Rick Pitino Going Back To The Pros?

Rick Pitino may be on the verge of returning to the NBA.

The New York Daily News is reporting that Pitino is interested in the New Jersey Nets job. It is believed Pitino had people close to him reach out to Nets president Rod Thorn, who is in the final year of his contract with the team. It is also believed Thorn is seeking a new deal from incoming owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

But a source close to Thorn said the Nets president denied speaking with Pitino. Another team official says there has been contact with Pitino.

Pitino has not fared well in the pro ranks. He has a combined record of 192-220 in six seasons with the Knick and Celtics. Pitino actually led the Kicks to a division title during the 1988-1989 season, but left to take the Kentucky Wildcats job.

I can’t for the life of me figure out why Pitino would go back to the NBA. He’s built a mini-empire with Louisville and the Nets job would be the toughest of his career. It makes little sense on his part.