I've been out of town the past week and have not been able to read the board since Sunday last. However, I see all this Van Gundy talk and no mention of Rick Carlisle, former Detroit coach who posted a superb record with meager talent. Why is that?
http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58755 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58843 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58672 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58823 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58704 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58776 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58710 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58666 http://bbs.clutchcity.net/php3/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58495 they are out there. just got pushed back a couple of pages since the rockets have made it clear that the job is van gundy's for the the taking and that dunleavy is the clear 2nd choice.
The way I read it, Carlisle had completely lost his team by the Eastern Conference Finals.. in 'exit interviews' (I assume that is one-on-one meetings with players and coaches following the season), the Owner and Dumars were informed that he had completely alienated his players, and that they almost to a man despised him. They feared then that their team, which could possibly have been on the brink of something special, might instead go downhill if something was not done about the coach. Dumars and co. simply felt they had no choice but to terminate RC and try to snag LB. Pretty smart of them, frankly, even though it left us over a barrel. However, as to 'Why not Rick Carlisle?', I think the above probably explains why the Rockets have expressed zero interest in the guy. I personally think he is gonna have to take an assistant's spot again and try to live down that reputation before anyone else will take a chance on making him the head guy again.
