This discussion of replacing Stotts seems odd to me. The guy has taken a team that nobody gave a shot to do anything to the 5th seed in the West and is a serious candidate for COY. I can respect that some of you have been consistent in your complaints about Stotts all season, but it seems to me that you ought to at least wait to see how the rest of the series goes. I'll guarantee you that the Blazers would look like prime time idiots dumping Stotts after the way the season has gone and the way his players love him. What coach who's better than he is would want to come to an organization that would dump his predecessor after achieving way more success than anyone dreamed of?
Unfortunately, I agree that it would look bad and therefore the Blazers won't make a change for a few more years. However - and I realize there are some important differences - GSW hired Mark Jackson after a single losing season under Smart. Jackson started with a team that he coached to a 23-43 record, and in his 3rd year had a record of 51-31 with two Playoff appearances, and one series win. He was then replaced after - by all metrics - having done a great job. I am still very much interested to see what Stotts does the rest of the series. I personally don't think he's cut out for the Playoffs, but I'm always willing to change my opinion as new information becomes available. But based on some posts about Lillard coming up with 6 plays to get off-ball scoring opportunities I think he's the true coach of the team.
Yup. I have my reservations about Stotts, but I do also realize the psychological aspects of what would happen if we just cut bait. Look at Sacremento. lol. Look at those teams who fire a coach after a playoff run. Thibs got fired because of the teams' injuries pretty much... though, his 'run 'em to the ground' style probably had a little to do with it.
Not too shabby of a comparison. Leonard is actually a better shooter (Leonard TS% of 58.2% compared to Jones TS% of 56.4%) and a much better rebounder (Leonard 4.1 rpg compared to Jones 1.9 rpg). James Jones was able to carve out a 13 year NBA career. Solid role player. Every team needs guys like that.
Whilst our guards get pushed, by the trap, almost back up to the half court line by opponents defense, when we're trying to initiate the offense - and when on the other end our big does nothing to deter the opponent guard curling off of a screen - then Nothing will change. We haven't changed. Stotts has not adjusted all season to this - teams know it . They have just ramped up the exploit of our team here in the playoffs. They already know the winning formula against us. If we see the same old shit from Stotts - we are doomed. Opposition PGs must drool when they see the Blazers on their schedule.
Great point. It's very hard to go from GOOD to GREAT. I think Stotts is a GOOD coach. I don't think he has it in him to become a GREAT coach. I don't think I would replace Stotts just to replace him, but if I am NO -> I definitely would kick the tires on a few of the other coaching candidates before extending Stotts.
