duncan228
02-07-2009, 10:47 PM
Midseason coaching changes have delivered mixed results (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Midseason_coaching_changes_have_delivered_mixed_re sults.html)
Mike Monroe - Express-News
It has been nearly three weeks since an NBA coach has been fired. Memphis’ Marc Iavaroni was the seventh to be given the heave-ho this season, sent packing Jan. 22.
Is it possible that we may make it through the remainder of the season without another coach becoming the fall guy for his team’s failures?
We’re not here to engage in idle speculation about the relative security of the coaches who remain.
Rather, we’re ranking how the interim coaches asked to minister to rosters deemed to be in need of emergency treatment have applied resuscitation techniques.
(Note: New Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins won’t be ranked, because he’s no interim. He’s been hired on for this season, and beyond.)
1. Tony DiLeo, 76ers
Replaced: Maurice Cheeks on Nov. 24
Cheeks’ record: 9-14 (.391)
DiLeo’s record: 15-10 (.600)
Outlook: Cheeks was fired for failing to meet advance expectations that were inflated. DiLeo has done a good job of picking up the pieces of a promising season gone bad and getting the Sixers back in the Eastern playoff hunt.
2. Scott Brooks, Thunder
Replaced: P.J. Carlesimo on Nov. 22
Carlesimo’s record: 1-12 (.076)
Brooks’ record: 11-26 (.297)
Outlook: His first move was to make Kevin Durant a small forward, rather than a big guard. Durant, the team’s franchise player, is happier and more productive. Now, a talented young roster can see brighter days ahead, and Brooks has earned the right to be there to see them, too.
3. Kevin McHale, Timberwolves
Replaced: Randy Wittman on Dec. 8
Wittman’s record: 4-15 (.210)
McHale’s record: 13-16 (.448)
Outlook: McHale doesn’t really like coaching, but he put this roster together as GM, and it seems he had a master plan that finally is being carried out on the court. His players are responding to him. Like it or not, owner Glen Taylor is apt to make him keep a job he seems to do well.
4. Kenny Natt, Kings
Replaced: Reggie Theus on Dec. 16
Theus’ record: 6-18 (.250)
Natt’s record: 5-22 (.186)
Outlook: This may seem too high a ranking for Natt, whose winning percentage is worse than that of his predecessor. But the Kings have, in fact, been more competitive since he took over and he actually has them playing defense. Wins will come — just not enough for Natt to have a fair chance at getting a permanent spot on the bench.
5. Ed Tapscott, Wizards
Replaced: Eddie Jordan on Nov. 24
Jordan’s record: 1-10 (.090)
Tapscott’s record: 9-30 (.230)
Outlook: No interim had a tougher job. Not only did Tapscott replace a coach his players liked, he replaced a lifelong friend. Injuries, not bad coaching, have the Wizards at the bottom of the standings.
6. Jay Triano, Raptors
Replaced: Sam Mitchell on Dec. 4.
Mitchell’s record: 8-9 (.470)
Triano’s record: 11-24 (.314)
Outlook: We’re still not sure why GM Bryan Colangelo felt he had to fire Mitchell, but it’s clear it was a mistake. Now the Raptors are hopelessly out of the playoff picture and Chris Bosh is so unhappy he is almost certain to bolt as soon as he can — if he isn’t traded first.
*Records through Friday’s games
Mike Monroe - Express-News
It has been nearly three weeks since an NBA coach has been fired. Memphis’ Marc Iavaroni was the seventh to be given the heave-ho this season, sent packing Jan. 22.
Is it possible that we may make it through the remainder of the season without another coach becoming the fall guy for his team’s failures?
We’re not here to engage in idle speculation about the relative security of the coaches who remain.
Rather, we’re ranking how the interim coaches asked to minister to rosters deemed to be in need of emergency treatment have applied resuscitation techniques.
(Note: New Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins won’t be ranked, because he’s no interim. He’s been hired on for this season, and beyond.)
1. Tony DiLeo, 76ers
Replaced: Maurice Cheeks on Nov. 24
Cheeks’ record: 9-14 (.391)
DiLeo’s record: 15-10 (.600)
Outlook: Cheeks was fired for failing to meet advance expectations that were inflated. DiLeo has done a good job of picking up the pieces of a promising season gone bad and getting the Sixers back in the Eastern playoff hunt.
2. Scott Brooks, Thunder
Replaced: P.J. Carlesimo on Nov. 22
Carlesimo’s record: 1-12 (.076)
Brooks’ record: 11-26 (.297)
Outlook: His first move was to make Kevin Durant a small forward, rather than a big guard. Durant, the team’s franchise player, is happier and more productive. Now, a talented young roster can see brighter days ahead, and Brooks has earned the right to be there to see them, too.
3. Kevin McHale, Timberwolves
Replaced: Randy Wittman on Dec. 8
Wittman’s record: 4-15 (.210)
McHale’s record: 13-16 (.448)
Outlook: McHale doesn’t really like coaching, but he put this roster together as GM, and it seems he had a master plan that finally is being carried out on the court. His players are responding to him. Like it or not, owner Glen Taylor is apt to make him keep a job he seems to do well.
4. Kenny Natt, Kings
Replaced: Reggie Theus on Dec. 16
Theus’ record: 6-18 (.250)
Natt’s record: 5-22 (.186)
Outlook: This may seem too high a ranking for Natt, whose winning percentage is worse than that of his predecessor. But the Kings have, in fact, been more competitive since he took over and he actually has them playing defense. Wins will come — just not enough for Natt to have a fair chance at getting a permanent spot on the bench.
5. Ed Tapscott, Wizards
Replaced: Eddie Jordan on Nov. 24
Jordan’s record: 1-10 (.090)
Tapscott’s record: 9-30 (.230)
Outlook: No interim had a tougher job. Not only did Tapscott replace a coach his players liked, he replaced a lifelong friend. Injuries, not bad coaching, have the Wizards at the bottom of the standings.
6. Jay Triano, Raptors
Replaced: Sam Mitchell on Dec. 4.
Mitchell’s record: 8-9 (.470)
Triano’s record: 11-24 (.314)
Outlook: We’re still not sure why GM Bryan Colangelo felt he had to fire Mitchell, but it’s clear it was a mistake. Now the Raptors are hopelessly out of the playoff picture and Chris Bosh is so unhappy he is almost certain to bolt as soon as he can — if he isn’t traded first.
*Records through Friday’s games