In N.Y., Zach Schonbrun notes the Nets yesterday introduced new coach Lionel Hollins in their "standard news conference room at Barclays Center, underground, adjoining the locker rooms, eschewing the pageantry that accompanied last year's introduction of Jason Kidd." The "low-key introduction also represented how Hollins wanted to be treated." Hollins during the introduction "seemed to make a veiled reference to Kidd." He said, "I'm a basketball coach. I don't want to do [GM Billy King's] job. I don't want to do anybody else's job in the organization but the one that I'm hired to do" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/8).
FIELDS OF GROWTH: In Portland, Brad Schmidt noted the "first and only futsal court being built in a city park will be named in honor" of the Timbers. The club and MLS "want to build the court -- used for small-scale soccer -- in conjunction" with the All-Star Game that will be held in Portland on Aug. 6. The Timbers and MLS are "expected to cover more than $200,000 in costs for the project." The futsal court will be named "Portland Timbers Field" at Montavilla Park (OREGONLIVE.com, 7/3).
NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: In Ft. Worth, Randy Galloway wrote despite the "clear evidence of GM incompetence associated with roster management" for the MLB Rangers' '14 campaign, "we know there will be no hot seat" for President of Baseball Operations & GM Jon Daniels. He is "the love child" of co-Chairs Bob Simpson and Ray Davis, two "baseball-stupid owners who are as much to blame for this season, and last season, as Daniels himself." Simpson and Davis, "of course, gave Daniels all the power two years ago." Daniels has "since gagged on his own power trip." He is "now challenging Jerry Jones as the worst GM in town." Daniels' power trip "has quickly run out of road" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 7/6).
