The Evening News: Jackson open to coaching; Nowitzki begins offseason training; Rubio disappointed in Kahn dismissal

Hello and welcome to the Evening News.

As the playoffs continue, we’ll keep you updated every evening. What’s happening today?

Here’s the latest news from around the league:

Phil Jackson open to coaching if he has influence on roster

According to ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Ramona Shelburne, Phil Jackson’s lack of interest in the Brooklyn Nets’ coaching availability is not necessary a reflection of a refusal to coach.  

While it is assumed Jackson wants a front-office role similar to Pat Riley’s role with Miami or Jerry West’s with Golden State, sources close to Jackson insist that the 67-year-old would be open to a return to the sideline if a team also gave him some power in the front office.

It was previously reported that Jackson would want significant input on any team’s personnel decisions if he were to come out of retirement. If no team is willing to offer Jackson some influence in the front office, he is comfortable with the idea of staying retired for now.

Dirk Nowitzki already begins offseason training program

Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports that Dirk Nowitzki has returned from his end of the regular season vacation and has already started his off-season maintenance program. 

Nowitzki has had injuries and slow starts in both of the past two seasons and is looking to start the 2013-2014 season in particularly great shape. Now, at 34-years-old and only two seasons removed from his Finals MVP, Nowitzki’s future looks more uncertain than it has been since he became a star. The Mavericks have several key decisions to make this offseason and figure to be big spenders on the free agent market.

Nowitzki, meanwhile, will be a free agent in the summer of 2014 and has previously stated that he wants to retire as a Maverick. However, the 11-time All Star has also acknowledged that he would probably not sign an extension with the Mavericks should they plan to undergo a rebuilding process.

Even in 2014, when he will be 35-years-old, Nowitzki would be a top target for many contenders in free agency if he were to leave Dallas.

Ricky Rubio’s camp disappointed in David Kahn’s dismissal

According to Ric Bucher of Comcast SportsNet, members from Rick Rubio’s camp are upset with David Kahn’s dismissal from the organization. Kahn drafted Rubio with the fifth overall pick in 2008 amidst rumors that suggested Rubio would refuse to ever play a game in Minnesota if they were to take him.

Kahn was particularly patient with Rubio and refused to trade him despite Rubio taking two years to leave Europe after being drafted.

Flip Saunders replaced David Kahn as the president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves last week.

The decision to let Kahn go will likely have a positive impact on Kevin Love’s relationship with the team going forward. Love was displeased with the organization after Kahn refused to give him the coveted five-year maximum contract in January in 2012.