NET NOTES
Sad but not surprised. That was how Byron Scott took the news of the Magic’s firing of Doc Rivers yesterday.
“I feel bad for Doc because he’s a personal friend . . . Obviously, I just feel real bad for him because not only is he a great coach, but a great person,” said Scott, who admitted he wasn’t shocked – not in the wake of other moves around the league.
“Rick Carlisle went to the Eastern Conference finals last year and lost his job. It’s the NBA. You just understand that about this league.”
Rivers, the Coach of the Year in 1999-2000, had been considered for the Nets’ job back then, largely through the urging of actor/comedian Bill Cosby, who served as an advisor at times. After Rivers’ laudable job in Orlando, hiring ex-players became the NBA rage. Scott and Carlisle were among those who followed.
“Doc did a lot for me when I was at Sacramento as an assistant. When he got the job in Orlando, he paved the way for a lot of ex-players because at that time in the NBA, they were hiring a lot of college coaches,” Scott recalled. “Then Doc got the job and they started hiring myself, Isiah [Thomas] and guys who played this game. So, I really feel he had a big influence on a lot of the owners, general managers and presidents even giving us a look.”
Hornets’ Darrell Armstrong, who left the Maqic with bitter feelings toward the team and Rivers, offered a firm “no comment.”
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Lucious Harris doesn’t just want to go west. He wants to go west and play.
Harris (back), on the injury list since the start of the season, is looking at Tuesday in Seattle for a possible return. Harris hopes to follow Rodney Rogers, who was activated from the IL yesterday with Tamar Slay (groin) going on it.
“That’s what I’m trying for,” Harris said of Seattle. “Hopefully, I’ll feel good after practices this week and then make a decision . . I pretty much did everything [Monday].”
Scott also was encouraged by Harris’ showing.