How many former Knicks do we need?? The end for Ward There were no tearful news conference, no long farewell. But Charlie Ward confirmed Tuesday that his playing career is over. "It's a transition from playing to coaching, but I still get an opportunity to be around the guys and be able to impart wisdom," said Ward, who began working as a Rockets assistant coach Tuesday. "I could have tried it, but it's a good career move." The move ends a unique playing career that brought Ward from Heisman Trophy winner to a fixture with the Knicks before he signed with the Rockets last season. The damage in his right knee became too severe for him to come back again. "I think he should be very, very proud of what he accomplished in his career, because he helped a lot of teams overachieve because of his toughness," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "He's always underestimated because he didn't have the And1 breakdown game and was very, very humble. "But one of the toughest competitors you would ever compete against. We always said Charlie would rip your heart out on the floor and then pray for you after. That's the kind of guy you want to surround yourself with." http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/3382821
I honestly don't get why people have this stigma against these guys. Why shouldn't Charlie Ward coach? What do you or anyone else know about him that JVG doesn't? And if I were hiring people at a company, the first thing I'd think about is "who did I work with that I really enjoyed working with or really has potential to excel in this position?"
ok so what would you rather have: charlie ward the broken down PG taking up a roster spot and cap room or charlie ward the meaningless assistant coach that doesn't take up a roster spot and cap room?
Van Gundy is clearly The Man. I don't think it matters who the assistants are, they're just going to do what he tells them to do. I wouldn't worry about it.
I just hope he's not taking up JB's slot. I seriously want to see Jon Barry as an assistant coach for the Rockets when he retires, but that's probably just wishful thinking ...
This doesn't surprise me at all. Charlie Ward has leadership qualities. This is what allowed him to play in the NBA as long as he did. For a player who had so little talent he did very well. To me, he seems a natural at coaching. I can definitely see him becoming a top assistant in the future. Who knows, he could end up being an NBA head coach some day. He wouldn't be any worse than Mike Montgomery or Sam Mitchell.
This is a good move - it clears a roster spot and allows cap relief. Since Charlie is becoming a coach and we are continuing to pay him we can negotiate a favorable buyout. Instead of 1.87M against this year's cap it can be done as a $250,000 contract buyout (this buyout amount will count against the cap instead of the 1.87M) and then give him a 3 year assistant coach contract for the balance. I don't know if the NBA addresses this issue of evading the salary cap by making players coaches. Vin Baker on the other hand will try and get as much of his 3.88M as possible.
Sorry but I just hate the Knicks. I understand how he helped save us cap room. Back to the Hangout...... (running)
I feel the same way. I don't understand what the problem is. They aren't Knicks anymore! They're Rockets. If you want a staff full of ex-Rockets, you're going to have to hope Van Gundy (or a prodigy of his) is around long enough to start giving current Rockets coaching jobs as they retire. The reality of the working world is people DO hire people they know/are familiar with/are friends with over strangers 99% of the time.
I think Ward will be good as an Asst., my problem is with Ewing, who has always struck me as a few fries short of a happy meal.
Exactly, whats the big deal. I like this move. BTW - does he still count against the cap or how does the work money wise for us?
No big deal, we needed a roster spot and Ward probably knows JVG's "system" better than anyone else, other than JVG himself of course.
