this was always headed to a competition for any coveted coaches. If Boston has interest in Billups, it's very likely Billups would listen to the Boston pitch before he decides. It's entirely possible that Portland wants Billups but Billups wants Boston
First let's address the rumor of Erik S. -- I was loving the idea of it but to be honest i also knew it was a SUPER longshot AND if it had any legs then we would hear something from Woj within 72 hours but as much as i might be sad to see the rumor ( prolly Die ) it's good we can move on to more realistic options. Billups -- The "charge " from his past concerns me a little but it was OVER 20 years ago and people learn from there past and we have no idea what really happened. On the hardwood side of things he is a gamble cause this would be his 1st head coaching gig so anything is possible. I am not against this hire if it were too happen but taking of Erik S almost every other option has possible warts that could prevent the hire from being a great one. Now Becky Hammon -- I have NOTHING against a women being a NBA HC and while i would endorse the hire it would make MORE sense IF she was brought in to be the coach IF the Blazers blew it up cause there would be a TON of pressure on her to help the Team and Dame get a Ring and that might be hurting her in the long run and the idea of talented women coaching in the NBA. Last and certainly least -- Mike D'Antoni -- Nothing against him but he seems like a lateral move from Stotts but it would also be the safest hire but i just cannot see him being the one to lead this team to a title.
The leash actually went the other way for black coaches. They were noted for being fired prematurely under the guise, “see, told you.” I could see it going either way for Hammon. However, since this is Portland, I highly doubt she’d be fired prematurely unless we absolutely fucking sucked.
I think MDA is better than a lateral move from Stotts. Someone on the Fan today said no D'Antoni team had ever been in the bottom 10 in defense. That is better than Stotts right off the bat. Then he coach 2 players to MVP seasons and was within a couple of flukes of 2 titles. He's not my favorite, but IMO would be a BIG improvement over Stotts.
Not to mention MDA consistently (as far as I recall) got out of the first round of the playoffs when he made it. It is completely laughable that MDA and Stotts are even mentioned in the same breathe. Totally different tier of coaching. That’s like saying Tracy McGrady and JR Smith are comparable SGs.
You know what, whenever I get the slightest bit impatient and wanting to see a hire... I remember that today marks another day that Terry stotts isn't our coach anymore. And that, my friends, is a good day.
Ha! It’s been Olshey’s decision to have the same coach for the past 9 years. If he wanted a shot with a new coach why didn’t he make it happen awhile ago?
I think the first female refs didn't get a long leash - didn't one get fired pretty quick? As someone else pointed out, Stotts got 9 years. If we give Hammon 9 years, I guess that's gender equality? If she's the best available coach, or the best fit for whatever other reason, then hire her. barfo
If we hire MDA I think we would have the number 1 offense next year. I also think we would be a top 4 seed. I also think we would lose in the second round.
For years we have lacked height except at Coach. Stotts was 6-7, so to improve, Olshey must hire a 6-9 coach.
