Despite the Denver Nuggets’ 57-win regular season and George Karl winning NBA Coach of the Year in 2012-13, there is growing concern about his future with the team.
Reports described Karl as “unsettled” after the recent departure of Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri, who signed a lucrative contract with the Toronto Raptors, and Denver’s first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs.
According to ESPN.com, the Los Angeles Clippers have spoken with the Nuggets about Karl regarding their coaching vacancy but have not yet asked the Nuggets for permission to talk with him.
The Clippers’ candidate list to replace ousted Vinny Del Negro includes Karl, ESPN analyst and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry, former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and Indiana Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw.
The Nuggets have shown consistency under Karl, never having a losing season in his 8 1/2 years with the team. But the team has advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once under his direction and management could be considering a different course, ESPN.com reported.
Karl, 62, has one year remaining on his contract with the Nuggets.