Accomplished Italian coach Ettore Messina told Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com that he'll be leaving his job as a consultant for the Lakers to once again take the helm for CSKA Moscow. Messina's contract will include an out clause if he is presented with an NBA head coaching opportunity, however. The 52-year-old has been linked to a handful of NBA teams in recent years and could be an interesting addition to ongoing searches in Orlando, Charlotte, and possibly Portland. More from around the league after the jump..
- The Trail Blazers are expected to conduct an open head coaching search after the draft but how open that search will be remains to be seen, writes Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. Olshey seemed to back coach Kaleb Canales in his introductory presser but will apparently interview potential coaches after getting the roster in order.
- Sixers president and GM Rod Thorn acknowledged that the team has begun a search for his replacement but Thorn will still play a major hand in the draft on June 28th, writes John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The 71-year-old said that he has talked about transitioning into a consulting role with the club for quite some time.
- While there has been speculation about Celtics coach Doc Rivers becoming a finalist for the Magic GM job, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel (via Twitter) doesn't see that happening. If Orlando wanted to pursue him, Robbins reasons, they would have started by now.
- Timberwolves president David Kahn spoke with Royce White about his anxiety issues and didn't come away with any major concerns, writes Ray Richardson of the Pioneer Press. Fred Hoiberg, White's college coach, recently explained that the forward's fear of flying never affected his play on the court.
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