Those things add up to him being a "great" coach? Really? I expected some more concrete reasons that he's a "great" coach... Like... handling himself like a professional is relevant to being a great coach? How is it that some of the greatest coaches ever have personality quirks and are criticized for that sort of thing? Nelson is one of the best coaches ever, and he's a bit of a joke in terms of professionalism and how he's dealt with some issues with his players. I am not going to go down your list, but that he "has shown willingness to change his style as a coach when he feels it's necessary" is not much of a statement. He has NOT changed his style in terms of pace (he's been consistently slow in both places he's been) and if he doesn't have good judgment to determine when it's necessary, then the statement is meaningless. Ed O.
Handling yourself as a professional is key if you expect your players to act like professionals. So yes, to me, it's important. I don't the current Don Nelson is a great coach, and part is that is because he no longer acts like a professional, and in turn, neither do most the players on the Warriors. I think allowing his PG to call plays is a change in style, considering that isn't something he's done before. If you expect him to change all his core principles to prove that he has a willingness to change, then of course we won't agree. I didn't realize I said he was a "great coach" in this thread. I still by NBA standards, he's an above average coach. I guess it is safe to say every NBA coach is a great coach, but I know even some wouldn't agree with that.
There is one most important thing he is missing. A thing that sets apart the great coaches, from the good coaches. The ability to think outside the box. If something doesn't seem right, you have the balls to make a change, regardless who's ego is hurt.
I don't understand this post at all. I don't see any points made that counter what I've said. You asked for my opinion and I gave it to you. I could spend a year coming up with statistics and visual evidence that Nate is a good coach, and you still wouldn't believe me, so I suppose it doesn't matter what I say. Every fan base has a vocal minority who always criticizes the coach and think they know better.
