With the dismissal of Stotts, the coaching rumors have become the top story for the Atlanta Hawks. Here's a list of names being mentioned as possible head coaching canidates. - Del Harris (currently with Dallas) article requires registration - John MacLeod (currently with Denver) http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,3...2140018,00.html - Randy Whittman (currently with Minnesota) http://www.startribune.com/stories/511/4769471.html The Hawks are obviously in the rebuilding stage, and they are the most unclear team in the NBA heading into the off-season. What they do have in their favor is a high level of cap-space and a lottery pick. Of course we've seen free agents turn down money to play for a contender and it's going to take a big name to get players and fans excited about the Hawks again. Del Harris is the most recognizable name on the list, so he would be my first choice off that list.
Harris has the best reputation. McCleod is jocking the whole AARP issue, which I think is going to work against him. I know it's turning me off. Honestly, given the the Hawks are rebuilding right now and the fanbase is generally disgusted, why not bring in Whittman? He played in the ATL for almost 9 years and I think bringing in a "hometown" boy (so to speak) would be a good PR move, as it would show the fans that the ownership is interested in putting people who truly care about the team at the helm.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">Harris has the best reputation. McCleod is jocking the whole AARP issue, which I think is going to work against him. I know it's turning me off. Honestly, given the the Hawks are rebuilding right now and the fanbase is generally disgusted, why not bring in Whittman? He played in the ATL for almost 9 years and I think bringing in a "hometown" boy (so to speak) would be a good PR move, as it would show the fans that the ownership is interested in putting people who truly care about the team at the helm.</div> The logic behind McCloed is that one of these teams will hope that he catches lightning in a bottle like Hubie Brown did in Memphis.. However, for Atlanta's sake, he's NOT one I'd bank on a complete rebuild job on.. In Memphis, the team had the talent, but couldn't find a coach to PUSH that talent.. If you're looking for someone to REBUILD, Harris is the best choice.. He helped put the Lakers back on the map, before Phillip took over. He did the same with Milwaukee..
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The logic behind McCloed is that one of these teams will hope that he catches lightning in a bottle like Hubie Brown did in Memphis</div> Yeah, I understand. That was actually what the AARP comment eluded to. I don't like the fact that he's trying to convey that he could do what Hubie did, just because he's an "experienced" coach. If you're a good coach, then you're a good coach. Saying stuff like "older coaches are in vogue" right now, really turned me off. Good coaching knows no age.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">Good coaching knows no age. </div> Yes, it showed very well in Lawrence Frank's case. In Atlanta's case, however, I'd say that Harris would be the best choice as he is a pretty acclaimed figure around the league.
