This is from Michael Eaves’ blog:
After telling two of UK’s biggest boosters a few weeks ago that he would not feel comfortable leaving Louisville and going back to UK, it appears that Rick Pitino could possibly end up being the new coach of the Atlanta Hawks.
A high-ranking NBA official told me today that the decision-makers in the Hawks front office want to replace Mike Woodson with Pitino.
I tried to confirm this story with someone in Pitino’s circle or on his staff. I got two responses. One person said it was news to him. The other said that it’s a rumor that’s definitely out there, but that it is not true. If it is true, there is great incentive for Pitino’s people to dispel such an idea until after the Hawks season concludes. However, it is also fair to state that Pitino has not held any direct talks with anyone from the Hawks organization. Plus, even if he were to talk to someone in Atlanta, it doesn’t necessarily mean he would take the job.
Obviously this is all conjecture at this point, but does it mean something that the Hawks think Pitino would listen? Also, is it merely a coincidence that Pitino’s son, Richard, is heading to Florida just as the rumor starts to swirl?
My bet is that Pitino would listen to the Hawks…but eventually say ‘no’. As for Richard’s departure, I do think that is a coincidence. It’s probably just Ricky P’s way of saying thank you to Billy D for spurning UK at his direction for the second time in three years.
5 Responses to “Is Rick Pitino thinking NBA…again?”
[...] a bizarre situation, and you would think that rumors of Pitino leaving to take a job with the Atlanta Hawks takes a back seat to this very serious matter [...]
billy who ? Cal was number 1 on the fans list always! NOW AND 2 YEARS AGO!
As for ricks serious matter . Thats his problem. He should keep it in his pants.
[...] the nation fell to Tom Izzo and Michigan State in the elite eight. But then news came that Pitino could be heading to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. And then on Saturday, as the city was kicking off its two-week Derby Festival with Thunder Over [...]
If he is actually offered the job in Atlanta I think he will take it.
who knows what will happen. i feel like the past 3 weeks that pitino has been a ghost. i think if he did leave that it would be a understandable decision….money, the chance to prove he can do it at the pro level…less stress..but saying that i hope he dosent leave because of the extortion tho id understand…im a uk fan and i trully feel coach p has done all that he can at u of l i dont feel like he will get a title at the villl…and now that we have coach cal uk will start being able to compete with him in the recruit area if not surpassing. regardless of what happens i hope the best for coach.
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