But first-year general manager Ed Stefanski isn't worried about Miller's status affecting his coaching search. ``I think they will be lining up to coach here,'' said Stefanski. ``Coaching in the NBA, especially coaching the core of players we've got, we have good players that people would like to coach. I don't have any issue that the people that are available will line up.'' Ex-Wizards and Kings coach Eddie Jordan seems to be the front-runner for the job. Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau is also a potential candidate, and Doug Collins also has been mentioned. It's safe to say that being able to communicate well with players is trait Stefanski values. ``There are a few things I really look for in a coach. One thing I look for is a communicator,'' Stefanski said. ``A communicator is huge in any walk of life, especially when you're coaching NBA players. A communicator is one that is high on my list. Also a guy that is a leader and will hold the players accountable, which I think is very important. I also want a coach who can develop players. I know when you bring in young kids and young draft picks, you need people that can develop them. Obviously, the X-and-O part of it is going to be part of it, too.'' While the Sixers hope that Miller re-signs, one guy they don't want back is ex- Celtics center Theo Ratliff. Stefanski said Ratliff didn't return his phone calls or attend the exit meeting. Asked if Ratliff could be back, Stefanski said, ``I don't think so. No. I'm not interested in re-signing Theo.''

Taking a peek

Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, Miami, Portland, and San Antonio are among the teams crashing a draft workout held by the Rockets in Houston this weekend. Per new NBA rules, any team can attend another team's workout as long as they share in the cost. The workout will include about 40 players, predominantly college seniors. Only six players are allowed on the floor at a time, which means no five-on-five full-court play. This is the first time teams have decided to take advantage of the new rule. ``It's marginal guys, second-round guys that may be drafted,'' said an NBA source about the Houston workout. ``It's a way to save money and utilize the rule that allows other teams to come.'' The Celtics , who have only the 57th overall pick in this year's draft, are expected to begin workouts in Waltham soon.

Musical chairs

There were two surprising celebrity sightings near the Celtics bench during Games 4 and 6 in Orlando. Rapper Lil Wayne sat in a baseline seat about 10 feet away from the bench during Game 4, and in Game 6, troubled R&B singer Chris Brown sat in the same seats alongside rappers Bow Wow and Juelz Santana. Also sitting near Brown were a mammoth security guard and two arena security guards. Upon seeing the music stars in Game 6, Nets forward Vince Carter rushed over to say hello from a nearby seat. The bodyguard nervously jumped up before recognizing Carter.

He will be missed

Condolences are in order to the family of Wayman Tisdale, who died Friday at 44. He not only was a fantastic post player, but also happened to be a stellar jazz artist, too. ``We are deeply saddened with the news on the passing of Wayman Tisdale,'' said co-owner Herb Simon of the Pacers, one of three teams Tisdale played for in the NBA. ``His personality, his smile, his laugh, and his positive outlook on life were such that anyone who ever came in contact with Wayman immediately loved him. He was a very good Basketball player, but an even better human being. He was a much-loved and respected member of the Pacers family. The Indiana Pacers send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Regina, their children and the entire Tisdale family.''

Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears @globe.com