Rick Pitino Says No To Nets

I don't get much of a chance to much on the NBA here, and for good reason considering how bad the Nets and Knicks have been this year.

However, the Nets (4-48), who are chasing the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers mark for the worst record of all time (9-73), are obviously looking for a new head coach.

Rumors started swirling from the Daily News this morning that Louisville coach Rick Pitino contacted the Nets, expressing interest in the position for the 2010-2011 season.

The coach quickly denied the interest in working for the Nets next season.

"There's not an ounce of truth to it," Pitino told ESPN.com's Pat Forde.

"I have no interest, period," Pitino said Thursday. "I'm done with coaching professional basketball. I've put the professional ranks behind me."

Good thing too, considering that when Pitino last coached in the NBA he was a total disaster. He had a decent two year stint with the Knicks, compiling a 90-74 record, that included a division title in 1989, this was his only winning season as an NBA head coach. His Knick teams lost in the first round in 1988, and in the conference semi's in 1989.

He then left the Knicks to coach Kentucky University from 1989 to 1997, leading the Wild Cats to a National Championship in 1996.

Once he returned to the NBA, Pintio sank to a new low in Boston. He failed to lead the Celtics to any playoff appearances, and compiled a 102-146 record with the Celtics. Pinto moved back to Kentucky to coach Louisville, where he has been ever since.

It is beyond me why the Nets would want a mercenary like Pitino, who is always looking for the next best gig. Plus coaching the Nets would ruin Pitino's credibility. The Nets and Pitino should thank themselves if this union never happens.