Add another name to the list of finalists for the Warriors head
coaching vacancy: Mike Budenholzer. It’s not a new name, as the San
Antonio Spurs assistant coach was mentioned almost immediately
after Golden State parted ways with Keith Smart on April 27.
According to a team source, owner Joe Lacob is flying to San
Antonio on Wednesday to interview Budenholzer. Lacob, who was
present for the Warriors’ predraft workout Tuesday at the team
facility, did not make himself available to the media and has
declined to reveal the names of candidates.
OAKLAND
Add another name to the list of finalists for the Warriors head coaching vacancy: Mike Budenholzer.
It’s not a new name, as the San Antonio Spurs assistant coach was mentioned almost immediately after Golden State parted ways with Keith Smart on April 27.
According to a team source, owner Joe Lacob is flying to San Antonio on Wednesday to interview Budenholzer. Lacob, who was present for the Warriors’ predraft workout Tuesday at the team facility, did not make himself available to the media and has declined to reveal the names of candidates.
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But if Lacob’s trip to San Antonio suggests anything, it’s that Budenholzer is being seriously considered. Budenholzer joins Boston assistant coach Lawrence Frank, Dallas assistant coach Dwane Casey, ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and former Houston coach Rick Adelman as confirmed finalists.
“We’re really not sure yet,” Lacob said last week when asked about the timetable to hire a coach. “We’re not quite to the end. There’s more time required, more interviews. I think this is probably the single most important hire that we will make in the near-term. This is the guy that determines whether the team wins or loses, to a large extent.”
At least four other candidates have been taken out of the mix. Former Cleveland coach Mike Brown was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin McHale, who also was interviewed by the Warriors, is going to Houston. Lakers assistants Brian Shaw and Chuck Persons, according to the source, did not survive the first round of interviews.
Another team source said it’s likely that a coach will be hired before the June 23 draft, though that isn’t a deadline the team has set.
While the search for a coach continues, the Warriors’ brain trust has begun looking for new players. Six invited players worked out Tuesday, though the early odds are slim any will end up with the Warriors.
None of Tuesday’s prospects are projected lottery picks. Florida State junior forward Chris Singleton is slated to land just outside the lottery in most mock drafts, several spots behind the Warriors’ No. 11 pick. The 6-foot-7 athlete is somewhat intriguing because of his noted defensive prowess, which could come in handy on the bench.
Texas swingman Jordan Hamilton, who matched up often against Singleton on Tuesday, is expected to be taken in the top 25, but he would be a reach for the Warriors at No. 11. Dayton’s Chris Johnson, also a 6-7 athletic forward, could go in the second round, where the Warriors own the No. 43 overall pick.
The rest of Tuesday’s invitees—Seton Hall shooting guard Jeremy Hazell, Texas forward Gary Johnson and Pepperdine forward Mychel Thompson (son of former NBA star Mychal Thompson) — likely won’t hear their names called on draft day.
Warriors general manager Larry Riley has said he is looking to bolster the Warriors’ depth in the draft, something the new coach will need.
Not too long ago, it appeared Budenholzer wouldn’t be the beneficiary of anyone picked by Golden State. He told the San Antonio Express-News he was flattered at being mentioned as a candidate by other clubs but that he planned on staying in San Antonio.
Besides the Warriors, Budenholzer was mentioned early in Houston’s coaching search, but the Rockets hired McHale.
— Story by Marcus Thompson II, Contra Costa Times
