Fratello Out of Clipper Picture

According to NBA sources, former Atlanta Hawk and Cleveland Cavalier coach Mike Fratello has withdrawn his name as a candidate for the Clippers’ coaching job.

Fratello originally withdrew as a candidate in May but he jumped back into the coaching search when the Clippers acquired Darius Miles, Keyon Dooling, Corey Maggette and Quentin Richardson on draft night last month.

But with the league’s free-agency signing period beginning Tuesday, Fratello has decided to pass on the Clippers again. Fratello, who was fired by the Cavaliers after the 1999 season, is expected to remain working as a television broadcaster.

Denver assistant John Lucas seemingly takes over as the top remaining Clipper candidate. Although Lucas said earlier in the week that he has not talked to the Clippers recently, he has not been working with the Nuggets’ summer league team.