Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer to Atlanta, off Clippers’ list

Well, the Clippers can cross San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer off the list of potential candidates to replace Vinny Del Negro.

That’s because Budenholzer was hired as the coach of the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, according to several media reports that were confirmed by former Atlanta coach Larry Drew.

“They told me they were going in a different direction,” Drew said about the Hawks’ management.

Drew has an interview for the head-coaching opening with the Milwaukee Bucks this week and is also interested in the Clippers’ opening.

The Clippers still are interested in Indiana Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw. But Pacers President Donnie Walsh has said Shaw won’t be allowed to interview for any jobs until Indiana’s season is over. The Pacers are playing the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott, Portland Trail Blazers ex-coach Nate McMillan and former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy are also on the Clippers’ list.

Even though Van Gundy has said he doesn’t want to coach next season, the Clippers still plan to reach out to him, said several NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Memphis Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins and former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry are also potential candidates for the Clippers’ opening.

Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Malone also is on the Clippers’ list. However, multiple reports have him becoming the coach of the Sacramento Kings.

One NBA executive said the Clippers are looking for a coach who can “command the respect” of the players and take the team “from good to great.”

The Clippers will continue to do their due diligence, one NBA executive said, with the hopes of hiring a coach by the June 27 NBA draft.

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