I love this idea. Is there an analogous story that worked out well though? Guy who was an assistant coach for ages and passed over for multiple positions. Ends up getting hired and becomes a complete star? 11 years as an assistant coach. I'm thinking back to recent champions Nick Nurse: G-League star, no HC experience, not an assistant for an extended period. Ty Lue : Carried by LeBron but was an assistant for only 7 years, never a real strong candidate. Kerr: hired from TNT, had worked in the front offices and coached a bit and played behind the greatest minds ever (Pops and Jackson) Spoelstra : Miami Heat lifer Carlisle : was a retread hire but was clearly brilliant. Comparable to hiring a Joerger or a Kenny Atkinson. Popovich : European journeyman. Six years an assistant prior to joining Spurs. Was the GM and slid into a beautiful situation. He's an all time great Doc Rivers : closest analogy but it was his second gig. 13 years as assistant. Coached Magic to some success. Had an all time great team in the Celtics. Phil Jackson : you know his story. GOAT.
I stopped at 2008. Rudy T was an in house option though. Sam has no familiarity with this organization as is and has no history with any of the front office or the players. He's known as a great developmental coach for guards and we have no one to really develop. What makes us believe he can be an Xs and Os guy? Don't get me wrong. I'll stay with my three guys. Chris Finch, Sam Cassell or Stephen Silas. I'm happy with anyone who isn't a retread because it will feel like a Morey hire and not a Tilman splash.
Learned under Flip Saunders and Doc for the last 6 years or so I believe since being assistant with the clippers.
that's not Phil Jackson or Greg Popovich though. Doc Rivers is getting out coached by Mike Malone as we speak.
no that's my biggest concern as well. Hopefully Tilman let's Morey do the work and the best candidate is hired.