Star-Ledger Friday, October 14, 2005 BY DAVE D'ALESSANDRO Star-Ledger Staff http://www.nj.com/nets/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1129269009176350.xml&coll=1#continue " CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The coaching pipeline isn't always just a forum for gossip or a place to rant about general managers. On occasion, it's also an employment service. For example, it was only five weeks ago that Scott Padgett thought he may have to wander in the NBA wilderness unless he settled for retreating to Houston -- where 10th men go to be forgotten -- to play for the league minimum. But it helped that he had Jeff Van Gundy on his side -- not only as a coach, but as a de facto agent -- or Padgett might never have found his place in New Jersey. "There are certain guys who played for Jeff who might not like him, but we got along great," the Nets forward said before last night's 95-76 rout of the Bobcats. "One thing about Jeff: If you're willing to work and do the little stuff, he's real loyal. He helped me get here. He made calls for me to Lawrence (Frank), or this probably wouldn't have happened." His only other option was returning to Houston, but as Padgett saw it, "It would be a job -- but there's a job, and then there's opportunity. This was an opportunity. There's a difference." Some background is in order. Padgett, a sixth-year vet, thought he had a deal in place with Phoenix in early August, "but at the end of the day the deal I thought I was getting I didn't get," he explained. "That Phoenix situation killed me. When it didn't happen, all the teams I had been talking to had moved on and got other pieces. I was sitting there with nothing, I was going nuts." Van Gundy to the rescue. "Jeff called and said, 'Look, he's a very good shooter, he can stretch the defense, he knows how to play off the ball, he's obviously been well-coached, and he's a good decision-maker without trying to make things complicated," Frank recalled. "So for what we wanted to run, it made sense -- especially with the respect I have for Jeff's judgment." It wasn't just a sales job. (...) "
Yes, He fits Houston's reputation very well. Who wouldn't want to play for the rockets really? From role players to stars, they have been treated more that fairly (when they did their job, or fulfilled expectations). Somepeople say the trick is to surround itself with quality people, the rocket's owner and organisation sure knows how.
JVG: He's a great guy, sign him! Lawrence Frank: if he's so great, why didnt you reisgn him? JVG: he's got more hair than me, the jealousy was getting out of control Lawrence Frank: I don't exactly got a full head of hair myself, Jeff. I think I'll pass JVG: Sign him (does Jedi mind trick hand wave) Lawrence Frank: maybe I will, I'm gonna kill me the fool who said I wasn't!
Padget is a good player and deserved to have a job in NBA. What JVG did is simply great as a former coach.
especially considering that Scott's only option was Houston.. Jeff coulda done nothing and essentially forced Padgett to come back as a 11th-14th man here..
I know JVG had no intention of ever publicizing this so it is nice that this got out from the other end. I hope it helps next free agent recruiting season when new recruits see the loyalty JVG has for and from his players.
Rudy/CD did the same for Bullard when we picked up Rice a few years back. Still its good to hear coaches look out for their players.
I liked Padgett as a 4 who could stretch defenses and played smart defense...he was a crafty veteran and I, for one, will miss him...hopefully he does well in NJ...I'd much rather see him hitting 3s for the Nets than the Suns...
