Clippers update: Coaching search continues its slow pace

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The Utah Jazz happened to practice Monday, the off day between Games 1 and 2, at the Clippers’ training facility in Playa Vista, a sparkling sales advertisement for the team. (Unfortunately, there was no sighting of Larry Brown or Dwane Casey in the parking lot.)

The Clippers, concentrating on the draft, are hardly in rush mode to fill their head coaching vacancy. Unlike many years, there seems to be more credible candidates than actual spots, so why push the pace?

Having said that, it’s a near certainty they will eventually reach out to Casey, who has generated plenty of interest league-wide, maybe even more than was expected. They haven’t officially asked Dallas for permission to interview the assistant coach, according to the one-word response I received via e-mail from the Mavericks on Monday afternoon.

But for those hankering for some information of any sort, something did emerge in the last couple of days. Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge told the Boston Herald that the Clippers and New Orleans Hornets had asked for permission to interview associate coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau has served as an assistant in Houston, New York, San Antonio and Minnesota, entering the NBA as an assistant with the Timberwolves.

And the most notable description of Thibodeau’s abilities? Defensive guru.

-- Lisa Dillman