Auburn Hills, Mich. – Despite reports that he soon will be an executive with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown said he is most concerned about his health.
On Tuesday, several reports stated Brown will become the Cavs’ president.
Brown wouldn’t comment on the speculation and said he wants to finish coaching with Detroit. The defending NBA champion Pistons are playing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.
Brown, who has bladder and hip problems, has said that after this season ends he will get a medical checkup before deciding if he will continue to coach the Pistons.
“Don’t just come out and throw things out,” Brown said Tuesday. “Somebody keeps repeating themselves like that; that’s not fair. I’m coaching here, all right. I’ve never changed in what I’ve said. Why would I think about alternatives? I don’t even want to think about alternatives.”
Pistons president Joe Dumars declined comment.
Indiana Pacers vice president David Morway no longer is a candidate to become Cleveland’s general manager.
“They indicated to me that they were exploring the possibility of hiring a high-profile president, so we came to a mutual understanding and agreement that this wasn’t the right situation for me,” Morway said of the Cavs.
Several Pistons said they weren’t distracted by all the talk about Brown’s future.
“He hasn’t talked to anybody,” said Ben Wallace, referring to teammates. “I’m pretty sure if he felt he had to talk to us, he would.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5499 or mspears@denverpost.com.
