<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The SuperSonics have reached a verbal agreement to re-sign Coach of the Year front-runner Nate McMillan this summer.</div> <font size="1">From the Chicago Sun-Times rumour mill.</font> Seems to be only a rumour, but if it's true it will be a very good move, IMO, for this ball club. Nate has been fantastic this season, and with a plethora of free agents on the roster this off-season, getting Nate signed up ASAP is a big boost in terms of stability and priorities.
Nate has proven himself worthy of a contract extension. The question is whether or not someone with a vacancy is willing to offer Nate more than what Howard is willing to offer him. The Sonics will be penny pinching and I won't be surprised if they low ball Nate. If Nate does leave, I think that we would benefit from giving Duane an opportunity. It wouldn't be a big transition from the players who will be returning, and I think that the new players may be a bit more receptive to Duane's up front personality. I'm not rooting either way. I'm fine with Nate staying and I'm fine with him coaching somewhere else next season. He has come along way from last year and although he has a ways to go, he is definitely one of the better coaches in this league.
I want him gone next season. I don't think we'll have the same team, and I don't think he can coach a new group of players.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Casual:</div><div class="quote_post">I want him gone next season. I don't think we'll have the same team, and I don't think he can coach a new group of players.</div> Based on what? He's earnt his extension, I don't think it's fair to deny him that just on a gut feeling.
What's different about this year's team? Rashard has matured. Vladimir has accepted his role. Danny and Nick arrived. Reggie and Luke improved. How much did Nate McMillan have to do with any of that? What has he done besides let the team run free to develop chemistry? You can say the team is losing because of injuries, but that's not what I don't like. I don't like the way we lose. There's no "die trying" attitude. Everybody has basically quit until the playoffs, and Nate hasn't done a single thing about it, nor has he shown the capability of being able to do anything. I'm not saying he's not a good coach, but he's not the right one for this team. He hasn't shown the ability to either control his players or develop winning game plans. What he has shown is the ability to create a situation where players can succeed if they play up to their capabilities. The problem is, Nate's not the one who can take them to the top of their game. That's why I don't think he's right to coach a young team who doesn't know how to win.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Casual:</div><div class="quote_post">What's different about this year's team? Rashard has matured. Vladimir has accepted his role. Danny and Nick arrived. Reggie and Luke improved. How much did Nate McMillan have to do with any of that? What has he done besides let the team run free to develop chemistry?</div> You don't think Nate has had anything to do with that? Player management is such a vital part of coaching. Nate's given the reigns to Luke and had faith in him for the entire season. Did Vlad suddenly wake up one morning and suddenly decide to accept his role. Did Rashard wake up that same morning and suddenly go "Hey, I might start playing like an All-Star this season"? He's given Nick the opportunities to shine, and he's gotten more out of Danny Fortson than just about any other coach has. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">You can say the team is losing because of injuries, but that's not what I don't like. I don't like the way we lose. There's no "die trying" attitude. Everybody has basically quit until the playoffs, and Nate hasn't done a single thing about it, nor has he shown the capability of being able to do anything.</div> So you don't give Nate credit for the positives that have evolved in the playing group this season, yet you blame him for the negatives that are plaguing us at the moment? This is a young basketball team being run by a sophomore point guard, they would be worn out by this point in the season anyway. Having half the rotation out isn't exactly going to help. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not saying he's not a good coach, but he's not the right one for this team. He hasn't shown the ability to either control his players or develop winning game plans. What he has shown is the ability to create a situation where players can succeed if they play up to their capabilities. The problem is, Nate's not the one who can take them to the top of their game. That's why I don't think he's right to coach a young team who doesn't know how to win.</div> Each to their own, I think you're making unfair assumptions, and that Nate deserves the chance to at least try to prove he is capable of handling the team next season, no matter what it looks like. He's been brilliant with guys like Luke and Nick, and he should be the one helping them realise what they are capable of in this league.
