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According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Rudy will not be forced out

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by randerson153, Apr 14, 2003.

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  1. randerson153

    randerson153 Member

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    Monday, April 14

    No rush to judgment on Tomjanovich
    Presented By Heineken
    By Marc Stein
    ESPN.com

    Editor's note: As part of "The Stein Line" every Monday, ESPN.com senior NBA writer Marc Stein takes you around the league for the latest news in "Coast to Coast."

    Fast as Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has managed to settle on John Paxson as Jerry Krause's replacement, as if he knew exactly who he'd hire were Jerry Krause to ever leave, it only lends more credence to the theory that Krause was forced out -- and that the deteriorating health Krause cited was the easiest way to make the parting seem mutual. Monday's press conference to introduce Paxson comes just one week after Krause resigned suddenly.

    Rudy Tomjanovich
    Rudy Tomjanovich's dismissal in Houston is highly unlikely.
    Don't expect that kind of pace in Houston, where the Rockets are only just beginning to absorb the sting of Sunday's playoff elimination. It is still too early to know for sure if Rudy Tomjanovich will be back to coach the Rockets next season, but we can tell you this -- there will be no force out there, no matter what you've heard. Health concerns would be the only factor that prevents Rudy T. from returning to the bench.

    Whether Tomjanovich was ever really at risk for dismissal is debatable. Steve Francis, however, has heard sufficient whispers and was moved in recent days to offer multiple unprompted statements backing Rudy T.

    It's nonetheless hard to imagine Rockets owner Les Alexander firing Tomjanovich in any circumstance, after Rudy's 33 years with the franchise, and it's wholly implausible now, given the sensitive health situation.

    Fact is, in spite of this season's penchant for losing to lesser teams, the Rockets were in position to claim the West's No. 8 spot when Tomjanovich left the team indefintiely on March 26 to focus on his treatments for bladder cancer. The Rockets are only 4-6 since under interim coach Larry Smith, with their energy and responsiveness to Mr. Mean on a downward slope, but that doesn't change the fact that Rudy was as good as ever this season, integrating Yao Ming with a training camp and without a dependable veteran or two to help the process along.

    There is a chance that Tomjanovich will be forced to move into a front-office role with the Rockets if doctors determine weeks from now that his body can no longer withstand the rigors of bench life. But you can bet the only way Rudy T. would leave the club -- and his current post, since he certainly wants to keep coaching -- is if he feels he has to make that decision for his well-being.
     
    #1 randerson153, Apr 14, 2003
  2. ragingFire

    ragingFire Contributing Member

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    If Rudy puts the team before himself, he should resign!
     
    #2 ragingFire, Apr 14, 2003
  3. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    Clutch, what do you think? Stein's report makes it appear that the Rockets will stick with Rudy (versus getting another coach such as a Larry Brown). I guess it all depends on whether Rudy can "stay on the bench" next year with his illness. Interesting.
     
    #3 Deuce, Apr 14, 2003
  4. Fegwu

    Fegwu Member

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    Rudy is not going anywhere - not after 33 years of sweat and blood. Leslie is not that kind of an owner.

    But I strongly have a feeling that Rudy will hang it up or take a step back from coaching for a while and take up a front office job. Though this is not a new rumour or sentiment, it is begining to pick up steam within me.

    What if it happens? What if Rudy moves to the Rox front office? What then happens to his hapless assistants or former assitants? Does he force a new coach on them? Does he force them on the possible new coach? Does he fire them - his long term allies? Will he name Larry Smith and numero uno? Or will he live it to Les to make the call.

    It definitely will not be a dull summer (I hope not) and all I can do now is just sit by the way side and see how things unfold.
     
    #4 Fegwu, Apr 14, 2003
  5. xiki

    xiki Member

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    I just don't believe anyone KNOWS. This is a tight lipped organization and Stein is likely guessing like all others.

    IF Rudy leaves I do believe it will be 'handled well'. Rudy deserves that. Les is quality enough to ensure that.
     
    #5 xiki, Apr 14, 2003
  6. TheFreak

    TheFreak Member

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    From Sunday's Chronicle:

    Since Tomjanovich has taken his leave of absence to treat bladder cancer, he and his staff have talked, but not often and rarely about basketball. But Friday, Boylen and Tomjanovich got together and covered everything.

    Had there been any doubt, Boylen left Memorial Park certain of Tomjanovich's intention to coach next season.

    "He's definitely coming back," Boylen said. "He's excited about it.
     
    #6 TheFreak, Apr 14, 2003
  7. KeepJuaquin

    KeepJuaquin Member

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    Hmm...HOW DOES ANYONE ON THIS BOARD know how Leslie is like?!?

    I wish we could get Larry Brown...or Pat Riley.

    But I think Rudy is still a good coach.

    JUST PLEASE MOVE LARRY SMITH to the office.
     
    #7 KeepJuaquin, Apr 14, 2003
  8. JoeBarelyCares

    JoeBarelyCares Member

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    Les needs to read the Houston history books and see how the public turned on Bud Adams after he fired Bum Phillips.
     
    #8 JoeBarelyCares, Apr 14, 2003
  9. AGBee

    AGBee Member

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    Is there a hidden message here?
     
    #9 AGBee, Apr 14, 2003
  10. beyao

    beyao Member

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    i think this means cuttino and some other staples are gone. The org promised major changes if we failed to make the playoffs once again. well, if it's not rudy, and francis is tied into a long term, base salary, then it cat could be the "significant" move we make. in my opinion, the more changes we make the better, especially if it means bringing in veterans with bball savvy.
     
    #10 beyao, Apr 14, 2003
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