MDA was co-COY in Houston and would get the most out of this roster - especially the backcourt. Simons would take a step forward. Nasir will likely be a PF/C in this system.
Not too excited about the prospect of having a guy who is notorious for amazing regular seasons and huge playoff letdowns. Obviously he'd put a really fun product on the court for us to watch. He probably would get Dame an MVP. Actually in order to justify the hiring after what Olshey said about defense, he'd have to bring in a big name defensive coordinator. So if that were the case then I'd be fine with it.
What makes you say that about Vanterpool? Monte was only an assistant for 5 years before he got a shot. Ime has been one longer
The Howard news was no surprise to me and to be honest i am surprised that part of the coaching rumor was not shot down quicker but whatever. I think the Blazers will TRY and swing big ala try and steal Erik S. from Miami and then "settle " for Billups or someone like that.
Curious on how we go about pursuing Spoelstra when he still has a job. I have no intention in compensating Miami to steal him away when our cupboards are dry.
I heard several NBA journalists mention over the last few days that Becky Hammond will never leave the Spurs...she's got that job as soon as Pop calls it a day and she's been groomed over Pop's other assistants...there she has security, here she'd have a lot to prove and no time to ease into winning..it'd be an unnessasary pressure cooker
Raja Bell referenced his time with D'Antoni on his podcast today: paraphrasing I love Mike and think he's great. Our focus in Phoenix was on offense. We shot 100s of shots at pre-practice, post-practice and most of what we did was based around how we were gonna play offensively. I liked it. But that was what we defaulted to. 4th quarter, minute and half to go, we have to get a stop.... the focus was still on offense. Defense has to be beaten into you and we didn't necessarily do that. That's OK. Some coaches are offensive minded, some are defensive minded. We had some really good individual defenders like Shawn Marion, but you're only as good as your weakest link and not everyone was bought in on that end of the court. Nash had limitations physically and was tasked with so many things to do on offense. But other guys did not really mind if they blew a defensive coverage. I didn't really mind because I was defensive-minded and could help out, but that can only last like three possessions. On the fourth possession, human nature kicks in and you go, "well WTF am i doing busting my ass helping you out every time down?!" One possession it's ok, but if it happens over and over again, it eats away at the fabric of your team. ^^^ this is the culture that a coach creates. If the coach is not preaching and yelling at guys for making mistakes in practice or in games, they will keep lazing around on that end. We need a hard-ass on defense like Thibs to improve this team. Not sure MDA is it even if i like him. The assistant can only do so much when the head coach really doesn't bother on that end of the floor.
I agree with Raja that the coach creates the culture. However, I think it's possible to focus & preach defense without always yelling and being a 'hard ass'. Those types can only coach so long before the team tunes the coach out.
I believe there are some speculation but none i have read 3rd plus hand info off boards that Erik S "might " be in play cause of ownership stuff but to be honest not sure i buy it but still something i hope is true. Also i would gladly give up a pick for him he has shown to be a good coach and right now outside of getting rid of CJ for another 2nd piece to Dame the coaching is this teams biggest area of need so i say WORTH it.
Juwan Howard was the one guy listed that I thought could’ve “stolen” the job. By that I mean the one guy that could’ve convinced Olshey to pass on Billups.
Sure, I agree with that. I care more about holding everyone accountable. Doesn't need to be a screamer, but if they make a mistake, call it out and teach! Stotts did not do that.
I haven't seen the data, but I'll take your word for it. Maybe he'll come in and have us looking like the 2004 Pistons on defense, that would be awesome!
How did Spoelstra’s name even get brought up. He’s not going anywhere. I’m quite sure he’s waiting to get Riley’s job.
