Van Gundy quit on his team in the middle of the season last year, so I can't see hiring this kind of guy to replace the best coach in the history of the franchise. And, refresh my memory...what has Fratello ever done in the playoffs? What? Speak up! <crickets> I thought so..nothing, nada, zip. I wonder if you basketball geniuses realise how respected Rudy is throughout the NBA and the basketball establishment? Why was he chosen over Jerry Sloan, Larry Brown and Phil Jackson (much less Jeff van Gundy and Mike fricken Fratello) to coach the 2000 Olympics? The second youngest team in the league basically comes into the season with a new frontline and a new offensive system and is the running for the playoffs, for God's sake! Get over yourselves with the insessant b****ing and moaning!
I've debated this myself. I'm not high on Rudy. I don't see any decent offensive strategy on this team. If Rudy IS trying to impelment a working strategy and players like Cuttino and Steve are just ignoring him then he doesn't have any control or authority over his players. Either way it's lose-lose. On the other hand, we have given out some STUPID contracts. Moochie is a nice backup but is terribly overpaid as is Mo Taylor. The Cato signing has got to be the stupidest contract ever. We gave him a huge contract after ONE good PRESEASON game where he had 7 blocks. If had just waited until we saw him play a sufficient amount of regular season games that never would have happend. What was the rush? He was under contract. He wasn't going anywhere. I'd actually like to get rid of 'em both. Rudy has done good things here but I honestly don't see him having a great influence over this team. I think we need somebody who will institute dicipline and make the players listen to him.
maybe replace carrol dawson with mike or jeff. but id have calvin murphy as a coach before any of them
Van Gundy is a good coach. He coached the Knicks to the finals, being the 8th seed. If Rudy is fired, Gundy is the man.
Van Gundy might be a good acquisition as an assistant coach, but as an assistant only. I feel the same way about Fratello. One day Rudy will retire, but that will be his choice. Les Alexander is keenly aware that players enjoy working with Rudy, and recruiting talent therefore is much easier. Rudy T. is clearly the best coach for the Rockets in the short term and the long term. I think Van Gundy could flourish as an R.T. assistant. I also think Fratello would never be happy as No. 2. I have no evidence for my opinion other than television observation of their styles.
