Mavs Select Cleamons

Fri., May 31, 1996

Compiled From Wire Services

Chicago Bulls assistant Jim Cleamons will be hired today as coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Mavericks spokesman Kevin Sullivan said, “Jim Cleamons will be named as head coach (today) at noon. That’s about all I can say at this point.”

Earlier, majority owner Ross Perot Jr. indicated the process was coming to a close.

Former Boston coach Chris Ford and former Phoenix coach Paul Westphal were also top candidates. Cleamons, interviewed in Chicago, declined to confirm the speculation.

Cleamons’ status was advanced this week after the team obtained permission from Chicago to interview him.

Danny Ainge, 37, who left the Phoenix Suns a year ago because they wouldn’t let him continue his playing career, was introduced as the team’s “future” coach.

Until coach Cotton Fitzsimmons decides to return to the front office vice presidency he gave up 4-1/2 months ago to return to the bench, Ainge will assist Fitzsimmons with Paul Silas and Donn Nelson.

The Philadelphia 76ers have spoken with an attorney for Massachusetts coach John Calipari about their head coaching vacancy, according to a university spokesman. UMass went 35-2 last year, losing to champion Kentucky in the NCAA semifinals.

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Mavs Select Cleamons

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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