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While it is true that the proverbial hot seat doesn’t exactly apply here, you have to admit that the most recent NBA coaching hires will be under the microscope – deservedly or not.? In this case, I am referring to Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro, Detroit’s Michael Curry, Phoenix’s Terry Porter, New York’s Mike D’Antoni and everyone’s favorite NBA nomad, Charlotte’s Larry Brown.? Here’s what to expect:
When I heard about this hire, the first thing that came to my mind was, “What were they thinking?”? Perhaps this was a case of desperation or perhaps the Bulls know something that the rest of us do not know.? Be that as it may, one thing is for certain: Del Negro has never coached in his life and will have to be a quick study for his tenure to be successful.?Because the Central Division is in complete overhaul mode, Del Negro’s job will be difficult, at best.? A seamless transition may be asking a bit much, but that’s what is going to have to happen if Del Negro wants to keep his job in?Chicago, especially?with the dysfunctional roster he has inherited.?
Curry, unlike Del Negro, has some familiarity with his roster, having been a player and assistant coach for the same team that hired him.? And Curry has some leadership ability as he was the former head of the players’ union; where there may be doubts are as to whether he can draw up X’s and O’s competently.? But I think that Pistons president Joe Dumars is more concerned about Curry getting the most out of his roster and getting them properly prepared for the playoffs – assuming Detroit gets that far.
In my estimation, Milwaukee dropped the ball by letting Porter go after just 2 seasons; so what if he missed the playoffs once during that stretch?? As it were, Porter didn’t have much to work with, so the Bucks even going to the playoffs is an achievement in and of itself.? That aside, Porter will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to lead Phoenix to the next level – in this case, the NBA championship.? At least he has a core of players to work with – Shaq, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire.? But he has big shoes to fill as their last coach was one Mike D’Antoni.? Which leads us to….
One would think that a successful coach such as D’Antoni would get some slack at their next coaching stop, no matter where that may be.? But this is New York, so that probably isn’t going to happen – especially with the expectations being as high as they are or will be.? But D’Antoni has some things working in his favor: he has a proven track record as he led the Phoenix Suns to 50+ wins while he was there.? He also has team president Donnie Walsh in his corner; Walsh, as is his tendency, will be creative in molding this Knicks team into one that D’Antoni has a fighting chance with.? Let’s hope their owner doesn’t get heavy-handed and meddle.
Typically, a Hall of Fame coach wouldn’t make this list, but you have to remember, this is the Charlotte Jordans Bobcats we’re talking about here.? The Bobcats need a healthy Sean May and Adam Morrison and it wouldn’t be too surprising if there’s a roster shakeup – which may or may not affect whatever team chemistry the Bobcats have at the moment.? Brown is going to have to be a true magician to make this club competitive – with a little help from Michael Jordan.? Perhaps Brown’s presence alone may add between 5-10 wins next year, so who knows?? But all of this aside, this will – or should be – Brown’s last NBA coaching stop.
New NBA Hires Under Scrutiny
????????????????????
While it is true that the proverbial hot seat doesn’t exactly apply here, you have to admit that the most recent NBA coaching hires will be under the microscope – deservedly or not.? In this case, I am referring to Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro, Detroit’s Michael Curry, Phoenix’s Terry Porter, New York’s Mike D’Antoni and everyone’s favorite NBA nomad, Charlotte’s Larry Brown.? Here’s what to expect:
When I heard about this hire, the first thing that came to my mind was, “What were they thinking?”? Perhaps this was a case of desperation or perhaps the Bulls know something that the rest of us do not know.? Be that as it may, one thing is for certain: Del Negro has never coached in his life and will have to be a quick study for his tenure to be successful.?Because the Central Division is in complete overhaul mode, Del Negro’s job will be difficult, at best.? A seamless transition may be asking a bit much, but that’s what is going to have to happen if Del Negro wants to keep his job in?Chicago, especially?with the dysfunctional roster he has inherited.?
Curry, unlike Del Negro, has some familiarity with his roster, having been a player and assistant coach for the same team that hired him.? And Curry has some leadership ability as he was the former head of the players’ union; where there may be doubts are as to whether he can draw up X’s and O’s competently.? But I think that Pistons president Joe Dumars is more concerned about Curry getting the most out of his roster and getting them properly prepared for the playoffs – assuming Detroit gets that far.
In my estimation, Milwaukee dropped the ball by letting Porter go after just 2 seasons; so what if he missed the playoffs once during that stretch?? As it were, Porter didn’t have much to work with, so the Bucks even going to the playoffs is an achievement in and of itself.? That aside, Porter will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to lead Phoenix to the next level – in this case, the NBA championship.? At least he has a core of players to work with – Shaq, Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire.? But he has big shoes to fill as their last coach was one Mike D’Antoni.? Which leads us to….
One would think that a successful coach such as D’Antoni would get some slack at their next coaching stop, no matter where that may be.? But this is New York, so that probably isn’t going to happen – especially with the expectations being as high as they are or will be.? But D’Antoni has some things working in his favor: he has a proven track record as he led the Phoenix Suns to 50+ wins while he was there.? He also has team president Donnie Walsh in his corner; Walsh, as is his tendency, will be creative in molding this Knicks team into one that D’Antoni has a fighting chance with.? Let’s hope their owner doesn’t get heavy-handed and meddle.
Typically, a Hall of Fame coach wouldn’t make this list, but you have to remember, this is the Charlotte Jordans Bobcats we’re talking about here.? The Bobcats need a healthy Sean May and Adam Morrison and it wouldn’t be too surprising if there’s a roster shakeup – which may or may not affect whatever team chemistry the Bobcats have at the moment.? Brown is going to have to be a true magician to make this club competitive – with a little help from Michael Jordan.? Perhaps Brown’s presence alone may add between 5-10 wins next year, so who knows?? But all of this aside, this will – or should be – Brown’s last NBA coaching stop.
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