How the five head coaching openings may shake out

	Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell will be in demand if he doesn't agree to a contract extension with the Raptors. AP
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The NBA coaching carousel has been stuck for a few weeks, but it might be about to start spinning again. The Raptors have begun discussions with coach Sam Mitchell, whose contract expires June 30, about a new deal. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, the Pacers, Bobcats and Grizzlies apparently intend to make their pitch to the 2007 Coach of the Year.

Mitchell's uncertain status has been part of the holdup in the league's five current coaching vacancies, which also include the Sonics and Kings. The other main factor is that some of the leading assistant coaches up for jobs -- such as Phoenix's Marc Iavaroni, San Antonio's P.J. Carlesimo and Detroit's Terry Porter -- are still working for teams involved in the postseason. They are unlikely to interview until after their playoff runs are completed.

Then there are those coaches who might become available, such as Houston's Jeff Van Gundy and Orlando's Brian Hill. The GM openings in Seattle and Memphis also have slowed down business, at least for those clubs. Add it all up, and it's easy to see why so many teams seem to be in a wait-and-see mode right now.

Here's a look at the five openings right now and where they stand, with our admittedly slightly premature best guesses as to how it might shake down:

Charlotte Bobcats

Outgoing coach: Bernie Bickerstaff
Best guess to replace him: Sam Vincent
Other candidates: Mitchell, Mario Elie, Lionel Hollins, Stan Van Gundy, Reggie Theus, Mike Fratello, Herb Williams, Larry Brown

The skinny: Unlike the other teams with openings, the Bobcats have been going full bore with their coaching search. Bickerstaff, who will continue in a front-office role and is handling the initial hiring process for co-owner Michael Jordan, already has interviewed most of the names mentioned above. Brown was considered a favorite early on because of his Tar Heel connections to Jordan, but his price tag, distrust of young players and desire for control over personnel decisions appear to make him a less-than-ideal fit. Mitchell, who served briefly as a Bobcats assistant before taking the Raptors' job, is a strong candidate, but his salary demands might turn out to be too high. Silas remains popular in the Charlotte area from his days as Hornets coach and is building a home in the area.

But while those three have been getting most of the hype, keep an eye on Vincent as a dark horse. Jordan has said he would love to find the "next Avery Johnson" type, and as a Mavs assistant Vincent certainly knows what that description entails. Plus, he has a relationship with His Airness from their days together with the Bulls.

Indiana Pacers

Outgoing coach: Rick Carlisle
Best guess to replace him: Mitchell
Other candidates: Mark Jackson, Rick Adelman, Stan Van Gundy, Iavaroni, Williams, Johnny Davis, Chuck Person

The skinny: Pacers bosses Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh are not commenting, but after the turmoil that engulfed the team that past few seasons, they reportedly want to bring in a coach who's not afraid to get in players' faces and hold them accountable. Mitchell, who played for the Pacers, would certainly fit that bill and is said to be high on their list if he becomes available. Owners Herb and Mel Simon are more likely than most of the other suitors to open the checkbook and meet Mitchell's salary demands. Jackson, currently serving as ABC analyst, also could get a shot. He's a former Pacer who remains popular in the area, and as a religious-minded, young ex-point guard fits that "next Avery Johnson" label as well. Bird has said he will consider promoting from within, so current assistants Davis and Person can't be ruled out just yet.