Stotts is an innovative coach in my opinion and like Brooks, Spoelstra and several others, part of the new wave of NBA coaches. The guard is changing in the league and the style of play is as well. I think Stotts is ahead of the curve with his system and given stability, will eventually show how good he is. The guy doesn't panic. He's smart and he has a vision for the way the game should be played. I call him a keeper but I can't say that about the assistant coaches on the bench. That's where we need the upgrade.
Have to reply to this.... so the vision for the game should be played is to endlessly shoot the 3 ball regardless of them going in or not. with Aldridge out did you not watch that? Most of them weren't even open. for several games I watched three guards handle the ball. run the pick and roll. look for options. when nothing appeared pass the ball off to the next guard. Repeat. That's certainly innovative and new age. I will say offence will be a struggle without the player the offence is designed around. But come on... Supposed to be an offensive guru. do you really like watching Meyers Leonard get PT? what has he done to earn the playing time over claver/t-rob? I hear looking like drift wood on the court is great for the team. Giving up layups when he obviously has some athleticism to at least contest shots. He wasn't the only problem in Charlotte but did you see Gary Neal drive to the bucket three times in a row and get layups on him? You know Gary Neal... the jump shooter... Playing Leonard is obviously innovative because he can "shoot" haven't seen it yet(besides at the line credit there he can make free throws) What is he getting minutes because he has a "jumper" (or so the M&M say he does. every time he misses a shot... or takes a three..."you don't mind him taking that, or he can make that") However I don't know if playing Leonard is Stotts decision. Guy was a high draft pick #11 I believe... Is he being told to play him to see if he isn't a complete bust? I haven't seen an improvement from last year to this... Oh sorry.. he played well for what two games after he came back from his.....................sprained ankle................... Thought he was turning the corner and figuring it out... But HA! was I wrong. So maybe that isn't on Stotts. But he's the coach, he "decides" the rotation. Has to be on him for playing a player who obviously can't play. Yes I'd bring Stotts back.. Simply because he overachieved this year. But He better not let another collapse happen next year...
His third year is a team option. Interesting. The team is showing signs of life. Almost as if they are getting ready to peak. But I wonder if they were to continue to spiral out of control if they would seriously think about not opting in. Lionell Hollins is still out there. And the fact that he isn't working makes me wonder if his eyes is on this position.
I think Hollins would be great as lead assistant right now, defensive coordinator just like Nate is in Indiana.
Hollins has a short fuse with players, that's why he lost his last job. That's how you damage a locker room. Stotts is an emotional rock, not easily fazed and not prone to mood swings. Hollins is a defensive specialist though, and it would be a good fit on the bench
Stotts is going to win 50 games in his second season as Blazers' coach. He isn't going anywhere. The team will pick up his option for 2014-15 barring some unforeseen surprise, such as a Pop or Phil Jackson deciding they want to coach in Portland. Getting rid of a coach who won 50 games is a huge risk. Stotts has earned his 3rd year, most definitely.
I can agree that Stotts has earned a 3rd year Doesn't change my mind that the Blazers need to upgrade the head coaching position if they wish to win a championship. Sorry, but his philosophies on both sides of the court are not conducive to winning a championship No offense should ever rely on the 3pt shot He either has the wrong system on defense or has the right one and can't teach it properly Ultimately we'll see how the playoffs shake out. That will be the best way to gauge him. See what kind of adjustments he makes in a 7 game series after teams take away Portland's strengths.
I think he's done a decent enough job. To any/all who are saying we should let him go, I ask whom would you replace him with? A coach who's currently unemployed? A coach who was just let go from another team? And if Gregg Poppovich or Phil Jackson EVER coach a Portland Trailblazers team, I will buy everyone on this forum a pizza.
I don't think Paul would be interested in either one of these guys. Actually I know he's not. He had a chance at one for two positions and he passed on him both times. Paul is looking to make history not dig back into it. I'm sure he's just fine with Stotts. It's his guy.
