OT: The Official Toronto Raptors Thread

Raptors want Phil Jackson as prez
Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne

ESPN.com | April 29, 2013

The Toronto Raptors, emboldened by the news that the Sacramento Kings apparently won't be moving to Seattle, have ramped up their pursuit of Phil Jackson to be their new team president, according to sources close to the situation.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Raptors -- now being run by former Los Angeles-based sports mogul Tim Leiweke -- regarded the Seattle group that was trying to buy the Kings as the biggest threat to preventing Jackson from seriously considering their pitch.

But now that the Kings appear poised to stay in Sacramento instead of being sold to the consortium led by Jackson fan Chris Hansen, sources say that the Raptors will be pursuing Jackson aggressively this week, believing that they rank as Jackson's most attractive current option for a new career in management now that he can reunite with Leiweke.

One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Hansen and Jackson have "hit it off," sparking league-wide speculation that Jackson would be offered the chance to run the new Sonics in Seattle in the Pat Riley-style role he craves. But with a 12-owner committee recommending Monday that the Kings' move to Seattle be blocked, Toronto's seemingly long-shot odds of winning the Jackson sweepstakes would figure to have received a boost.

That's largely because of Jackson's longstanding friendship with Leiweke, who was introduced Friday as the new CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which oversees the NBA's Raptors, NHL's Maple Leafs and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer.

One source said that Leiweke's "vision and energy" and history of shared success at Staples Center with the 11-time championship coach ensures that Jackson will give the pitch strong consideration despite skepticism around the league about his willingness to relocate to Canada.

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1. Toronto Raptors

This has been the hot rumor, but even if it weren't, the Raptors would make a lot of sense. They have a young, talented roster, though not one that is necessarily fitted with Jacksonian-type players. Toronto's cap situation isn't the best, and that remains true even if you use the amnesty tag on Andrea Bargnani.

However, Jackson is pals with Tim Leiweke, who was recently named CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which counts the Raptors as one of its numerous sports holdings. Leiweke is on the short list of the most powerful people in sports, and if he and Jackson want to get together, the presence of Ed Stefanski, Bryan Colangelo and Dwane Casey -- all capable people -- is not going to stand in his way.

And not for nothing, Jackson is a huge fan of Alex McKechnie, Toronto's director of sports science. Jackson knows how valuable a capable training staff is in the NBA, and worked with McKechnie in L.A.

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Phil Jackson has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity in the Detroit Pistons' search for a head coach.

“Phil Jackson is a friend and one of the best minds in the business,” owner Tom Gores said. “We are thrilled to have him as an adviser as we make some very important decisions for this franchise. Joe (Dumars) and I discussed this and he and I are in full agreement that this is a great opportunity.”

Jackson's position will not be formal, but rather as an adviser for now. Joe Dumars said in a statement that he welcomes Jackson's input.

“Tom and I discussed using a consultant as part of our decision-making process in our search for a head coach and we feel that Phil Jackson is a great resource to use,” Dumars said. “I look forward to talking with Phil next week.”

Jackson has reportedly been seeking a front office role within an organization instead of a coaching job.

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The Brooklyn Nets spoke to Phil Jackson and to no surprise ESPNNewYork.com confirmed he has no interest in their head coach position.

Jackson is looking at running a team as the head of basketball operations at this time of his life and that isn't possible with the Nets since Billy King is already entrenched in that spot. At this time Jackson is helping the Detroit Pistons, due to his relationship with owner Tom Gores, with their search for a new head coach.

King will now shift to other candidates and he plans on taking his time to find the person who is the right fit for the Nets. Some assistant -- Brian Shaw (Pacers) -- who work for teams still in the playoffs could be candidates, but King may not be able to speak with them until their post-season is over. Two other names mentioned for the Nets job are Larry Brown and Scott Skiles.

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