Brian Shaw is proving to be far more desirable now than he ever was in his playing days. Although Shaw could only be described as a journeyman over 14 seasons in the NBA, he is shaping up to be one of this summer’s hottest free agents.
Shaw is at the top of the list to fill coaching vacancies with the Nets and Clippers, according to multiple reports. The Nets reportedly have Shaw as their No. 1 choice, while the Clippers consider him a “serious candidate” along with Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins. The Clippers have requested permission to speak with Shaw, an assistant with the Pacers, whose season ended Monday.
Shaw, 47, has been considered a rising star in the coaching ranks for years. Before joining Frank Vogel‘s bench in Indiana, Shaw was a key assistant on the Lakers under Phil Jackson. Former Laker and current Clipper Lamar Odom is said to have recommended Shaw to his current club. Some within the Lakers organization reportedly wanted Shaw to get the head coaching job there in 2011, but executive vice president of player personnel Jim Buss was determined to purge all remnants of Jackson’s reign from the team.
Shaw played for seven teams as a player, including his first 2 1/2 as a member of the Celtics. He won three championships with the Lakers from 2000-2002.
