Why Mavericks coaching search could be an ominous sign for the offseason

The Dallas Mavericks are searching for a new assistant coach after parting ways with Greg St. Jean. They want a veteran with head coaching experience to join Jason Kidd’s staff, and the franchise has been linked to several names since opening up the position.

Frank Vogel was the preferred option, but he accepted the Suns' head coaching gig on Friday afternoon. Vogel worked with Jason Kidd for two years in LA, and the duo helped the Lakers win the championship in 2020 inside the bubble. Now, Vogel is leading the rival Suns in what will only make things more interesting between the two squads.

Vogel’s hire created a domino effect in the coaching market on Saturday. Kevin Young agreed to stay in Phoenix as his top assistant with a significant raise. Two of the Mavericks targets also found new homes as Terry Stotts joined the Bucks coaching staff and James Borrego went to New Orleans to be their associate head coach.

Why Dallas Mavericks coaching search could be an ominous sign for the offseason

Two of the Mavericks' top three names are off the market. They were also rumored to be interested in Stotts. The last name left on their list is Jeff Hornacek, who most recently spent three seasons as a Rockets assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. The 6’3 guard played 14 years in the NBA, including being an All-Star in 1992 and playing in two NBA Finals.

The Mavs struck out in free agency again. Their top targets all went elsewhere leaving Dallas to scramble for a secondary or tertiary option. MFFLs have seen this for years, and it could be a terrible sign for what is ahead this summer. If Hornacek turns them down, it could go from bad to worse in Dallas.

Kyrie Irving is an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Mavs' top priority is re-signing him before trying to improve their roster around their superstar duo. Missing out in the coaching market could foreshadow a gloomy offseason in Dallas.

The Mavericks could still sign a veteran assistant coach even if Hornacek turns them down. Stephen Silas, Nate McMillan, and Mike D’Antoni are all still available on the open market. Silas is a former Mavericks assistant, but he has been rumored to be a target of the Boston Celtics.

Dallas will have a new assistant next season, but they have not found their man yet. Stay tuned for all the latest at The Smoking Cuban.