Dallas Mavs' Sean Sweeney Remains 'Rising Name' Among NBA Coaching Circles

Mavs assistant coach Sean Sweeney remains a name to watch around the NBA as a "rising name."

Dec 19, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney reacts / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

DALLAS — When an NBA team succeeds, it tends to create interest from around the league in its coaching staff for potential coaching vacancies.

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the better records in the NBA at 48-30, and that has transpired due to contributions from Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the roster overall, as well as from the influence of members of the coaching staff like Sean Sweeney.

Dec 19, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Sean Sweeney reacts / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

After the Mavs' run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, Sweeney drew head coaching interest around the league, including an interview with the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz before they hired other candidates.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Sweeney remains a "rising name" in coaching circles ahead of the offseason, with the Hornets already needing to replace Steve Clifford.

"Sean Sweeney, the well-regarded Mavericks assistant, met with the Hornets then as well, sources said, and remains a rising name in coaching circles," Sweeney said.

The Mavs underwent a significant amount of coaching staff changes last offseason, including the departure of top assistant Greg St. Jean to the Phoenix Suns. Sweeney remains an integral element of how Dallas operates.

Sweeney is currently expected to assist Luka Doncic's Slovenian national team as a member of the coaching staff during the pre-Olympic qualification process.

"There are several things that intrigue me. First and foremost is getting to coach a guy like Luka in his international team setting," Sweeney told DallasBasketball.com. "FIBA, I've always enjoyed watching, love watching Euroleague, love watching different things having to do with international basketball."

In the meantime, Sweeney's focus remains on helping the Mavs achieve their playoff goals. The team has strongly solidified its outlook to avoid the play-in tournament with the fifth seed in the Western Conference.