Thursday, July 14, 2005 | 9:20 a.m.
SUN WIRE SERVICES
Larry Brown came to a meeting in suburban Detroit on Wednesday requested by the Pistons' owner, Bill Davidson, but after two hours, they articulated their distinct positions without resolving whether Brown would stay as the team's head coach. A decision could come as soon as today and could result in a buyout.
Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president, and Joe Glass, Brown's agent, will speak again today, said a Pistons spokesman, Matt Dobek.
"Both sides now have a clearer understanding of where they're at," Dobek said. "It was more of an educational conversation, about his health, whether he will be able to coach all 82 games, whether his desire is to coach here. It covered the gamut."
Dobek added, "Whatever happens, hopefully it will be resolved in the next 24 hours, but that's not certain."
Angered by Brown's dalliance with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the constant drama surrounding his tenure, Davidson appeared to be more inclined to buy out Brown's contract, two Eastern Conference executives indicated. They spoke on the condition of anonymity so as not to interfere with potential negotiations. Brown has three years and more than $20 million remaining on his contract.
The Knicks will have to wait at least another day to see if Brown will become available to fill their head-coaching vacancy. Even if he is available, there is no guarantee that Brown will choose to bounce to a young Knicks team featuring Stephon Marbury. When Brown was head coach of the U.S. Olympic team in Athens last summer, he grew frustrated at times over Marbury's leadership ability.
Brown has said he is still dealing with a bladder condition, a result of complications from hip surgery. But Glass said on Tuesday that Brown was healthy enough to coach.
It appears that Brown's camp is being deliberate in its discussions with the Pistons. "We're very comfortable with the way things are," Glass said. "There's no change in any status."
When asked if a change in Brown's status was coming, he said, "I don't anticipate it, but it could happen."
The Knicks continue to wait, and their interim coach, Herb Williams, has no choice. "I'm preparing as if I'm the coach of the Knicks and that's my focus," Williams said from Las Vegas, where he is watching the Knicks' summer league team.
The guard has been told he should be able to play basketball again, but that doesn't mean the 10-year veteran will choose to.
"As far as my playing career goes, I'll be honest with you -- these last couple weeks, it hasn't ever entered my mind," said Hoiberg, who held a news conference at Target Center to discuss his condition as he continues to recover from an operation to correct an enlarged aortic root in his heart.
The surgery was performed June 28 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester by Dr. Hartzell Schaff. The root, where the artery meets the heart's aortic valve, had a bulge in it. It was removed and replaced with a synthetic one.
Hoiberg, a valuable reserve who led the NBA in 3-point accuracy last season for the Timberwolves, was fitted with a permanent pacemaker last week. The device might lengthen the recovery time, but shouldn't prevent him from playing again if his body responds correctly.
"There was good interest in him," agent Lon Babby said. "But he decided it made the most sense to stay in L.A. He liked the idea of playing for Phil again and had a terrific rookie year. He loves L.A. and loves the Lakers."
After spraining an ankle during preseason, Walton struggled to find a place in then-coach Rudy Tomjanovich's rotation, but he is held in high regard by Jackson, particularly for his passing skills. The Lakers decided they wanted Walton even with four small forwards already under contract for next season.
archive
