Hunt close to officially becoming Carlisle’s top assistant

DALLAS – Melvin Hunt is close to officially becoming the top assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks.

"I want to announce one thing that’s in the works and is imminent,’’ coach Rick Carlisle said prior to Thursday’s NBA Draft. "Melvin Hunt will be joining us as our lead assistant on the bench.

"We’re working through getting his deal done with his representatives, but it’s going to happen. He’s in town, we’re excited to have him on board.’’

Hunt, a 45 year-old Baylor graduate, joins the Mavs after being the interim coach of the Denver Nuggets and will replace Monte Mathis. A favorite of the Nuggets players, Hunt became Denver’s interim coach on Mar. 3 after Brian Shaw was fired.

In Hunt’s 23 games with the Nuggets, Denver posted a 10-13 record.

Meanwhile, Mathis has been hired as an assistant coach on the staff of new Orlando Magic coach Scott Skiles.

"I’ve really enjoyed working with Monte,’’ Carlisle said. "He’s a great basketball man, a great worker.

"His growth over the seven years that I’ve been here has been a tremendous thing to watch. He’ll always be part of the Mavericks family, so we really wish him the best.’’

This story was originally published June 25, 2015 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Hunt close to officially becoming Carlisle’s top assistant."