Donovan Never Says Never to the NBA

There is nothing wrong with that. It's smarter than categorically denying interest, and then turning around and taking another job. In fact, it's seems necessary for coaches to always leave the door open a crack to other possibilities. For Florida Coach Billy Donovan, the NBA is the subtle siren that whispers of potential, immortality and rewards. All the while threatening to dash him on the rocks of hubris, arrogance, bad management and impatience

Earlier this month it was rumors of the Memphis Grizzlies pursuing him. Something Florida Gator partisans hotly disputed as meaning anything. Now, the rumors will begin with the Orlando Magic. It may be nothing, since Bob Hill hasn't even been fired -- yet. Maybe just bored Orlando beat writers trying to find names of possible candidates when it happens. Still, they actually contacted Billy Donovan, and he didn't exactly make the possibility of leaping to the NBA a non-issue.

Donovan, though, wouldn't discount the possibility of making the jump to the NBA, saying he relishes the idea of being able to concentrate on basketball all year. He said he has not talked with any NBA team since his informal interview recently with the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I've always been intrigued by the NBA just because it's all basketball," he said, noting the NCAA's restrictions on offseason practice. "That's the one thing that's always been the case for me is I love being in the gym.

"But I have to say I'm very, very happy at Florida."

Now, to be fair, he is clearly not pursuing any NBA jobs. The interest at this point is all coming from the NBA direction. He is only saying that the NBA has "intrigued" him. And, yes, he reiterated how happy he is at Florida.

It also can't be disputed that he is keeping the door to the NBA open far more than a mere crack. It may not be this year. Maybe not next. It does seem increasingly likely that sooner rather than later, a team will make the offer he can no longer resist.

Previously at FanHouse:
Magic Finding a New Coach Before They've Fired the Old One
NBA Coaching Guillotine: Brian Hill
Donovan/Grizzlies Report Turns Out to be B.S.
Billy Donovan Visited Grizzlies But Will Stay at Florida
The Grizzlies Want Billy Donovan