Already winning more games this year than last year isn't a very good accomplishment. Mmmkay. Good luck with that one.
If you put it in context with the rest of the post instead of removing it, he admitted his regret last year (his words not mine) and had no flexibility to do anything this year. The post had nothing to do with the record but making moves around the deadline. Just to clarify.
I'd feel really terrible about it. Wright hasn't done a damn thing to earn a starting spot. If a player is going from the bench to the starting line-up it's NOT because they MIGHT be better as a starter than as a bench player. You move them because they prove to be too good to keep on the bench...or because whoever is currently starting has proven to be inadequate. Neither of those things have happened. And beside that, if BGD thinks it's a good idea you know that 99 times out of 100 it's NOT a good idea.
If anything, you move McCollum into the starting line-up, since he can play Wes' spot-up game. The problem is that other teams are bring CJ down into the post defensively, because he's so frail for a SG right now.
So a coaching change? I definitely agree that a change in coaching is probably the easiest way to see the most significant improvement. Are you thinking head coach, or bringing in a defensive assistant? I don't really know much about assistant-level coaches, but would be open to it. As for head coaches I read something about Thibs not being a sure-thing for CHI next year - he'd probably by my #1 pick. But I'd also look at Sloan, either Van Gundy, Hollins, and even Jackson and possibly Larry Brown. Beyond that I'd see if there's another Jeff Hornacek out there.
I don't remember him saying that. I do remember him saying that the shitty bench was a part of the plan last year, though.
You said he regrets not getting the team help for the stretch run. What you posted says he wishes he had spent more before the season, but didn't want to add help and lose flexibility last summer, so they didn't add help during the season.
Diaw was LeBron James when Wright was defending him. The worst, though, was when a ball got kicked out to Belinelli, and Wright backed off of him and allowed him to shoot. Even Wright hung his head after that boneheaded decision.
Yes he regretted it...and then didn't do anything about it at the deadline. This year, he was somewhat self-imposed handcuffed. In both instances, nothing was done and the same issues existed. No one is happier that they got of to such a great albeit over-their-skis start but it seems a shame when there are obvious issues that are similar to last season, to let that go undealt with at the deadline two years in a row. Then again, Portland office mantra since about 2000 has been, "Next Year".
That's not what you said, though. You said he regretted not getting the team help for the stretch run last year. That's not the case, according to his own words.
He regretted it so they couldn't make a stretch run because he underestimated it. Then he didn't address that regret at the deadline either last season or this season. If it's just a matter of nitpicking whatever point, I have a friend who will debate anything to the nth degree instead of the spirit of a conversation. I think you two would have fun.
Back atcha'. Perhaps we can meet in person sometime and grab a beer. I love spirited conversations with passionate Blazer fans.
I like that Neil was thinking long-term. Watching Patty Mills ought to tell you that you need patience.
I agree with long-term thinking but after not advancing passed the 1st round for well over a decade, I'm also ready to strike while the iron is hot. A 24-4 start seemed very hot but there were also issues to address. That was when anyone playing at the time had the most value. I'm sure Neil saw the hidden weaknesses as easily as we did. Not saying it would have won them a title or even landed them in the Finals but help was and still is needed. To just go on as is seems like driving in the Indy 500 with at really fast car that will only go 450 miles.
