Yes, I have spoken with Nate before, but not about trades, he would never discuss those types of things out of school. My point way that anyone that had ever had a conversation with the guy knows right up front that he is a no bullshit guy, not afraid to express his opinion. Being that type of person, with the tenure he had, and the knowledge of what was going on in the locker room, I have to believe he had many conversations with managemant.
I'm not sad for Nate. Things worked out quite well for him in Ptd, in spite of this crazy season. As pointed out, he was with the Blazers for longer than the average stint, he built a good reputation as a displine coach who gets his players to play hard, and he is respected by most players out there. If he wants another coaching job, he will have that opportunity. During his time with the Blazers, Nate gave his life blood to the organization and Paul Allen made Nate a very wealthy man. It was a win win for both for 6 years . . . don't know if you can ask for more than that from a coach in the NBA before you start talking about the great ones.
I hate assholes, no matter which side they're on. No place for them in sports, IMO. But I guess some fans will sell their soul for a win.
It has been well documented by the O writers that from Day One Nate would prefer an all veteran team and has always preferred to play his more experienced players in games whenever possible. He played to win the present game, with the best tools at hand, no exceptions. A coach's coach. Fans want a touchy-feely coach to coddle the younger guys and gift them with PT when better players have earned it. Nate will be wearing a new ring long before PA does.
It was also well documented that Nate couldn't stand that scrubby Spanish PG by the name of Sergio Rodriguez.
Is Nate getting married again? (couldn't resist) Yes, Nate is a class act, so was Maurice Cheeks. But I still think it's possible to be a class act & a great coach - or have I been spending too much time watching the NCAA? I mean, Summitt, Vanderveer, Mulkey et al. And a class act does not have to baby players. Part of being a class act is expecting the same from the team. Which can certainly include winning. With grace.
WHAT? Oh, okay. You mean the NCAA WOMEN coaches. For a moment there I thought you were insane throwing words like "classy" around in the context of college coaches.
