DENVER — It has been the most turbulent two weeks in Denver Nuggets' history, and it might not be over yet.
Rather than return to the bench after a four-game suspension for a profane and ethnically insensitive outburst at a fan, coach Dan Issel took an indefinite leave of absence that left many to wonder if he will ever be back.
"I hope he does come back," acting coach Mike Evans said, "but I want what is best for him."
No timetable was set for Issel's return, though general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Saturday night he believed Issel would need only a day or two to make a decision.
Vandeweghe said Issel requested "some additional time to consider his future in terms of coaching the Nuggets. He wants to make sure his return to the sidelines is in his best interest and the best interest of the organization."
The Nuggets were scheduled to be off Sunday and Monday, then practice on Christmas before their home game against Minnesota on Wednesday.
If Issel plans to resign, he may have requested the additional time to work out a settlement with the team. Vandeweghe would not comment, saying instead, "Everybody in this organization hopes that Dan Issel will be associated with the Nuggets basically forever."
Issel, who also serves as the team president, earns $2.5 million this year. His contract runs another season.
On Dec. 11, Issel made an insensitive ethnic remark to a fan after a game against Charlotte. Responding to a taunt from the fan, Issel yelled back, "Go drink another beer, you Mexican . . . ," adding an expletive.