Report: Brian Shaw actively pursued by Clippers, Nets
Brian Shaw is a candidate for two NBA head coaching openings. (Nathaniel S. Butler/National Basketball)
Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw is considered the favorite for the Clippers' vacant head coaching position, reports ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne.
In recent days, Shaw has become the hot name for head coaching openings. He is also reportedly Brooklyn's top choice. On Wednesday, the Nets received permission to speak with Shaw.
Shaw was a long-time assistant for the Lakers and considered a possible successor to Phil Jackson. But Jackson's tenure ended with a disappointing loss to the Mavericks in 2011, and the team decided to go a different direction. Shaw, a well-regarded coach, was reportedly a candidate for other head coaching positions that year, but he struck out and landed as Indiana's associate head coach.
The Pacers grew into a contender in the past two years, pushing the Heat to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals this season. That's helped Shaw get to his current position, where he could be choosing between two teams that made the playoffs this season.
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The Clippers finished 56-26 this year and won the first division title in franchise history. But after a first round loss to the Grizzlies, the team decided not to renew the contract of coach Vinny Del Negro. Star point guard Chris Paul is a free agent this summer, but if he returns, Los Angeles would again be one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
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