But news broke on Thursday that Carlisle was resigning from his position as head coach, which caught everyone by surprise.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is currently searching for a head of basketball operations, and when he settles on a choice, their first task will be hiring a new head coach.
He stepped in as acting head coach this season when Carlisle had to miss a game against the New York Knicks due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
She was a three-time All-American at Colorado State, played for the San Antonio Stars and New York Liberty in the WNBA, and has played overseas in Russia and Spain.
Udoka is credited with being a big reason why LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the Spurs in 2015, so it’s possible he brings some salesmanship as a head coach, something the Mavericks badly need.
Messina coached Real Madrid, Doncic’s former team, for two years, so there’s a connection there, though it was long before Doncic played for the team.
Stotts would be knowledgeable about how things work with Cuban, and he has a decent record in the playoffs, as well as experience dealing with an electric young superstar.
A four-year starter at the University of Virginia, Boucek played professionally in Iceland and briefly with the Cleveland Rockers before a back injury ended her career.
Jeff Van Gundy’s name is always floated when there’s an opening, despite not having coached in 14 years, so just applaud his agent and ignore him as an option.
Search Mavs Moneyball Podcast on your favorite app to find the episode, click the link, or press play in the player below.