We’re also hearing that new Wolves president David Kahn is assembling a l-o-n-g list of candidates to interview for his coaching opening, suggesting that his search to replace Kevin McHale could consume the bulk of this month. Some of the more prominent names Kahn wants to talk to in addition to presumed favorite Mark Jackson: Sam Mitchell, Bill Laimbeer, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw.
There’s also the team’s coaching search, which has officially begun but is still in its early stages.

ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson is the presumed favorite, but Charles Barkley, on his Web site (sircharlesincharge.com), makes a pitch for former NBA coach Del Harris.

“I like the idea of Harris coaching the Wolves because it’s not like this team is going to compete for a championship any time soon,” Barkley blogs. “Harris just turned 72. Let him work with these young cats for the next two seasons while he grooms one of his assistants to take over for him.”

City officials have another honor in the works for Niagara Falls High School graduate and recent NBA draft pick Jonny Flynn.

Mayor Paul Dyster announced this week plans to move forward with an outdoor basketball competition, similar in style to the popular Gus Macker three-on-three tournament held in Buffalo each year. Dyster said the city’s tournament will be named after Flynn, the 20-year-old Falls native who was selected No. 6 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in last week’s NBA draft.

“We’re not going to call it the Gus Macker tournament, we are going to call it the Jonny Flynn tournament, ” said Dyster, who presented Flynn with a key to the city on Monday.

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