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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Sonics in no hurry to find new coach

The Spokesman-Review

The Seattle SuperSonics are the only team in the NBA without a coach, and have already stretched their search for two months.

So, what’s a couple of more days? At least, that’s general manager Sam Presti’s approach.

The Sonics have put their coaching search on hold for this week and are focusing their attention on the draft where Seattle has the No. 2 pick and two early second-round selections, Presti said Tuesday.

“We’ve got to the point now where we’ve had to take a window of time to focus solely on the draft,” Presti said. “Post draft, we’re going to jump right back in, and jump-start it and move closer to making a decision as to who we’re going to have as a coach.”

“Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James ended uncertainty about his status with the U.S. national team by saying he will play in next month’s FIBA America’s Tournament, where the Americans will try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

“Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace will become an unrestricted free agent Sunday after deciding not to extend his contract for another season.

“Earl Boykins will become a free agent, forgoing the $3 million player option on his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“Indiana Pacers players Jamaal Tinsley and Marquis Daniels will stand trial starting Sept. 10 on charges related to a bar fight in Indianapolis.

“Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown, who underwent reconstructive surgery on his left ankle last month, is scheduled for an operation on his right shoulder today.

“Former Virginia Tech and Davidson head coach Bobby Hussey died in a medical facility in Charlotte, N.C. He was 67. There was no cause of death given

Hockey

Drake waived

The St. Louis Blues placed 14-year NHL veteran Dallas Drake on waivers, the first step in buying out the final year on his contract if he goes unclaimed.

“The Atlanta Thrashers sent the rights to free-agent center Keith Tkachuk back to St. Louis, reacquiring the conditional first-round pick they traded to the Blues in a deadline deal that helped Atlanta reach the playoffs.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins will let right wing Michel Ouellet become a free agent.

Soccer

Former coach dies

Jupp Derwall, who coached Germany to the European title in 1980 and a runner-up finish at the 1982 World Cup, died after a brief illness in Frankfurt, Germany. He was 80.

“Messina goalkeeper Nicholas Caglioni was banned for two years by the Italian soccer federation after testing positive for cocaine.

Miscellany

Klim retires

Michael Klim, a six-time Olympic medalist and former swimming world-record holder, announced his retirement from competition.

“New Zealand topped Swiss Alinghi in the third race of the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain. The Kiwis took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-9 series.