Rick Pitino the Latest Name Floated for the Mavs Coaching Job

I guess with Mark Cuban anything is possible. It seems everyone is throwing about rumors that the Mavs might consider bringing in a college coach. There was the almost laughable Bob Knight rumor. Nearly as silly, is the idea that he might consider in Rick Pitino.

Should Mike D'Antoni and the Suns soon part company, his name will be added to Cuban's short list that ultimately may include Pitino. I've been told he'd consider leaving Louisville for a third NBA chance, but the team would have to be in relatively good roster shape.

I don't know; the thought of coaching Erick Damper (11M/$12M/$13M) for the next three seasons might be a turn-off. It's not as if he can be traded. I doubt Cuban could package Dampier with Microsoft and get a good deal.

Where to start in breaking this apart. First, this is from Peter Vecsey. Two, it's not a rumor that the Mavs want Pitino, it's that Pitino might want the job. Does that even amount to a rumor? Of course, Greg Doyel at Sportsline is also saying that Pitino might be interested.

That still only makes it one way interest. I don't see Cuban and Donnie Nelson going to Pitino. Especially since they won't have any interest in letting Pitino have much say in the roster.