Report: Spurs to hire European coach Ettore Messina as assistant coach

Before they tipped off their Game 3 NBA Finals matchup against the Miami Heat, the Spurs decided to make a coaching move for the future. Daniele Labanti of Corriere di Bologna first reported that the San Antonio Spurs will hire Italian legendary coach Ettore Messina as an assistant coach beginning next year. Sportando also confirmed the report.

#nba Sources: the San Antonio @spurs plan to hire Italian legend Ettore Messina as assistant coach. Full story tomorrow @corrierebologna

— Daniele Labanti™ (@DL_corriere) June 10, 2014

Messina is currently the head coach of CSKA Moscow and as Sportando reported, the head coach will leave the team after the VTB Finals. Messina was with the Lakers for one season as an assistant under former head coach Mike Brown.

The report has yet to be confirmed by the NBA or the Spurs, but an official announcement is expected after the NBA Finals. Known for his offensive mindset, Messina would be a fabulous addition to the Spurs whose ball movement on offense has been a key component to their winning ways for several years.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reportedly has a great amount of respect for Messina, and they have known each for a while.

Meanwhile, Spurs GM R.C. Buford has denied the report.

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Photo credit: (LA Times)

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