http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2010/06/trail_blazers_coach_nate_mcmil_1.html Looks like the speculation about Bickerstaff may have been true after all.
I'm fine with McMillan wanting more experience on the bench--it shows that he's not perfect and is still learning. Something tells me McMillan wasn't too pleased with the staff's work during the playoffs. Maybe he was frustrated that his staff (including him) couldn't figure out how to adjust to Grant Hill guarding Miller etc
I'm kinda surprised to hear Dean Demopoulos might not be retained, anyone know why? He's been with Nate for nine years.
I would be surprised if both those assistants are not retained. We do have an opening with Monty leaving so Bernie could fill that spot.
Interesting! Dean was the defensive "wizard" on the staff. He was the main one that wanted to "slow things down" to keep T.O.'s to a minimum. Why they are getting rid of Prunty is beyond me, other then Monty asked him to come to NOLA.
It says in the article that Prunty will probably go coach with Avery Johnson in NJ (since Prunty used to work for Avery). And Dean is looking to coach somewhere and McMillan doesn't want all his assistants leaving to coach.
Well then, he's the one that should be gone. Ultimately, the failure to make adjustments over a 6 game series falls directly on the head coach. Here's how you adjust to Grant Hill guarding Andre Miller - PASS THE BALL TO NICOLAS BATUM. HE"S BEING GUARDED BY AN ANCIENT MIDGET WHO CAN'T GUARD HIS OWN SHADOW.. What the hell is so hard to figure out. Now, two months later, Nate finally tells Batum to work on his post up game so he can take advantage of shorter defenders. That should have taken two minutes, not two months. BNM
No, McMillan told Batum to work on his post up game in their exit interviews (the day AFTER they were eliminated). Sure, it falls on McMillan for not making the adjustment but he's admitted that he messed up. If anything this SHOWS/PROVES that he needs some more help (more experienced assistant coaches etc). Making Batum become a play maker in the playoffs was just asking for disaster. The playoffs is NOT the time to experiment with new sets. As McMillan said he should have planned for this during the season and come up with some plays but he didn't because he didn't trust Batum's play making ability (or for some other reason that we don't know about). Also, don't forget that Batum was HORRIBLE against the Rockets during that series so McMillan didn't even CONSIDER adding plays for Batum over that summer (for obvious reasons). Then Batum gets hurt for half the season (can't add plays when the player is hurt). Then Batum comes back and explodes offensively. Lets face it, with all the injuries this season McMillan and his staff were focused on just trying to stay afloat let alone thinking ahead to the playoffs and matchups etc. Its easy for us to monday morning quarterback--but the fact that we got 50 wins with 300+ missed games is amazing. Hopefully these new assistants will insert some better offensive plays for next season. One can only hope.
Nate should step down. When your staff isn't getting the job done, it's a direct reflection upon yourself. It's amazing the amount of credit he is given for turning this team around when 90% of the turnaround was personnel changes, not his coaching. He couldn't even figure out he needed to start Andre Miller over Steve Blake. I'm not saying that coaching isn't a tough profession, but he sure gets a lot of leeway for one second round playoff appearance with a different team over the last decade. When you start winning rings is when should be getting the leeway he has now. Rant over.
I wonder if this had anything to do with Nic's offensive struggles? Ya know, maybe? I guess Nate just hasn't mastered the Mr. Miyagi "healing hands" technique yet. What a jerk.
If that's the case, Nate should have replaced himself. If he wants to surround himself with head coaches, maybe in a way he is.
I wonder if this is truly coming from Nate? DD has been with Nate for so long, that I ind it curious that Nate himeslf would make a change.
Well, McMillan is in the last year of his contract (if I'm not mistaken) so maybe Bickerstaff is being positioned to take over for McMillan after next season?
I can't wait to see McMillan leave and then the new coach just sucks and we tank. Can't wait to hear all the anti McMillan posters begging for McMillan to come back. Some people don't realize just how good of a coach he is--but that's their problem.
I thought I had heard it somewhere that Dean was considering a college coaching gig (or was being pursued at least) and like others have said above, Prunty will like join Avery Johnson in New Jersey. Frankly, I think this turnover could be a blessing in disguise; if you're not going to replace your head coach and install a new voice, it can't hurt to get some other new voices for your players to be exposed to. I've always felt like fresh perspectives are a requirement for people to grow and every five years seems to be the norm in coaching circles. If they get a full-time big man coach, and if they can install a defensive scheme that doesn't involve switching every pick and roll and relying so heavily on zone defense then I don't think it's a bad thing. It probably won't hurt Nate to be surrounded with some different guys too.
