 |
 |
 |
|
"On Tuesday Jerry and I met and, because of our strong interest, Jerry was eager to meet with Mike personally. This morning Jerry and I spoke and agreed that Mike was a good fit and I placed a call to his agent. Jerry wanted to meet with Mike again (Saturday) and talk about a deal.
"Unfortunately, we were never given an opportunity to make an offer of any kind, which is the most disappointing thing in all of this. I thought it would have been fair to listen to what we had to say. But at the end of the day we simply weren't given the opportunity to do so. I now will continue to search for the proper fit for our current roster."
Up next will be an interview with former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, who some think is intent on sitting out a year and collecting the $12 million owed to him from Dallas.
Paxson also had given the impression to confidants that D'Antoni was the only coach on whom he was willing to spend top dollar. Johnson, who took the Mavericks to the 2006 NBA Finals, is accustomed to making $4 million annually.
Paxson also wants to interview Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau and Pistons assistant Michael Curry, if Detroit GM Joe Dumars gives the latter permission.
Paxson already has interviewed Mark Jackson, long considered the favorite to land the Knicks' job. The former player, who has no coaching experience, is considered a long shot.
Long shots would have been the norm if the Bulls had landed D'Antoni, who averaged 58 victories over his four seasons with the Suns. Instead, D'Antoni's high- octane offense will benefit former Bull Jamal Crawford with the Knicks.
"It's on us to make Mike's style work since we didn't get it done for Isiah (Thomas)," Crawford said in a phone interview.
Paxson tried to get it done with D'Antoni. Now, he's back at square one.
---
(c) 2008, Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.
ehawk59 
