Murphy shot a lot because he's a shooter, one of the greatest pure shooters in NBA history. None of our current guards' shooting can compare to Murph's. In fact, he was an enigma to the coaches because of his size. Being so short, he should be a point guard. But they didn't want him to pass up the ball. They wanted him to shoot. That doesn't mean he doesn't understand the passing game. He understands how everybody should fit in a role on the team according to his skills.
Of course, if Elie heard rumors about him possibly getting fired, he'll just quit on the team mid-season.
Elie didn't play nearly the same as he did before the whole Stoudamire near-trade in '98. Quit may be too harsh a word, whiny b**** may be better.
Everyone forgets about it because he is such a "fun-loving" jokester on the broadcasts, but Murph was a WARRIOR. I am about halfway through a book by John Feinstein called "The Punch" about the infamous Rudy T and Kermit Washington confrontation. It discusses, in detail, the reputation of the little but mean-spirited Calvin Murphy who was infamous league-wide for his penchant for fighting and his street mentality. I think we need a little bit of a hard nosed edge and maybe Calvin can bring that. The book also describes the close friendship that Calvin and Rudy share and have shared since their playing days. (Calvin still says to this day that he thinks he could've killed Kermit Washington that night). BTW, I almost thought about creating another thread for this book. It is excellent, detailed, and very entertaining. I have gained a profound respect for Rudy while reading it.
I doubt Van Gundy would want to become an assistant coach. There are many teams want him to be the head coach. A very under-rated coach under Riley's system that teaches hard-nosed defense and is very well-prepared.
Assistant coach makes much less money than a broadcaster. Why would Van Gundy be an assistant coach? USE YOUR HEAD, People!
Come on people, get real...how many people in here would kill to have Calvin Murphy's job? Damn right you would, because it's one of the sweetest jobs around...Now, would YOU want to give up that job to spend 60 hours a week coaching an NBA team? hardly...
A few years ago if I remember correctly when Murph was ask if he want to be a coach I think his answer was something like if the right situation came along he would like to do it. I think the Houston situation would fit that criteria. I think Murph would be a great addition to our staff. He had been with the organization all his career. He had seen our players first hand night in and night out. He is very familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to that he got good rapport with the players. Because of that I think he would be able to make an immediate contributions to the coaching staff. Even though he joke around a lot on TV (which make the telecast fun to listen to actually), his comments about what is going right or wrong for the Rockets at that particular time was right on the money most of the time. I personally think he can be an excellent teacher and an excellent coach. May be he can teach our guard to hit those medium jumpers instead of runnuing wildly and put up wild shots. That alone would worth the price of bringing him in.
I think his contract will be up not this season but the next season. If I could choose an assistant coach it will be either Calvin Murphy or John Lucas. Just my 2 cents.
My vote would be to get them both as assistants. Both great guys, long-time Rockets, and very knowledgeable about the old school game.
Avery Johnson or Calvin Murphy. Avery has played for both the Rockets and Spurs. He has played for a lot of teams, come to think of it.
I like all of your proposals...well I like the people who I know. Calvin Murphy becomes a coach...then who will replace him to be with Bill Worrell???? HE CANNOT BE REPLACED!!! HE IS UNIQUE! Avery Johnson. I would like to have him. He could help our guards a little. He helped me.
