ChrisHaynes, CSNNW.com Trail Blazers Insider (@ChrisBHaynes)ThePortland Trail Blazers introduced its new head coach in Terry Stotts -- the former DallasMavericks assistant who is regarded for his offensive mind -- which filled out the last head coaching vacancy in the league. Now, the race is on to add his staff.
OnWednesday, Stottsinformed members of the media that Kaleb Canales will remain with theorganization as an assistant and says he has already placed calls outasking for permission to speak with coaches on other staffs.
Oneassistant coach that would make sense for Stotts to contact would beChicago Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin. Griffin was one of over a dozen coaches whointerviewed for the Trail Blazers head coaching gig in Las Vegas.
However, Stotts might get, oralready has been given, the Heisman from the Bulls.CSNNW.comhas learned that the Orlando Magic and new head coach Jacque Vaughnasked for permission to interview Griffin for their lead assistantposition to which the Bulls denied the request.
Apparently,the Bulls are only allowing him to interview for head coachingpositions.
Mostof the time, a lead assistant role is the final step in becoming alegitimate head coaching candidate. Again, that's not always thepath. However, a lead job for Griffin would most definitely be a step in the right direction.
LongtimeNBA assistant coach Ron Adams currently holds the lead assistant position for theBulls.
CSNNW.comattempted to reach Griffin's agent Steve Kauffman. He declined tospeak on this matter. Though, we were able to speak with Griffin briefly, buthe was reluctant to speak on the matter, as well.
I'mvery happy to be part of the Chicago Bulls organization and I'mhumbled for all the attention I'm receiving as a coach, Griffinsaid. I'm looking forward to this upcoming season and can't waitto get our guys together to compete for a title run.
Onewould think that Stotts would land a coach or two that has played inthe league to add that credibility some NBA players look for. Stottssays there's no timetable on completing his staff.
Thisis Stotts' third stint as an NBA head coach as he has coached theAtlanta Hawks from 2002-04 and the Milwaukee Bucks from 2005-07. Hehas an overall coaching record of 115-168.
