This week, the Rockets hired Mike D’Antoni as their new head coach, opening up a spot for a lead assistant on Brett Brown’s bench in Philadelphia. Reports indicated that veteran coach P.J. Carlesimo was the frontrunner for the job, but ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reports that that isn’t happening.
Coaching sources say veteran coach P.J. Carlesimo, despite strong mutual interest, will not be joining Brett Brown's staff in Philadelphia.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 30, 2016
The Sixers wanted Carlesimo to replace Mike D'Antoni as associate head coach; PJ is close with both Brown and new Philly GM Bryan Colangelo.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 30, 2016
But for family reasons, sources say, Carlesimo has decided he can't join the Sixers at this time and intends to stay in TV/radio with ESPN.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 30, 2016
So the Sixers’ search continues, and one would have to imagine that the Colangelos will be looking for a veteran, only fueling speculation that they aren’t quite sold on Brown long-term. It’s worth keeping an eye on the situation.