Don't expect an immediate announcement on the next coach of the
Nuggets. With the futures of two marquee coaches—the Bulls'
Phil Jackson and the Sonics' George Karl—uncertain, general
manager Dan Issel will wisely wait before filling the position.
Last week Issel performed the unpleasant task of firing Bill
Hanzlik, whose locker was next to Issel's when they both played
in Denver. Hanzlik's nightmare season was marked by a pair of
flare-ups from rookie point guard Bobby Jackson, who cursed at
assistant coach Brian Winters during one game and refused to
check in when Hanzlik wanted to insert him at the end of a
blowout. Says Issel, "I'm looking for someone who in the first
five minutes of practice lets everyone know he's in total
control."
The Nuggets' Jackson contributed to Hanzlik's nightmare season.
(John W. Mcdonough)
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While it seems pure folly to think the Nuggets can attract an
elite coach such as Jackson or Karl, the job isn't as bleak as
it looks. The Nuggets could be as much as $10 million under the
cap this summer, are assured of no lower than the fourth pick in
the June 24 draft and next season will regain the services of
forward Eric Williams, who was off to a terrific start when he
injured his knee in November and was lost for the year. Denver
also has an arena under construction, which is scheduled to open
in time for the 1999-2000 season.
The Nuggets' resurgence would be dramatically advanced by the
hiring of a top coach, and owner Charlie Lyons has told Issel he
will provide him with the money necessary to land one. Denver
sources say that Lyons favors Jackson, but the Nuggets won't be
the only team pursuing him if he becomes available. The Lakers
will want to speak with Chicago's Zen Master if Del Harris fails
to take L.A. deep into the playoffs.
Denver hopes that Jackson's love for the state of Colorado and
the fact that three of his five children attend college there
might be factors in its favor. "Did you know Phil's son lives
one floor below my son at the University of Colorado?" Issel asks.
Hey, it's a start.
Issue date: May 4, 1998
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