Ocotillo
06-27-2007, 06:44 PM
Now that Sam Presti has moved on the Pacific Northwest to begin his first gig as an NBA General Manager and will be assembling a team that matches his vision it occurred to me that success begats job offers. Lots of them, from other teams hoping to find the elusive championship formula.
Back in the '80s, other than the Los Angeles Lakers Showtime crew, the most successful franchise were the Boston Celtics. Once the Celtics grew old and retired, some of the star players from that era did not fade away, rather they were brought in to other NBA franchises in hopes that some of that old Celtic magic would rub off.
The Celtics themselves tapped Chris Ford from the early 80s Celtic teams to coach the team in 1990. He served in that capacity through 1995 and then went on to coach the Bucks, Clippers and Sixers with not much to show for it. M.L. Carr succeeded him in Boston with no rings to show for it.
Rick Carlisle was probably the most successful former Celtic from that era in regards to coaching or front office work. Carlisle did not get a ring as a coach at Detroit or Indiana but was usually competitive in the playoffs.
Larry Bird became coach of the Pacers in 97. He had some success but stepped down and was invited back President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers.
Kevin McHale stepped into the front office of the Minnesota T'Wolves and has often been criticized for his work there, including the Joe Smith debacle.
Danny Ainge became a coach in Phoenix in the 96 season and stepped down in 99. Ainge then returned to Boston in 2003 in the front office and has little to show for it so far.
On the other hand, the Popovich led Spurs have also had former players and front office types taken by other teams.
Avery Johnson is likely the highest profile alumnus from those teams. Johnson while being an average player, went on to take the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006. They did fall short losing to the Miami Heat.
Mike Brown, a former assistant coach and Danny Ferry a former player and front office suit with the Spurs were picked up by Cleveland and wound up playing the Spurs in the Finals this year.
Terry Porter and Mario Elie went on to coaching with modest success.
I just find it interesting that the former Celtic greats have gone on to have only what could be termed as modest success in their post playing days. While former Spurs have had more success (albeit no rings, yet) then the Celtic players.
If the pattern is to continue, Sam Presti will likely have the Sonics deep in the playoffs in a couple of years. Who knows, maybe the Grizz will hire Robert Parish to be GM if Jerry West steps down.
Back in the '80s, other than the Los Angeles Lakers Showtime crew, the most successful franchise were the Boston Celtics. Once the Celtics grew old and retired, some of the star players from that era did not fade away, rather they were brought in to other NBA franchises in hopes that some of that old Celtic magic would rub off.
The Celtics themselves tapped Chris Ford from the early 80s Celtic teams to coach the team in 1990. He served in that capacity through 1995 and then went on to coach the Bucks, Clippers and Sixers with not much to show for it. M.L. Carr succeeded him in Boston with no rings to show for it.
Rick Carlisle was probably the most successful former Celtic from that era in regards to coaching or front office work. Carlisle did not get a ring as a coach at Detroit or Indiana but was usually competitive in the playoffs.
Larry Bird became coach of the Pacers in 97. He had some success but stepped down and was invited back President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers.
Kevin McHale stepped into the front office of the Minnesota T'Wolves and has often been criticized for his work there, including the Joe Smith debacle.
Danny Ainge became a coach in Phoenix in the 96 season and stepped down in 99. Ainge then returned to Boston in 2003 in the front office and has little to show for it so far.
On the other hand, the Popovich led Spurs have also had former players and front office types taken by other teams.
Avery Johnson is likely the highest profile alumnus from those teams. Johnson while being an average player, went on to take the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006. They did fall short losing to the Miami Heat.
Mike Brown, a former assistant coach and Danny Ferry a former player and front office suit with the Spurs were picked up by Cleveland and wound up playing the Spurs in the Finals this year.
Terry Porter and Mario Elie went on to coaching with modest success.
I just find it interesting that the former Celtic greats have gone on to have only what could be termed as modest success in their post playing days. While former Spurs have had more success (albeit no rings, yet) then the Celtic players.
If the pattern is to continue, Sam Presti will likely have the Sonics deep in the playoffs in a couple of years. Who knows, maybe the Grizz will hire Robert Parish to be GM if Jerry West steps down.