Carr, Brown Resign, Fueling Rumor Mill

M.L. Carr and Larry Brown resigned Wednesday, leaving the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers looking for new coaches.

Carr resigned after leading the Celtics to the worst record in their 51-year history. Brown left after a disappointing fourth season with the Pacers.

Brown is a candidate for the Celtics job, although he’s not the first choice, according to a published report. The Boston Globe reported that while Brown could get the job, it cited unidentified sources as saying University of Kentucky coach Rick Pitino is atop the team’s list.

The paper, citing a person it didn’t identify who is familiar with the situation, said there was a “95 percent chance” that Pitino would take over.

Pitino, who has drawn interest from other NBA teams, has said he expects to remain at Kentucky.

Brown has been mentioned as a candidate in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in today’s editions that he flew to Philadelphia on Tuesday to meet with 76ers president Pat Croce about the job.

Potential successors for Brown include Boston legend Larry Bird, a Celtics’ special assistant.

Carr, who will remain as the Celtics’ director of basketball operations, said Bird is “always welcome to be part of the Celtics organization.”

Medical staff miffs Grant

Horace Grant, who’s missed the first three games of Orlando’s NBA playoff series against the Miami Heat, is unhappy with the way the Magic medical staff has handled his injured right wrist.

The club lists the forward, who has missed six straight postseason games dating to last year’s Eastern Conference finals, with a severe sprain.

Grant, however, sought a second opinion and was told by Orlando specialist Dr. George White that his wrist may have a slight fracture.

Injuries have been a problem all season for Orlando. The latest mishap is a foot sprain suffered by Rony Seikaly in Tuesday’s playoff game against Miami. Seikaly is not expected to play in tonight’s game.

Maxwell out at San Antonio

The San Antonio Spurs won’t pick up the option on Vernon Maxwell’s contract, making the veteran guard, 31, a free agent, the team said.

Iverson to be honored

Philadelphia point guard Allen Iverson will be named NBA Rookie of the Year. Iverson, 21, was the leading rookie scorer this year and his average of 23.5 points ranked sixth in the NBA.