at Maryland.
McHale and team owner Glen Taylor have said they won't discuss their coaching search.
BY RICK ALONZO, Pioneer Press
Former San Antonio Spurs coach John Lucas said Friday that he has interviewed with the Timberwolves for their head coaching vacancy.
Lucas said he had a phone interview Wednesday with Kevin McHale, the team's vice president of basketball operations, and added that he thought it went well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lucas said the job interests him because he believes he could re-energize the Wolves.
"I've been trying to get back in a situation like I had in San Antonio," he said during a phone interview. "Kevin Garnett and David Robinson remind me of one another. With Sam Cassell and the other players, it's a great fit."
Lucas said he would focus on teaching strong defense to go with an up-tempo offense.
He has close ties with Wolves free agent Eddie Griffin and Cassell, who has worked out with Lucas during the offseason in the past. Lucas runs an alcohol treatment aftercare program in Houston. He helped Griffin get sober last year and remains a big influence in his life.
Lucas coached San Antonio in 1992-93 and '93-94, guiding the Spurs to a 94-49 record and two playoff appearances. He went on to become the coach and general manager in Philadelphia and coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has a 173-258 career NBA coaching record. He coached the Miami Tropics to two United States Basketball League championships.
In 1976, Lucas was the first pick in the NBA draft after a standout career at Maryland.
McHale and team owner Glen Taylor have said they won't discuss their coaching search.