Very critical Casual. Nate has done something this season that few coaches can ever say they have done. Take a team that wasnt a playoff team and make them into a title contender without any major roster changes. What in the world does the guy have to do to deserve to be back? Or was it just impossible for him deserve a chance to return as coach in your mind?
Brining back Nate is key. We have so many free agents that we need to ensure as much stability as we can.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">You don't think Nate has had anything to do with that? Player management is such a vital part of coaching. Nate's given the reigns to Luke and had faith in him for the entire season. Did Vlad suddenly wake up one morning and suddenly decide to accept his role. Did Rashard wake up that same morning and suddenly go "Hey, I might start playing like an All-Star this season"?</div> Even his management has been sketchy this season. Before the injuries, the Sonics had players on the bench who could have played more of a role. I don't blame Nate for sticking with a winning lineup, but looking back, he barely tried to use assets like Flip and Vitaly to their utmost abilities. Luke earned his job. Vlad took three years to get to this point. Rashard took six. The fact that they did it now is more a negative on Nate's part, because it took so long for both of them to be motivated enough. And I think the fact that they had to endure two losing seasons had a part in that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> So you don't give Nate credit for the positives that have evolved in the playing group this season, yet you blame him for the negatives that are plaguing us at the moment?</div> Uh, I didn't say that. Every negative I mentioned is Nate's job as a coach to overcome. I said I wasn't surprised the Sonics were losing. I'm not surprised they're worn out. What bothers me is that our coach wasn't doing anything to help that before the injuries (such as resting players more), and he's not doing anything now as far as motivation. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Each to their own, I think you're making unfair assumptions, and that Nate deserves the chance to at least try to prove he is capable of handling the team next season, no matter what it looks like. He's been brilliant with guys like Luke and Nick, and he should be the one helping them realise what they are capable of in this league.</div> Why are my assumptions unfair and yours sound? I attribute most of the success of the Sonics this year to their development as a team. Nate certainly had a big part in that, but when the team has needed more than a big brother, he hasn't stepped up to the plate. He brings a great element to the organization, but I don't believe he'll ever win a championship unless he is leading a team of maximized veteran players. The Sonics are not that type of team. After next year, it may be a bunch of kids again. If it is, Nate hasn't proven to be the type that can energize and motivate players into the type of unit that can win and continue winning. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Very critical Casual. Nate has done something this season that few coaches can ever say they have done. Take a team that wasnt a playoff team and make them into a title contender without any major roster changes. What in the world does the guy have to do to deserve to be back? Or was it just impossible for him deserve a chance to return as coach in your mind?</div> We're NOT a title contender. That's why I don't think Nate should be back. With our current situation, the chances of us winning a title is next to nothing. We have no defensive ability and not enough consistency. I don't blame management for bringing him back, and he has earned it by winning this many games. I just don't see how, with the players we have, that he'll ever put us in a position to win a championship. Most of the roster is still trying to learn how to win. If Nate can't teach them, how are they going to learn and improve enough to become winners? The time isn't right for Nate McMillan. He's better suited to lead the Sonics when they are at full strength, not a transitional mode as we are now. I hope I'm wrong.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Contrary to a report out of Chicago, Nate McMillan and the Sonics have not agreed to a new coaching contract. Far from it; they're not even discussing one. From the get-go, the two sides stated there'd be no conversation until after the season. Far be it from me to make the Sonics nervous, but several teams are prepared to make a bid for McMillan.</div> <font size="1">From Peter Vecsey and the New York Post.</font>
Nate did a great job this year. It's true we're not title contenders this year but that's not because Nate's holding us back. Fact is we don't have enough talent, no creators off the dribble, no low post presence. Getting to 50 with this squad's been pretty damn impressive. I will say that playing Rashard 36 minutes against Dallas made it seem like we're desperate for a win (which we are). Almost to the point of panic, though. Maybe Nate's feeling the pressure of his impending status as well.
One other thing - do we really think Nate was happy with the Robert Swift draft pick? Sure he might be good in 5yrs when he's playing for Indiana but the pre-draft buzz had the Sonics taking Al Jefferson - who sure would look good in the post or running the pick and roll right now.
