ducks
09-11-2007, 05:32 PM
One false move, these coaches may be gone
Charley Rosen
FOXSports.com, Updated 5 hours ago STORY TOOLS:
Not having lost a game in at least 12 weeks, every NBA coach is supremely optimistic these days. Some of their optimism is well-grounded, but some is wishful thinking.
Guys like Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, Phil Jackson and Don Nelson are golden. Their sparkling resumes ensure that they'll be able to coach as long as the spirit moves them.
At the same time, there are a batch of rookie coaches and repositioned veterans whose jobs will be secure during their extended honeymoon periods.
But on the precipice of the new season, there are several coaches who will be working dangerously close to the edge of unemployment.
For example:
Isiah Thomas, New York
Because he also doubles as New York's GM, Zeke has taken advantage of an opportunity seldom granted to NBA coaches — that of handpicking his roster. Despite the continuing votes of confidence by his boss, James Dolan, Thomas' initial season on the Knicks' bench was a success only when measured against the total disaster produced by Larry Brown.
Over the summer, Thomas engineered a deal that brought Zach Randolph to New York and, indeed, is betting both of his jobs on Randolph's ability to develop into a mature, hard-working superstar.
Can Randolph stay out of trouble amid the big-time temptations of night-life in the Apple? Can Randolph and Eddy Curry co-exist? Can Stephon Marbury stop embarrassing himself every time he makes a public statement? And most importantly, can the Knicks get off to a fast start?
Oh, yes ... Will Thomas avoid getting burned in his ongoing sexual harassment trial? If the answer to any of the above questions is "no", then Zeke just might be pushed before he gets a chance to jump.
Mike Brown. Cleveland
Anything short of another Finals appearance would be a profound disappointment for the Cavs, only because it's imperative that Lebron James' career keeps moving in the right direction. Don't blame Brown for the anticipated improvements in several intra-conference rivals, primarily the Knicks and the Celtics, while Danny Ferry spun his wheels during the off-season.
Still, it can't be business as usual in Brown's third season in the command seat. The most important item on his agenda is to diversify his offense and avoid having LBJ begin his attacks on the basket from a dead stop.
Absent either an especially horrible start, middle, or finish, Brown will likely retain his job throughout the season. But if the Cavs fail to at least duplicate last season's success, there just might be a pink slip stapled to his last paycheck.
Flip Saunders, Detroit
As the last memories of the Pistons' championship season rapidly fade, Saunders is caught in the twilight zone. The team's once-feared defense has turned into an apparition. And in an attempt to put his own brand on this team, Saunders has all but abandoned the successful offensive schemes of Larry Brown in favor of installing a series of adventures in isolation basketball.
So far, no good.
Unless Detroit starts the season in high-gear, and unless the Flipster can engineer a return to glory, Saunders will regret not executing a full-court press to obtain the coaching position at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.
Doc Rivers, Boston
Danny Ainge presented Rivers with the most celebrated Big Three in Beantown since Bird-McHale-Parrish. All that Rivers has to do now is at least coach the Celtics into the Finals.
The roster still has some gaping holes at the point and in the middle, and the team's ultimate success will depend on how well Rajan Rondo and Kendrick Perkins can compliment Allen, Garnett, and Pierce. Aside from this necessity, and ignoring the possibility of injuries, there remains one overriding question: Can a mediocre coach direct and motivate his core trio of superior players?
Rivers has one shot to get the job done.
Avery Johnson, Dallas
While AJ is in no immediate peril, it's imperative that he prompt the Mavs back to the championship series. Even the eventuality of another Finals fold would be much more acceptable than the massive choke-job his minions demonstrated against the Warriors. Should the Mavs continue to underachieve, then Mark Cuban will have to dance around another problem: Who gets shipped out of town first, Dirk Nowitzki or Avery Johnson?
George Karl, Denver
All the nuggets are on the table. A.I. and 'Melo have a full season to blend their remarkable talents, and Kenyon Martin is healthy. That's why an appearance in the conference finals is a must. But if Karl can't win this hand, then he'll be back to digging through the want ads for another job.
Mike Dunleavy, L.A. Clippers
The devastating injuries to Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand have given Dunleavy a legitimate reason to fail. But when/if Brand does return to action this season, then Dunleavy will run out of excuses. Nothing short of surviving into the second round of the playoffs can save Dunleavy from having the opportunity to watch every single game that his son plays.
Other coaches whose seats are warm, if not hot, include Eddie Jordan, Lawrence Franks, and Mike Woodson. And every NBA coach is well aware of the first and most foremost rule that governs their status: Coaches are hired to get fired.
