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Wilkens a Wizard? Coach also interested in Vancouver position
Posted: Thursday May 11, 2000 11:30 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Lenny Wilkens, the winningest coach in NBA history, said Thursday night he has been offered the Washington Wizards coaching job by Michael Jordan. "They said they would like to have me, no question about it," Wilkens said in an interview with Fox Sports Net. Wilkens also said he was interested in the vacant Vancouver Grizzlies position, calling it a "very attractive situation." Jordan, the Wizards president of basketball operations, interviewed Wilkens for the first time last week in Chicago. "Michael and I had a great conversation," Wilkens said in the interview. "We respect one another. I've coached him in All-Star situations. I've coached him with the Olympic team, and it was a very productive meeting. But I've made no decisions. I told Michael I'd get back to him, which I will. But I have had several interviews, and I think the thing is to look at all of it, see what makes sense and weigh what's best for me." That could be reference to the Wizards' overpriced veteran lineup and accompanying salary cap woes, which will probably keep the team from being competitive for at least another season. Other the other hand, Wilkens, who lives in Seattle, sounded enthusiastic about the prospect of coaching the young Grizzlies, who recently overhauled their front office. "It's a very attractive situation," Wilkens said. "I like the team. There has been some conversation with my representative, and we'll see what it goes. First of all, I like the area. ... Also, I like the team. I think they have some young guys that can be very competitive." Jordan has said he would like to hire a coach before the May 21 draft lottery. Other candidates include Darrell Walker, who led the team to a 15-23 record as interim coach after Gar Heard was fired in midseason, and Golden State assistant Rod Higgins. Wilkens did not immediately return phone calls Thursday night seeking further comment. Representatives of the Wizards were also unavailable. Wilkens, who has 1,179 wins, resigned from the Atlanta Hawks last month after seven seasons with the club. He also coached in Cleveland, Seattle and Portland.
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