duncan228
12-13-2008, 10:29 PM
NBA Beat: The NBA's week of change (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/NBA_Beat_The_NBAs_week_of_change.html)
Mike Monroe
In 23-plus years covering the NBA, I can't recall a week with so much change. Oh, trade deadline day sometimes includes lots of deals, but last week in the NBA made for lots of bag packing, and not just for traded players.
First, the Timberwolves fired head coach Randy Wittman and replaced him on the bench with Kevin McHale, stripped of his front office title and responsibilities.
Then, the Hornets shipped Mike James to the Wizards for Antonio Daniels, with the Grizzlies serving as facilitator, sending Javaris Crittenton to Washington and getting back the first-round pick they'd sent the Wizards last season, in another deal.
The three-way deal was followed quickly by an even more significant swap. The Suns sent disgruntled shooting guard Raja Bell and erstwhile Sixth Man of the Year Boris Diaw (along with throw-in Sean Singletary) to the Bobcats for Jason Richardson (and throw-in Jared Dudley).
Finally, the 76ers sacked head coach Maurice Cheeks and replaced him with assistant general manager Tony DiLeo.
Follow along as we try to help you understand the whys and wherefores:
Monday: Wittman out, McHale in
This move seems to have had more to do with owner Glen Taylor's being fed up with McHale's decisions as the team's general manager than dissatisfaction with Wittman's ability to coach. When the team got off to another sorry start, Wittman was scapegoated and Taylor made McHale coach the roster he put together. He is still looking for his first victory since taking over.
Wednesday: James to Wizards,
Daniels to Hornets
James has managed to turn one high-scoring season in Toronto into an entire career. The Hornets thought he would be a great backcourt complement to Chris Paul. He wasn't, and after a closed-door meeting with Byron Scott, the Hornets looked for the best trade they could make to get rid of him. Getting Daniels, a good guy and much better teammate, immediately makes them better.
Wednesday: Bell, Diaw to Bobcats,
Richardson to Suns
This seems like an odd move for a general manager who ran off Mike D'Antoni because he didn't think he coached enough defense. Bell was Phoenix's best perimeter defender, and Diaw defended the pick and roll better than Amare Stoudemire. GM Steve Kerr indelibly put his stamp on the roster with this deal that sent Steve Nash's best buddy to Charlotte. Richardson will score more often than Bell, but we wonder how Stoudemire is going to handle getting fewer touches. One thing is certain: There are some key Spurs who are relieved Bell and Diaw won't be defending them any longer.
Saturday: Cheeks out in Philadelphia,
DiLeo in
Cheeks got his team to overachieve last season, and when the Sixers made the Eastern Conference playoffs, they gave the Pistons a good scare, leading two games to one before dropping the series. But when GM Ed Stefanski signed Elton Brand to a free agent contract in the summer, expectations went up. Unfortunately for Cheeks, the team's speed went down. Brand seemed lost in Cheeks' scheme, and Cheeks took the fall. DiLeo's coaching resume includes some success in Germany. Maybe Stefanski can trade for Dirk Nowitzki.
Mike Monroe
In 23-plus years covering the NBA, I can't recall a week with so much change. Oh, trade deadline day sometimes includes lots of deals, but last week in the NBA made for lots of bag packing, and not just for traded players.
First, the Timberwolves fired head coach Randy Wittman and replaced him on the bench with Kevin McHale, stripped of his front office title and responsibilities.
Then, the Hornets shipped Mike James to the Wizards for Antonio Daniels, with the Grizzlies serving as facilitator, sending Javaris Crittenton to Washington and getting back the first-round pick they'd sent the Wizards last season, in another deal.
The three-way deal was followed quickly by an even more significant swap. The Suns sent disgruntled shooting guard Raja Bell and erstwhile Sixth Man of the Year Boris Diaw (along with throw-in Sean Singletary) to the Bobcats for Jason Richardson (and throw-in Jared Dudley).
Finally, the 76ers sacked head coach Maurice Cheeks and replaced him with assistant general manager Tony DiLeo.
Follow along as we try to help you understand the whys and wherefores:
Monday: Wittman out, McHale in
This move seems to have had more to do with owner Glen Taylor's being fed up with McHale's decisions as the team's general manager than dissatisfaction with Wittman's ability to coach. When the team got off to another sorry start, Wittman was scapegoated and Taylor made McHale coach the roster he put together. He is still looking for his first victory since taking over.
Wednesday: James to Wizards,
Daniels to Hornets
James has managed to turn one high-scoring season in Toronto into an entire career. The Hornets thought he would be a great backcourt complement to Chris Paul. He wasn't, and after a closed-door meeting with Byron Scott, the Hornets looked for the best trade they could make to get rid of him. Getting Daniels, a good guy and much better teammate, immediately makes them better.
Wednesday: Bell, Diaw to Bobcats,
Richardson to Suns
This seems like an odd move for a general manager who ran off Mike D'Antoni because he didn't think he coached enough defense. Bell was Phoenix's best perimeter defender, and Diaw defended the pick and roll better than Amare Stoudemire. GM Steve Kerr indelibly put his stamp on the roster with this deal that sent Steve Nash's best buddy to Charlotte. Richardson will score more often than Bell, but we wonder how Stoudemire is going to handle getting fewer touches. One thing is certain: There are some key Spurs who are relieved Bell and Diaw won't be defending them any longer.
Saturday: Cheeks out in Philadelphia,
DiLeo in
Cheeks got his team to overachieve last season, and when the Sixers made the Eastern Conference playoffs, they gave the Pistons a good scare, leading two games to one before dropping the series. But when GM Ed Stefanski signed Elton Brand to a free agent contract in the summer, expectations went up. Unfortunately for Cheeks, the team's speed went down. Brand seemed lost in Cheeks' scheme, and Cheeks took the fall. DiLeo's coaching resume includes some success in Germany. Maybe Stefanski can trade for Dirk Nowitzki.