*As an assistant You're forgetting that Rick Carlisle is one of the toughest sons of bitches to coach in the NBA.
No, actually I'm not, and exactly where are the "tough Mavs" this season? Same coach, Stotts has the better record.
and that's a kindness shown there santee....I stay fit but I'm still 60..cue the soundtrack...old man river, that old man river.....
Coaches get fired when the players stop listening and that hasn't happened yet. That's why Nate got fired.
Time will tell. You can disagree if want. But I think the team in some ways has quit on this season. And it happened awhile ago. No points for this game this evening. You are going to get up for the Heat.
If anything they are frustrated, but after tonight's game I don't see how you can see quit in this team. Blazers hit one, just one of the many open threes they missed and the Blazers get a W.
I think the makeup of the team has a lot to do with it more than Stotts. Batum has a streak of 4-5 good games and coasts for the next 4-5 games. His inconsistency is becoming the norm. It's not what you what from a guy the team is paying $11m/per. I'd like to see him get his PER over 15 as well. He's not worth that contract. Since the All-Star break this team has had ZERO low-post threat as LMA has morphed into primarily a jumpshooter .....again. The bench, don't get me started on this bench.
And what about the other night in Charlotte? When I say quit. I mean quit fighting. Ill say it again, this game doesn't count because any team is going to bring their best against the defending world champs. But honestly, for this season, without getting two dramatic. The managment spoke loud and clear on this season when they need to make a move. LA and Damion were sending signals that they were getting tired and they needed help. Managment didn't respond. So I put just as much resposibility on the management as I do the players
Didn't respond? Lopez has been nothing short of amazing, Mo has keep the bench consistently afloat, and T-Rob is coming along. There's only so much that can be done with limited assets and Neil has done a considerable job.
I feel bad for Lopez. He brings it every night and gets no help down low. Aldridge needs to come back.
The last time I checked the team is comprised of 12 players not three. Limited assets is one thing. But this management team had several different opportunities on several fa's and I'm not sure they even tried tried to bolster a weak spot on the frontline. Atleast make it appear your trying. Don't sent the message to your team that you are throwing in the towel on the season.
I agree, and that's why I was so disappointed that they didn't reach out when Thibideau's lead assistant was fired; reportedly for being too outspoken.
Defense is a mess most nights, especially against pick/roll. Offensive execution late in games nowhere to be found. Understand not calling t/o last night, but who was that last play for? Look like Dame & Wes BOTH thought it was for himself. Other losses where we had a chance to win/tie on last possession come to mind. Golden State: Batum air ball fade away 3 (plenty of time for a better shot or t/o). Houston: after the Harden 3 to tie, that backdoor lob to Dame was a lame idea. Dallas/Clippers/SA (home): all games we had lead in 4th & down the stretch looked disorganized/out of sync. Lakers: great comeback, but give up the lead on a lob? Almost as bad, our last possession with Dame just dribbling around unsure of whether to drive or shoot a 3. Waited too long & had to pump fake/fade away to get a shot off (air ball). OKC, Pacers, loss @ NO, 1st Miami game at home . . . all games that came down to final possession & it just felt chaotic. Of course opponents ratchet up the defense when the games on the line, but we can't buy a decent shot attempt in those situations. It appears Stotts is searching himself. Where's the ball going? Call t/o or let it ride? Go for the tie/OT or the win? You watch the better teams play & more times than not they get a good look in those situations. You can't make them all, but give yourself a chance. All of these close losses aren't just bad fortune. Down the stretch of close games other teams are attacking our defense and getting good shots off, while we end up with a low % attempt if we don't turn it over. Some of that is b/c we don't have a Lebron, CP3, KD, Harden, etc. to bail us out when plays break down. But some of it falls on the coaching staff as well. Adjustments need to be made & time is running out. Still undecided about Stotts, but have a feeling I won't be undecided when season is over (one way or another).
