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Bulls still can't talk to Pistons' Curry

Paxson moving on to other candidates

By K.C. Johnson

10:16 PM CDT, May 16, 2008

Mike D'Antoni isn't the only name that might be scratched off the Bulls' coaching list.

The Pistons continue to give signs they won't allow the Bulls to interview assistant Michael Curry.

Tellingly, Pistons general manager Joe Dumars, who has a strong relationship with Bulls GM John Paxson, allowed assistant Terry Porter to interview Thursday for the Suns' job. The Pistons have had an extended break as they wait for the Celtics-Cavaliers series, which is headed to a Game 7, to determine their opponent for the Eastern Conference finals.

In the meantime, Paxson will move on to other candidates, having received permission to interview Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin. The Bulls also will seek permission to interview Lakers assistant Brian Shaw.

Paxson's list is long, and he will let the interview process play out to determine the next Bulls coach.

In a radio interview with Dan Patrick, Avery Johnson continued to sound like a coach seeking to take time off and collect millions from Dallas. Johnson has been considered a long shot ever since the Bulls asked to reschedule an interview from last week that now will not happen.

Missed connection

Knicks coach D'Antoni said he would like to speak with Jerry Reinsdorf but has yet to return the Bulls chairman's call from last Saturday. Reinsdorf classified D'Antoni's snub as "rude."

"I feel bad about it," D'Antoni said on WMVP-AM 1000's "Waddle and Silvy" show. "I didn't try to lead anybody on, and you know I had to make a decision. … I hate it. He's one of the best owners in sports. It's just part of the business, I guess."

Layups

Marketing vice president Steve Schanwald will represent the Bulls at Tuesday's NBA draft lottery in Secaucus, N.J. … Bucks coach Scott Skiles has hired Bulls assistant trainer Marc Boff to be his head trainer in Milwaukee.

kcjohnson@tribune.com