The myth JVG does not know how to keep things in house. That he takes players matter too much or rather too often to the media. That he does not protect his own players. That his players never really get to like him. Blah blah balh. There was a refreshing and pleasantly surprising air of professionalism that I noticed in the Motay trade. No press clippings I read mentioned that Motay was in the dog house or severely out of favor with JVG - it there was it must be in the minority. I know the counter argument will be because JVG and CD did not want to undermine Motay's trade value but what about Malik Rose? Popovich put in his dog house often and long enough to reduce his value. What about Barron Davis? What about Skita? We have seen it many a-time from Brian Hill vs Shaq to Bzdelik vs Melo. From Larry Brown's unprofessional wanderlust to Philip Jackson's idea of keeping it real. From Sam Mitchell "new school" approach to George Karl "old school" intimidation. From Portland coaches to Philly coaches. All in the press for all to see and dissect - often times a shame to the organization. Kudos should go to JVG and CD for their continuous professionalism especially when it comes to the matter of press musings and consistent fair approach to all things Rockets. The are "above average" character folks. And as the testament to the players and foes liking and respecting him? Go ask Mac, Yao, Wesley and Jon Barry. Go ask San Antonio Spurs fans. Go ask Laker fans and Magic fans. Go ask Detriot fans. I dare you all to go to their BBSs and inquire for yourselves folks. The admiration and respect for JVG especially is humbling and amazingly buoying. It is not just about his outstanding coaching ability but it goes even farther into his total ability as a leader and great person. Sometimes a prophet is not, understood, loved enough and respected by even his own people. Go rockets!!!
ummmm.... didnt JVG call MoT lazy as he was leaving? not that I dont agree with you for the most part. But JVG does call out his players in the media (SF3/Yao/MoT) but he is not as bad as some coaches. I think it depends on the individual and what has happened. Right now he has alot of good people, good character guys and we were riding an 8 game winning streak. You wouldnt have much to complain about. J
You make some good points, but come on lets not go overboard. JVG is just brutally honest, and when you are playing well its pleasant when you're not it can be devisive.
Exactly, I thought JVG got killed in plane crash flying back from SA. Dude, JVG is a great coach but he ain't no boy scout, I remember when SF got traded for T-Mac and he told some reporter that he had nothing to do with the trade and that it was a front office responsibility. He looked like the cat that ate the canary when he said it, JVG can be as devious and manipulative as anyone.
http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/22175.htm There goes myth # 36018X, that he keeps things in house.
actually jvg does a good job at keeping things in house, while he does criticize his players in the media is there anything he says that isnt true? he usually says something like someone isnt hustling or making poor decisions when its true. jvg doesnt just say stuff in the media like other coaches have to create drama. calling out players is different from creating drama imo which is what some coaches do.
Actually Jeff, I believe the quotes in Berman's column are attributed to "an assistant who has coached Taylor": "The Knicks don't have guys who can score with their back to the basket like him," said one assistant who has coached Taylor. "But he doesn't rebound. He doesn't defend. What he can really do is score." It's no surprise Taylor was not one of Van Gundy's pets. "He's not a hard, hard worker," the coach said. "So he's not going to endear himself to coaches. He's not a guy who brings it every day." Or was JVG quoted somewhere else on Taylor's work ethic?
Where in the article does JVG call MoT lazy? If this is the quote you are talking about, I think it is from an assistant that has coached him - not JVG. Mick
You'll get me next time Mick! BTW, I thought I was a long time member with few posts, but 1999 with 30?
I give more credit to MoT because he never said a word to the media. Sure, the guy had to be disappointed that he never played and he is making 9M per year, but most athletes would b$%$# and complain if they were in his position. And why would JVG go public with this? We were winning and nobody cared that MoT wasn't playing. I agree that CD/JVG handled the MoT situation well, but its not that big of a deal.
I agree 100% I hate how folx buy into his primative reverse Passive aggressive crap He is coaching well now. . . but he is a manipulative lil Gollum Rocket River
I'm not sure I understand what the big deal is? If a player is lazy or clueless or shoots too much....do we just gloss over these problems and pretend they don't exist? If a player has an issue with laziness, then it's that players fault. We should not pamper a player like that nor protect him from his own lack of effort. That's just like apologizing for someone that isn't working hard at work. "Yes, he's lazy, but he's a nice guy to party with!" Please...
