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Calling the Doctor Erving happy in Orlando; Scott on Atlanta’s list
Posted: Monday May 01, 2000 10:53 AM
NBA insider Stephen A. Smith of The Philadelphia Inquirer chatted about the comings and goings on in the league with Bob Lorenz on CNN/Sports Illustrated's This Week in the NBA. Bob Lorenz: The name Julius Erving has been attached to the New Jersey Nets' search for a new team president. How close is that to happening? Stephen A. Smith: It doesn't seem close at all, Bob. I spoke to sources in both Orlando and New Jersey and they told me that, contrary to reports out there, Julius Erving is not close to signing a deal with the Nets. Then I took the liberty of speaking to Erving Saturday night. He told me that he's very flattered by all the attention; however, he loves his situation in Orlando, he's looking forward to re-signing with the Magic, and barring some blockbuster offer that simply knocks his socks off, that's where he intends to stay. Bob Lorenz: Michael Jordan is looking for a new head coach to lead his Wizards in a forward direction. Where is he at in his search? Stephen A. Smith: Right now he's in search of Lenny Wilkens. He's scheduled to talk to Wilkens sometime early this week, but it's more of a courtesy interview than anything else. A lot of people close to MJ are telling him that Wilkens would certainly be a tremendous candidate because of his 1,179 career wins and 54 percent winning percentage. So Michael's going to talk to him, but at the same time, he's still got feelers out there. He's interested in former Bulls teammate John Paxson, who's a radio analyst in Chicago. He's going to look at the job Darrell Walker has done with the Wizards. And don't forget Mike Jarvis and Rod Higgins. Bob Lorenz: What about the vacancy with Wilkens out in Atlanta -- who are the Hawks looking at? Stephen A. Smith: They're looking at Sacramento assistant Byron Scott. But certainly Isiah Thomas has to be considered the lead candidate for that job. Isiah wants the job very badly but at the same time he wants veto power. He doesn't want Pete Babcock and Stan Kasten to come in and impose trades on him like they did on Lenny Wilkens with Isaiah Rider. He also still has to handle his situation as owner of the CBA. Right now the NBA is saying there's a conflict of interest that has to be addressed; Thomas said he plans on addressing that situation in a matter of days, maybe a week or so. Bob Lorenz: There's a new entry on Allen Iverson's medical chart. He's got a chipped fracture in his right ankle. He also has a broken left toe and an inflamed right elbow. The latest injury involves pain and some swelling but Iverson says he'll play through it. Guess we'll see him out there Monday night against Charlotte? Stephen A. Smith: You definitely will see him out there for Game 4, but if the Sixers lose and he aggravates the injury even more, will he be available for Thursday's Game 5 in Charlotte? Iverson and point guard Eric Snow -- that's the starting backcourt -- are both injured. This is a very dangerous situation for the Sixers. They need to close this series out Monday night and make sure they're healthy enough for the second round. Bob Lorenz: Prior to Sunday's loss to the Knicks, Raptors coach Butch Carter said he would do things a lot differently if he could start the first round over again. He filed a lawsuit against Marcus Camby and then dropped it. He also brought up contract issues. That's left some people to wonder whether Carter's actions and words have affected his job security at all... Stephen A. Smith: I seriously doubt that it does. He's done an exceptional job coaching the Raptors this year and even last season when he almost took them to the playoffs. I don't think his job is in jeopardy; however, he does need to be careful. He filed the lawsuit and he spoke out about his players in the first round. It's a young team -- the last thing they needed was a distraction like this. He's rubbed a lot of people in the league the wrong way. And on top of it all, the Raptors are trying to keep Tracy McGrady and with all the shenanigans, he may now elect to leave. Stephen A. Smith covers the NBA for The Philadelphia Inquirer and is a frequent contributor to CNNSI.com.
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