Knowing that Will Hardy recently let go of several of his assistants, including Alex Jensen, who had worked in the franchise for ten years and had notably taken care of Rudy Gobert, there are places to be taken in the Jazz staff to prepare for the next campaign.
According to Sportando, the name of Ettore Messina would appear on the list of potential assistant coaches. A name already known on the NBA circuit, for having worked precisely at Spurs with Will Hardy, and even more on the European circuit with four Euroleague titles in particular.
Currently under contract with Milan, which is quietly leading its championship after a half-fig half-grape season in the Euroleague, Ettore Messina has not really confirmed any strong interest. Unless he wants to maintain complete confidentiality on the case, which is still going on behind the scenes…
“I don’t have much to tell you”he replied to Eric Walden, Salt Lake Tribune reporter. “I like what I’m doing here with Armani Milano. »
After having already been a consultant for the Lakers in 2012, then an assistant at the Spurs for five years between 2014 and 2019, alongside Gregg Popovich, the 63-year-old transalpine technician likes to head a big European team and will not want to probably not cross the Atlantic again for a “small” assistant position.
Former colleagues in San Antonio
He shows all his respect for his Jazz counterpart, whom he knew well in Texas for four seasons.
“When you share the same office, the same plane, the same room, the same locker room for years, you inevitably develop a strong relationship. He is a very good person, very direct, he knows how to communicate well. Moreover, he is always very well organized in everything he does. His attention to detail is amazing compared to his lack of experience. He masters the very high level, with a healthy preparation, without rushing anything. »
Having recruited two former NBA players, Jason Terry who was in charge of Grand Rapids Gold in the G-League, and Jeff Hornacek on a consultant position, Will Hardy has already begun to change his staff. But, during his end-of-season interview a few weeks ago, he didn’t want to reveal anything about the rest of his team.
“It’s a League where everything changes very quickly. And I’m not sure yet what we’re going to do this offseason [pour son staff]. There are always phone calls to find out who is possibly available in your staff, or some who receive offers elsewhere. You never want to hold someone back from a great opportunity for their family. But we don’t have a plan right now.” he thus concluded.
