The Mavericks appear to be taking their time.
More than two weeks after parting ways with Jason Kidd, Dallas has begun reaching out to potential coaching candidates as the organization conducts what is expected to be an extensive search for its next head coach.
According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Mavericks are expected to interview roughly a dozen candidates before making a final decision.
Among the names believed to be under consideration are Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, Raptors assistant Jama Mahlalela, Celtics assistant Tony Dobbins and Heat consultant Noah LaRoche.
Veteran coach Terry Stotts is also expected to interview for the position. Stotts brings previous head coaching experience with the Hawks, Bucks and Trail Blazers and is currently exploring opportunities to return to the lead chair after serving on Steve Kerr‘s staff in Golden State.
The Mavericks have already missed out on one potential candidate.
Former Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney, who had been viewed as a possible option, recently finalized a deal to join the Magic before the Mavericks could gain significant traction.
While most of the focus remains on NBA assistants and former head coaches, Dallas is reportedly exploring other avenues as well.
According to The Stein Line, there have been preliminary discussions regarding the interest level of college coaches such as Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Michigan’s Dusty May. Scheyer, however, is widely believed to be committed to remaining at Duke.
New team president Masai Ujiri has also indicated that the search won’t be limited to traditional NBA candidates. Ujiri recently said the Mavericks plan to examine every possible avenue, including college basketball, international basketball and potentially even the women’s game.
“Our minds are very open,” Ujiri said. “We’re going to look everywhere.”
That’s consistent with what Dallas appears to be doing.
Rather than targeting a short list, the Mavericks seem intent on conducting one of the league’s most thorough coaching searches this offseason.
With the NBA Draft approaching later this month and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg expected to be a centerpiece of the franchise’s future, Dallas is clearly determined to make sure it gets this hire right.
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