The Los Angeles Lakers are set to interview four head coach candidates this week as they look to replace Darvin Ham. Of those four, 15-year NBA veteran JJ Redick seems to be picking up the most steam. Considering recent history, Denver Nuggets lead assistant David Adelman may be the way L.A. leans.
Micah Nori on Lakers’ Radar
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha reports that Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori is on the Lakers’ radar as well. With the Timberwolves deeply entrenched in their second round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota may not grant L.A. permission to interview Nori just yet. Nonetheless, “if they are going the assistant coaching route, [Adelman and Nori] would probably be (some within the Lakers’) top two choices).”
Nori is an increasingly popular coach that many became interested in when he took over for an injured Chris Finch in their Game 4 matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Asked by a sideline reporter what it’s like being coached by Nori after they defeated the Suns, All-Star wing Anthony Edwards says, “he’s an extended version of coach… We listen to Micah just how we listen to (Finch), man. It’s a respect thing. He did a great job tonight.”
Anthony Edwards said they listen to Micah Nori just like they would Chris Finch. He’s an extension of Finchy and it’s a respect thing! #WolvesBack pic.twitter.com/1mMvyCiA9u
— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) May 5, 2024
In case anyone believes Edwards was just being polite, when he scored a career-high 51 points in April, he dedicated the performance to Nori.
“I wanted to get 50 because of him, so shoutout to Micah.” 😂
Anthony Edwards celebrated Micah Nori’s 50th birthday with a career-high 51 points in the win over Washington. #RaisedByWolves | #NBA pic.twitter.com/qkx3Xdps54
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) April 10, 2024
That’s not enough reason to make anyone a head coach. Still, when one of the faces of the league has that much affinity towards an assistant coach, it’s worth noting. Especially a player like Edwards, who is as competitive as he is candid.
Coaching Background
Nori is one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the NBA, getting his start in 2009 with the Toronto Raptors. After spending four seasons north of the border, he’s coached for the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. In that time, Nori has primarily coached under Dwane Casey and Michael Malone, spending five seasons with both. He’s coached under Finch since 2021-22.
Frankly, the Timberwolves are the best team that Nori has coached for. The Raptors, Kings, and Pistons were often in the NBA’s basement, unable to muster even 30 wins. Indeed, the most successful season any of those teams had was when the Pistons managed to go 41-41 in 2018-19. However, those experiences may have taught Nori what not do, which is almost as important as knowing what to do.
On the other side of the spectrum are the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Though not quite wildly successful while Nori was assistant coach, Denver was demonstrating steady improvement. Minnesota has been in the playoffs every year since Nori signed on, with this year’s run their best yet. After finishing the regular season with a 56-26 record, third in the West, the Timberwolves swept Kevin Durant’s sons. They’re now tied up 2-2 with the defending champs in the Western Conference Semifinals. That said, Malone and Finch have taught Nori how to build a perennial playoff contender.
The Last Word on Micah Nori
With 17 NBA championships, the Lakers have high expectations. A postseason berth is expected more than it’s celebrated. Nonetheless, of the available head coach candidates, only Terry Stotts and Mark Jackson have proven they can consistently lead a team to the playoffs. Nori’s résumé doesn’t measure up to theirs but he’s highly experienced and players have gravitated towards him.
In a league where many of the best coaches weren’t expected to be as good as they are, Nori may be a sneaky good hire for the Lakers.
