What Bell talks about would have applied to Blazers under Stotts, I think. I do know that at some time D'Antoni started putting a much greater emphasis on defense.
I would assume every team does and Portland was not horrible at transition averaging 11.6 points a game from fast break for 19th in the league. But just a half more point would have had them 13th I was responding to a statement about pace though
Instinct. He doesn't have "It." Ime we'll see if anybody else thinks he's ready. Guaranteed we won't.
Getting a rookie coach when you are in win now mode? Doesnt make sense to me. Dantoni may not improve the d, but i doubt hell make it worse, and he'll get more out of the offense
He gets a lot of credit for his great offense, but teams coached by D’Antoni actually perform at least at a league average level on defense, unlike Stotts coached teams. From Sam Amick article in the Athletic:
MDA is growing on me, especially if he brings Ime. I like the idea of Billups turning us into a hard nosed team like his Detroit teams but I don’t see that happening with the current roster and if Neil is serious about the roster as is then maybe super charging the O with MDA makes the most sense. Worst case scenario he skyrockets Dames trade value next season.
I’ve seen enough of MDA between Phoenix Houston New York and LAL to have a good idea what you are getting. And it’s fine. Stotts was fine. He’s a good coach. But I just think they need someone younger with energy and toughness...I just don’t want a guy who’s been around for 20 years. Just don’t.
Our defense man.... Monte Morris vs us - 15.3 ppg on 44% from the field and 41% from three. Monte Morris vs Suns - 2.5 ppg on 11% from the field and 14 from three. Austin Rivers vs US - 11.5 ppg on 47% from the floor and 48% from three. Austin Rivers vs Suns - 6.5 ppg on 33% from the floor and 25% from three.
I don’t want someone who “probably won’t make it worse” though. Kerr, Nash, Lue, guys have stepped in and won before without much/any experience.
The big plus for Billups is the players will respect him and relate to him. And he'll be tough. And I suspect the players would accept him being tough on them better than from someone like D'Antoni.
The only other guys being talked about have 0 experience as hc. So we dont know how they will affect eithet end.
Pj carlisimo was brought in to be tough. They fired adelman who almost went on to win a title with the kings
