(remember, Vance accurately broke the news regarding Bickerstaff a couple weeks ago) Today, on W@W, Vance related that his sources have told him that KP (while in NJ) was telling some of his peers that, indeed, he'll be terminated a couple of days following the draft. Vance indicated that the same time-frame will apply regarding the dismissals of Dean D. and Prunty. FWIW.................
I just hope Vulcan/Paul Allen give the fans a clear explanation of why KP was fired. I doubt it but I think we deserve it.
Here's your explanation. It's a results-oriented, brutal business. KP just couldn't get this team to the next level, even before Oden went down. Allen doesn't owe anyone explanations for front office shuffling IMHO.
I still don't buy it. KP/Nate got the team to the playoffs with a 54-win season. There's NO doubt in my mind the team would have been poised to be in this season's WCF had it not been for all those injuries. Nothing KP has done (or not done) would deserve his canning, IMO. /rant re-run
I totally disagree. I don't think this has anything to do with the team he's put together. I think PA is smart enough to realize what the team went through this year. I think KP/Penn did something behind closed doors to get on PA's bad side.
So he's being punished for not getting the team to the "next level" in those 21 games to start last year? Some standard...
He's being fired for not getting the team to the "next level", yet he is apparently in charge of the draft in a year where many players will be drafted with sign-and-trades for FAs in mind. It makes no sense. Why didn't they just can him right after the season and get on with the future? Nothing Vulcan has done with this team inspires any confidence in me thinking they are making a good decision.
I think PA believes Pritchard is a really really good scout, but I think Pritchard's hesitation in trading some of his guys to consolidate and upgrade the roster (he even admitted he could be rightlfully accused of 'loving his guys' too much) may have played a role in this. I also think that Durant coming in second in MVP voting while Oden misses yet another season probably combined to do him in.
I think you're right in that it was picking Oden, even if Allen eventually became convinced of the pick by Pritchard. Paul likes basketball to be exciting; I imagine he had to be convinced about Oden being the obvious pick over Durant.
Sure, Allen could be making changes because he personally doesn't like the results so far. Doesn't mean it's the right decision, either, nor can he guarantee getting a GM as good as Pritchard.
For some reason, I have an uncomfortable feeling about him. Can't place my finger on it but he kind of reminds me of Whitsitt Lite.
I know a lot of folks want to know why he is going to be fired. But did you ever think that possibly, just possibly, that what he did to get fired, is also something that might keep him from getting another job somewhere else, but they like him, so by not announcing it, they are giving him a reprieve? You may all find out why he was let go etc, but those same reasons, might keep him from ever getting a job again if they were public, and maybe the organization doesn't want it that way. Maybe it is something they want to go away, but they can't. The facts are, that sometimes people do stupid shit that get's them shitcanned out of a job.
Not everyone is eager to be told how to do their job. Another yes-man GM here we come. In 2-3 years you'll be told what you are doing wrong by some mystery company and fired, though.
