NEW YORK -- Shortly after yesterday's firing of Alvin Gentry, the NBA forwarded his address, home phone number and unlisted birth sign to Charles Oakley. According to someone incurably tapped into the Clippers' front office, interim coach Dennis Johnson has no hope of permanently replacing Gentry on L.A.'s sideline.
Meaning as many as four teams -- Clippers, Hawks, Raptors and Cavaliers -- maybe twice that number should expectations be stunted -- in Dallas, New Orleans, Washington and Milwaukee -- will need new head coaches for next season.
Win, lose or bodily removed from the premises by Philadelphia 76ers chairman Ed Snider, Larry Brown's name is certain to surface as a primary nominee in at least half of the above venues despite the incidental issue of his two-year obligation to the 76ers past this season.