Preliminary Coach Candidate List Revealed

As Chris the Greek wrote in a diary, Geoff Petrie has released a list of seven candidates the Kings will interview for the head coaching vacancy.

Here's the preliminary list:

As Chris indicated, Turner's presence shows Petrie's power in this decision-making process. Turner loudly criticized the Maloofs last summer because of comments to owners made regarding the lack of defensive fortitude the Kings showed under Rick Adelman.

I expect this list to change as the playoffs progress, though I suspect Petrie would like to make a decision before May ends. Of the assistants still coaching, Detroit's Terry Porter, New Jersey's Bill Cartwright, San Antonio's P.J. Carlesimo, and Phoenix's Marc Iavaroni are the ones I'd expect could join the list.

Interesting omissions:

• John Whisenant, which is another sign Petrie is in control here.
• Rick Carlisle.
• Mario Elie, who must not have interviewed well last summer.

The Bee's Sam Amick added Indiana assistant Chuck Person to the list, as well, and notes that every single candidate except Van Gundy shares two characteristics: They are in their 40s, and they were NBA players.

The great thing about this list: I don't break into hives imagining any of these guys on the Sacramento sideline. That's a good thing.