NBA rumors: Wizards want Masai, Raptors pursue Hammon

NBA rumors: Wizards want Masai, Raptors coach candidates, Pistons want Grant back

By Ian Levy | May 10, 2023

Apr 23, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman, Team President, Alternate NBA Governor presents Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) the 202122 Rookie of the Year award before game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 18, 2022; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon celebrates after winning the WNBA Championship in game four of the 2022 WNBA Finals against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA rumors: Becky Hammon, J.J. Redick in the running for Raptors head coach opening

Whether it’s Masai Ujiri or a new GM making the final decision, the Raptors are looking for a head coach to replace Nick Nurse, who was fired at the end of this season. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that retired NBA role player and current podcaster and analyst J.J. Redick has already interviewed for the job.

Fifteen-year NBA veteran and ESPN analyst JJ Redick has interviewed for the Toronto Raptors’ coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Redick was part of a first-round of candidates to meet with franchise leadership.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 10, 2023

According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, current Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon is also a serious candidate:

"My understanding is the net of possible candidates to replace former head coach Nick Nurse remains quite wide; there is no shortlist as of yet. Hammon is one of several candidates the Raptors plan to interview or have already. And while the intention remains to have the 10th head coach in franchise history in place by the draft on June 23rd, there’s no need to make a move now."

Hammon spent eight seasons as an assistant coach under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs and had interviewed for several NBA head coaching openings over the past few years. She left the NBA for the WNBA, taking over the Aces this season and leading them to a WNBA title.

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