Flip Saunders is at the top of the Washington Wizards' list of candidates to succeed interim coach Ed Tapscott, a strong signal that the organization believes it can quickly return to contention with Gilbert Arenas healthy for a full season, two people with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com.
While one of the people cautioned that there is no deal in place, predicting a frenzied pursuit of Saunders' services once the regular season ends Wednesday, it is clear that the former Timberwolves and Pistons coach is the Wizards' No. 1 candidate. The organization believes it must move quickly upon the conclusion of the regular season to avoid a bidding war over Saunders, 54, who has a stellar playoff resume that fits the Wizards' requirements for a roster they believe needs a steady, experienced hand.
Some factors have come together to aid Washington's pursuit of Saunders; interim coaches like Tony DiLeo (Philadelphia), Scott Brooks (Oklahoma City) and Jay Triano (Toronto) now seem likely to keep their jobs, thus shrinking the job market for marquee names like Saunders, Eddie Jordan, and Avery Johnson. Cash-strapped teams also may be more inclined to go with Jordan or Johnson because their former teams, Washington and Dallas, respectively, are still paying them next season. It's a chance to get a top-flight coach without paying full price.
Two factors clouding Saunders' future are the uncertain coaching situations in Minnesota and New Jersey. Kevin McHale is expected to return to the bench for the Timberwolves next season, but it's not a certainty, one person familiar with the situation said. And mixed signals have been floated in New Jersey about Lawrence Frank's job security. On one hand, it would make sense for the cash-strapped Nets to let Frank start the final year on his contract and fire him if the Nets get off to a poor start; they have experienced assistant Brian Hill on the bench. If the Nets let Frank go after this season, they wouldn't be a viable candidate to land Saunders. But the more openings there are, the more leverage a coach of Saunders' stature would have.
One way or another, the Wizards will know very quickly after the regular season ends Wednesday if they will get their guy.
