Not knowing anything about Mario Elie's coaching, I wonder how much fan interest, if any, contributed to the interview. There's the whole Houston icon thing, but how many people outside this forum would suggest Mario Elie for coach? Do you think Les reads this board? He should. It seems like a Les-this-offseason move. Pleasing the fans, optimism, nostalgia and all that jibberdeejabber. I mean, I like jibberdeejabber. Can anyone tell us more about what his strengths are and which things he's not known for? Is there a soul alive who knows? Nyarrgh? I'm all for it, although he still smells like Spurs. The same way Dream smells like a penguin riding a zamboni, ya know from Canada.
Elie was an assistant coach in Golden State and yes, he's very well thought of in the NBA. In fact, he was a frontrunner for the Kings job last year before the Maloofs intervened and handpicked their candidate by choosing Eric Musselman. He's primarily known for working with younger guys. In fact, that's all he did in Golden State. The GS media basically gave him all the credit for developing Monta Ellis who, when he was drafted, was a project that Elie was basically given free reign to work on. And seeing how that went, I'd say he did a very good job. Overall, there really aren't any negatives with Elie IMO. He can work with younger guys and give them the kind of attention that hasn't really existed in the past few years.
I can't believe anyone is questioning Elie's capabilities as coach. Well okay, it is understandable. But he has an admirable resume thus far. But the most important thing is the grit and attitude he will bring. Its the reason he was hired as an assistant in the first place. The Rockets absolutely need someone with balls, someone who isn't afraid to yell at McGrady for taking too many jumpers, someone who can be admired because of the example he set as a player. Adelman may look like Hitler but he is a players coach, he deals with his players in a professional manner. We need someone who will get on somebody in a hurry.
Adelman may not be as much of a "players coach" as you think, but your point about Elie seems interesting. Having a presence like him on the staff to hold players accountable seems like a good idea. As long as Mario understands his place behind Adelman and Turner, I guess he could fit on the staff. The problem is he wants to be a head coach, and most first time head coaches were lead assistants who handled a lot of responsibility (think of Rick Carlisle, Eddie Jordan, Avery Johnson, et al). With Turner on the staff as Adelman's right hand man, Mario wouldn't be able to showcase himself to other teams as much. But if the chemistry between the coaches works, I'd love for him to be an assistant here.
Well, at least we won't have to hear him on TV any more... I love Mario Elie, but listening to him was rather painful.
I know absolutely nothing about Elie's coaching and teaching abilities, but he was certainly the type of player that MIGHT make a good coach. -With 2 rings, he can command respect, and speak from experience. -Achieved more with hard work than raw talent. -Smart offensive player. -Never say die attitude on defense. -Knows team ball. -Wasn't a superstar (like Jordan, who tends not to be realistic in expectations of players). If Mario has the ability to communicate well with young guys, I'm all for him being an assistant. Everyone in Houston already loves him.
if Elie is so highly sought after how come he didn't have a coaching job last year? I recall reading mixed reviews as to his performance. edit: I should say I have no problem being an assistant coach. I really don't give a rats ass who the assistants are.
He didn't have a coaching job because Elie and Don Nelson don't get along. They functionally paid him to stay away from Nelson. I have no idea why they don't get along but that's what I've heard. He did a good job by all accounts.
