Actually, he didn't. He led a playoff bound Rockets team out of the playoffs when Rudy stoped coaching. There has also been several things written how he didn't get along with Francis and some other Rockets.
I think I'm starting to feel the same about JVG. I don't want to put blame all on the coach but his complete negative outlook on everything I think is bringing this team down. We won at LA and at Portland, played well in a close loss in SacTown, and then what does he do? He tells the media that, if things don't change, the players playing here won't be around. Just when it seemed as if this team was coming around, he spouted off his negative vibe again and they have put up two huge crappy games since. Coincidence? I think not. It's hard for a team to play when they are constantly looking over thier backs and/or know they are still going to get criticized after good games. I think the comparisons to Jimmy Williams and the 'Stros are scary and I would not be surprised if JVG is the first axed coach this season.
Van Gundy, and Larry Smith, for that matter probably can't coach today's knuckleheads, eh, players. I think there are only a few people who have the knowledge and the respect to get through to most of the guys suiting up across the NBA. Francis is a prime example of raw talent but no discipline. Rudy didn't have any better luck with Francis, so I won't hold that against Mr. Mean. I'm not sure there is a savior coach for the Rockets because they are a young team. The Astros were a veteran bunch that just needed the thorn in their foot removed to they could run again. George Karl once said his main job was ego management, not coaching basketball.
If you brought Larry Smith in, Dikembe would almost certainly start instead of Yao. As I recall, Mr. Mean was not very found of Yao when he coached those few games instead of Rudy.
Mr. Mean just probably thought Yao was soft. Any other suggestions for coach other then Mr. Mean or Phil Jackson? I can't see Phil coming out of retirement for the Rockets job. No guaranteed championships. He wouldn't want to ruin his playoff winning percentage.
If you could get Hubie Brown back into coaching, I think he could jumpstart this team. If he could do it with Memphis, why couldn't he do it here. And he wouldn't even need to be the long term coach... all we need is a jumpstart.
George Karl is out there. Not sure if he is a good fit, but he is an established, successful coach that is available. What about "Glide"? He has coaching experience at UofH. Hell, I would take Mark Jackson back to be the coach. If JVG does indeed get canned, they need to send Ewing away as well and get a better coach for Yao (Kareem or Russell).
We need someone to silence second guessers with "Aggression and Moustache" Stan Van Gundy, you're our man. The players won't even have to stop saying "Lord Emperor Van Gundy" although, I think he'll settle for plain ol' "Coach" Also, Texans would need to get Bill Cowher. Moustache = victories.
Soap box time! Why do you guys keep starting threads like this? The Rockets are not going to fire JVG 1 1/4 years into his 5 or 6 year contract. Steve and Cat are not coming back, so why not suggest trades or players that would actually come here? You "fire JVG" types sound like bandwagon fans! The team is doing bad but why would expect rings with last years team when they were stuck in a rut for 5 years and why would you expect terrific play after the majority of the team's complexion has changed. I'm sorry if your video game Rockets don't do as well as the real thing but get over it! I'm not settiling for losing, but it is gonna take some time to figure things out. So, if you guys want to complain about JVG and make stupid trade ideas keep it in one thread and don't keep making more threads just to say the same thing over and over again. You people are making it harder for the admins to keep this board clutter free and a breeding ground for good Rockets discussion.
Not a chance, JVG still has 2 years contract left after this season. You think Les will hire a new coach while still paying two former coachs big money at the same time. I hope JVG resigns though. Leave with honor, like Hubie Brown.
I think the Yao/TMac combo is good enough. Phil gets the chance to completely take over the team, like Kobe/Shaq but without the selfishness. Also, the Lakers supporting cast wasn't spectacular, but Phil Jackson got those guys to play off Shaq/Kobe so well. Guys like Fox/Horry/Fisher aren't great players, they could be compared to Jackson/Taylor/Sura, it is the system and how they can play off of Yao/TMac that will make them good.
Actually I just personally dislike Van Gundy and his Knick sidekicks. I can't get that picture of Van Gundy riding someones leg in one of the many Knick-Heat fights. If the Rockets won the title I'd still want him fired.
I change my vote. I hereby officially start the Del Harris Outreach program. We Want Del We Want Del We Want Del We Want Del We Want Del
Blah blah blah Fire JVG blah blah blah. I've heard it over and over and over and over. CD will let this team crash hard before letting this happen. CD would have to admit to failure. I wished that we had Steve Patterson. These problems go much higher than the coach. Except the Ewing thing. I blaim JVG for that debacle.
