Evidently, Kevin McHale received an “offer” to return as Timberwolves coach after all . . . if you can call it that. One GM disclosed — and another confirmed — newly installed team president David Kahn insisted McHale accept Mike Fratello as his lead assistant on a one-year make-good.
Wonder if the same sideline condition will apply for every other candidate? Mark Jackson knows he needs to encircle himself with experienced help. Del Harris and Bernie Bickerstaff had committed to him, but transferred allegiance to Bulls tenderfoot Vinny Del Negro when he didn’t get the Knicks job. Still, the last thing anyone needs is an overly ambitious guy like Fratello coveting your job before commencement exercises get underway.
Fratello, a former head coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies, could end up in the same role if the Wolves wind up hiring ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson as coach.
Jackson, a former NBA guard, has no coaching experience.