Charley Rosen
FOXSports.com, Updated 5 hours ago STORY TOOLS:
Not having lost a game in at least 12 weeks, every NBA coach is supremely optimistic these days. Some of their optimism is well-grounded, but some is wishful thinking.
Guys like Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, Phil Jackson and Don Nelson are golden. Their sparkling resumes ensure that they'll be able to coach as long as the spirit moves them.
At the same time, there are a batch of rookie coaches and repositioned veterans whose jobs will be secure during their extended honeymoon periods.
But on the precipice of the new season, there are several coaches who will be working dangerously close to the edge of unemployment.
For example:
Isiah Thomas, New York
Because he also doubles as New York's GM, Zeke has taken advantage of an opportunity seldom granted to NBA coaches — that of handpicking his roster. Despite the continuing votes of confidence by his boss, James Dolan, Thomas' initial season on the Knicks' bench was a success only when measured against the total disaster produced by Larry Brown.
Over the summer, Thomas engineered a deal that brought Zach Randolph to New York and, indeed, is betting both of his jobs on Randolph's ability to develop into a mature, hard-working superstar.
Can Randolph stay out of trouble amid the big-time temptations of night-life in the Apple? Can Randolph and Eddy Curry co-exist? Can Stephon Marbury stop embarrassing himself every time he makes a public statement? And most importantly, can the Knicks get off to a fast start?
Oh, yes ... Will Thomas avoid getting burned in his ongoing sexual harassment trial? If the answer to any of the above questions is "no", then Zeke just might be pushed before he gets a chance to jump.
Mike Brown. Cleveland
Anything short of another Finals appearance would be a profound disappointment for the Cavs, only because it's imperative that Lebron James' career keeps moving in the right direction. Don't blame Brown for the anticipated improvements in several intra-conference rivals, primarily the Knicks and the Celtics, while Danny Ferry spun his wheels during the off-season.
Still, it can't be business as usual in Brown's third season in the command seat. The most important item on his agenda is to diversify his offense and avoid having LBJ begin his attacks on the basket from a dead stop.
Absent either an especially horrible start, middle, or finish, Brown will likely retain his job throughout the season. But if the Cavs fail to at least duplicate last season's success, there just might be a pink slip stapled to his last paycheck.
Flip Saunders, Detroit
As the last memories of the Pistons' championship season rapidly fade, Saunders is caught in the twilight zone. The team's once-feared defense has turned into an apparition. And in an attempt to put his own brand on this team, Saunders has all but abandoned the successful offensive schemes of Larry Brown in favor of installing a series of adventures in isolation basketball.
So far, no good.
Unless Detroit starts the season in high-gear, and unless the Flipster can engineer a return to glory, Saunders will regret not executing a full-court press to obtain the coaching position at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.
Doc Rivers, Boston
Danny Ainge presented Rivers with the most celebrated Big Three in Beantown since Bird-McHale-Parrish. All that Rivers has to do now is at least coach the Celtics into the Finals.
The roster still has some gaping holes at the point and in the middle, and the team's ultimate success will depend on how well Rajan Rondo and Kendrick Perkins can compliment Allen, Garnett, and Pierce. Aside from this necessity, and ignoring the possibility of injuries, there remains one overriding question: Can a mediocre coach direct and motivate his core trio of superior players?
Rivers has one shot to get the job done.
Avery Johnson, Dallas
While AJ is in no immediate peril, it's imperative that he prompt the Mavs back to the championship series. Even the eventuality of another Finals fold would be much more acceptable than the massive choke-job his minions demonstrated against the Warriors. Should the Mavs continue to underachieve, then Mark Cuban will have to dance around another problem: Who gets shipped out of town first, Dirk Nowitzki or Avery Johnson?
George Karl, Denver
All the nuggets are on the table. A.I. and 'Melo have a full season to blend their remarkable talents, and Kenyon Martin is healthy. That's why an appearance in the conference finals is a must. But if Karl can't win this hand, then he'll be back to digging through the want ads for another job.
Mike Dunleavy, L.A. Clippers
The devastating injuries to Shaun Livingston and Elton Brand have given Dunleavy a legitimate reason to fail. But when/if Brand does return to action this season, then Dunleavy will run out of excuses. Nothing short of surviving into the second round of the playoffs can save Dunleavy from having the opportunity to watch every single game that his son plays.
Other coaches whose seats are warm, if not hot, include Eddie Jordan, Lawrence Franks, and Mike Woodson. And every NBA coach is well aware of the first and most foremost rule that governs their status: Coaches are hired to get fired.