NBA Rumors: Kevin McHale Rejects Sacramento Kings

TNBA rumors are swirling around Kevin McHale. After interviewing with the Sacramento Kings, he was believed to have been the top candidate to be hired by team vice president Vlade Divac. According to ESPN, that won’t be happening because McHale has decided to withdraw his name from consideration. That has led to speculation that the Kings job is not one that certain head coaches want to deal with. DeMarcus Cousins has been known to be a really tough guy to work with.

Vlade Divac stated that he wanted to do a widespread search for a new head coach for the Sacramento Kings, and he looks to have kept that promise. Thus far, the former NBA center has interviewed several candidates. Vinny Del Negro, Sam Mitchell, and Mike Woodson have already talked with Divac about being the Kings head coach. All three of them have experience. They’re not the sexiest candidates, but Vlade wants to make sure that he covers all of his bases.

Vlade Divac is far from done. He wants to have discussions with David Blatt, Mark Jackson and Jeff Hornacek. All have head coaching experience in the National Basketball Association. He’s also planning on speaking with Patrick Ewing and Corliss Williamson, both of whom are longtime assistant coaches waiting for their chance to be the top guy. Divac also wants to talk to Ettore Messina and James Borrego. They’re from the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff.

Back when he was the general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kevin McHale repeatedly declined requests to take over as the head coach. He only did it whenever it was necessary. McHale is wisely picking and choosing his options because he doesn’t necessarily need to do the job. He’ll only do it if it’s the right situation. A disastrous stint with the Sacramento Kings could be the final chance in the NBA for McHale.

Kevin McHale saw what happened with George Karl and the Sacramento Kings. He wants to make sure to avoid a similar situation. McHale wanted to sit down with Vlade Divac to assess the situation. The fact that he withdrew his name from consideration makes the claims from Karl seem more accurate. George stated that he never felt empowered by management because they frequently sided with DeMarcus Cousins.

The fact that Kevin McHale interviewed with the Sacramento Kings means that he wants to coach in the NBA next season. There are still some positions available. The New York Knicks are still looking for a head coach, even though Phil Jackson has decided to take a vacation at a really awkward time. Many believed that Jackson only wanted someone that knows the Triangle Offense, but he has reportedly considered David Blatt for the job.

One job that Kevin McHale will definitely not be getting is the one that was just created by the Indiana Pacers. When asked about the possibility of hiring McHale, team president Larry Bird immediately ruled out that possibility. He stated that he does not want his former teammate to work for him. Bird stated that he respected McHale too much to be his boss. He wants the two of them to view themselves as peers – as opposed to boss and employee.

Kevin McHale doesn’t seem to be in a rush to become a head coach in the NBA again. He’ll listen to offers, but the former Boston Celtics great is not about to sign a long-term contract and be in a situation that he is not comfortable in. McHale wants to be in a favorable situation where he has a legitimate chance to lead a team to a championship.