Harris Will Stay Put in Dallas

Assistant coach Del Harris is staying with the Dallas Mavericks, forcing the Cleveland Cavaliers to go to Plan B in their search for a new coach.

The 63-year-old former Laker coach was considered the leading candidate for the Cavalier job.

In a statement released by the Mavericks, Harris said he had spoken with the Cavaliers several times in recent days and had been impressed with General Manager Jim Paxson, as well as the Cavalier organization.

“However, at this time, I feel it is better for me to withdraw from consideration from this very important job, instead opting to stay in Dallas to see if we can add to what we started here with the Mavericks,” Harris said.

With Harris out of the picture, the Cavaliers probably will focus on Denver Nugget assistant John Lucas and Fordham Coach Bob Hill to replace Wittman, who was 62-102 in two injury-filled seasons.

Clyde Drexler removed his name from consideration as Portland Trail Blazer coach and took a shot at team president and general manager Bob Whitsitt.

“I am disappointed that the current management team, led by Bob Whitsitt, has not been more communicative during this process,” Drexler said in a statement.

Drexler had not been considered a leading candidate for the job, but he stated that he remained interested in a front-office job with the franchise. He has said owner Paul Allen wants him play an important role in the franchise.

Whitsitt said Drexler’s comments caught him by surprise.

Whitsitt said he told Drexler’s agent that Drexler was not on his short list of coaching candidates but could enhance his position with an interview. “I have had conversations, as late as today, with Paul Allen, who said that at this time there are no front-office positions open,” Whitsitt’s statement said.

Moses Malone, among the first to go straight from high school to the pros, and college coaches Mike Krzyzewski and John Chaney are joining the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The three--one of the smallest groups in years--will be inducted Oct. 5 at Springfield, Mass.

The Clippers will play the Orlando Magic in an exhibition at Mexico City on Oct. 21, the league will announce today.