Thanks for helping bring the Blazers back to respectability, Nate. Things didn't go as planned with Roy and Oden in terms of a Big Three, but coaching not one, but two players to an All-Star level, with them playing different positions, with Nate as their only coach, says a lot to me. Good luck in the future to Nate, and at this point, I'm sure that Nate, Cho, and KP are a lot happier than they were when they worked for a Little Girl named Paul Allen.
I commend Nate for getting the most out of the team when we went through that spell where a player got injured every game. We still made the playoffs and that team never quit -- unlike this current group. We really did need a coach like him after the Jail Blazer era to knock some discipline into some of the guys that were here. But these past few weeks were just brutal and there was no way the team could've gone forward with the way it was going.. and usually that means the coach. It's unfortunate and I think he even saw the writing on the wall and he needed a change, and so did the franchise.
He did a hell of a job helping turn this franchise around after the JailBlazer era. Its sad the team had to quit on him like they did but i'd like to thank him for making me a believer again after the 2004 season.
I know there are two guys who would never care what any of us posters think, Nate and Gerald Wallace, and I respect them both for that, plus a lot of other stuff. They are good men.
A monkey could've coached a team with a prime Brandon Roy and done just as well. I say good riddance. Nate got more credit than he deserved. This season has made it painfully obvious how GREAT Roy was. #3 SG in the entire league when he was healthy. Roy was the real coach. Roy kept the team and the locker room together, even when he was out last year. I realize this nowmore than ever, although he has always been a noted leader. He retires and this team blows out of the gate on fumes and then utterly collapses when no one is there to bring it together. Only a bunch of crying vets whose best leadership qualities are being the first ones to bitch and moan. Shame on NATE for never having true control over his own team and letting this happen. He deserves it.
Hell I would've taken Roy over Wade at one point in time. Wade is/was definitely flashier and that tends to get more recognition. Not trying to be biased, and maybe I am a little, but Roy was truly an all-around better player. I hope he comes back to the league in a couple years Grant Hill-style, would love to have the privilege again. But...
Point is Appreciation, not that ^ crap Props to Nate for being a dedicated coach and never giving in.
Nate I wish you only the best and future success. Sucks that you had the terrible injuries that ruined any chances of brining a championship to Portland. I have no doubt you'll have success elsewhere!
After Mo Cheeks, Nate was a breath of fresh air. He wasn't a great coach, but he was a good coach, and I'm not sorry the team hired him.
Threads like these always separate the true fans of the game from the immature trolls. A Tip of the Cap to the best coach the Blazers ever had. Sorry PA never gave you a decent roster to work with.
I respect how Nate was as a player and a coach, getting the most out of what he had, and never giving up. The guy is a hard-working dude and brighter days are ahead.
Oh come on, like it was Allen's fault. He tried but the stars faded (Roy and Oden). You think we would have this condo if they were healthy?
Joe Freeman @BlazerFreeman As the #Blazers were leaving the hotel for the United Center tonight, a surprise was greeting them in lobby: Coach Nate McMillan.
Joe Freeman @BlazerFreeman McMillan personally approached every #Blazers player and coach who wanted to talk, hugged them, said goodbye and wished them well. #classy
Now you are just being silly. Edit: Dr Jack - 10 seasons, 453 wins Adelman - 5+ seasons, 291 wins Carlesimo - 3 seasons, 137 wins Schuler - 2+ seasons, 127 wins Nate - 6+ seasons, 266 wins 4 guys with a superior winning %, and 3 of them had shorter tenures than Nate.
Yes. Yes, they do. I'm sure Dr. Jack Ramsay appreciates your acknowledgement of his Hall of Fame coaching career. But really, this is SUPPOSED to be the Nate McMillan Appreciation Thread. BNM
