San Antonio – At the end of this month, contracts for several Nuggets assistants will expire and speculation will start about new coaches for George Karl.
While he is quite happy working for the Western Conference champions, San Antonio Spurs assistant Don Newman is expected to be mentioned with the Nuggets.
Newman was a Milwaukee Bucks assistant under Karl from 1999-2003 and played for him with the CBA Montana Golden Nuggets.
“When it comes down to George, there is always a conversation that has to be had,” Newman said Thursday before Game 1 of the Finals. “He’s concerned about building his staff. Obviously, I was a big part of his staff in Milwaukee. It’s only natural that we talk about his situation, and whether it be me or whether I can help him get his jobs filled, that friendship will never end.”
Newman signed a long-term contract with San Antonio and said it would be tough to leave.
“(Karl) would have to refer everything through the Spurs (for permission),” Newman said. “I’m in a great situation here in San Antonio.”
The Glide’s view
NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, George Gervin, Hakeem Olajuwon and Artis Gilmore hung out on the court before Game 1.
Drexler used to be a special assistant to Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe.
But despite Cleveland’s interest in Vandeweghe for a front-office job, Drexler expects his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate to stay in Denver. Vandeweghe is under contract with the Nuggets.
“I wish Kiki well. I know Stan Kroenke is a good owner, and he’ll do the right thing every time,” Drexler said.
Moe can’t lose
Former Nuggets coaching great and current assistant Doug Moe lives in San Antonio during the offseason. He is good friends with Detroit coach Larry Brown and is a neighbor of San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich.
So who is Moe rooting for in the Finals?
“I’d like to see it go seven games and then I’ll try not to root for anybody,” Moe said. “I just want them both to play good. It’s hard. Larry’s my best friend, and San Antonio’s treated me great.”
Moe will miss the first two games in San Antonio because he is at the pre-draft camp this week in Chicago. He also would miss the potential Games 6 and 7 in San Antonio because of family plans.
Staff writer Adam Thompson contributed to this report.
