Mavs BREAKING: Kidd Loses Coach to Sixers
A little more than two weeks ago, it was reported that the Dallas Mavericks were planning to hire veteran assistant coach Bryan Gates to head coach Jason Kidd's staff. However, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, those plans have been derailed.
"Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Bryan Gates — who recently accepted a spot on Jason Kidd’s staff — is joining the Philadelphia 76ers as an assistant, sources tell ESPN," Woj wrote on Twitter. "Mavericks freed Gates for Nick Nurse’s staff to take a significant step up in role."
Gates has been in the NBA since 2009, and aside from his time in Phoenix, he's had coaching stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans as well. It has yet to be seen if any interest remains on Dallas' end when it comes to potentially adding former coach and ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy to Kidd's staff – and perhaps Van Gundy simply isn't interested himself – but perhaps this turn of events could re-open that door.
The Mavs accomplished their biggest summer goal, which was to retain the services of star point guard Kyrie Irving. Between bringing Irving back on a three-year deal worth $126 million, drafting Dereck Lively II and OMax Prosper, signing Seth Curry and trading for Grant Williams, the Dallas front office has done a good job upgrading around the margins given the cards they've been dealt. More moves are still expected to come, though, as it remains a strong possibility that Tim Hardaway Jr. and JaVale McGee could be traded this summer.
As for Kidd's coaching staff, though, it's back to the drawing board to see who the Mavs can get to accept that open spot ... and actually keep it this time.
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