i think that's a bit of an exaggeration. job Barry has commented that JVG gave more freedom than people thought on the offensive end.
Fear that Rick's personality doesn't bode well for this team. Compare to JVG he's older and so doesn't like to spend time talking to each one and establish a relationship. This group need some motivation, encouragement and I think JVG did better job. JVG had good sense of humor to go along with his stern leadership. He probably was closer to Tmac, Yao than Rick is right now. I could see the intensity from everyone last year from chasing down loose ball to chasing down players on defense. Just not the case this year...
Maybe its an exaggeration, but don't you think it has to be a culture shock for them. Even if he gave freedom on offense, he was a despot on defense. Adelman seems to let them do "whatever the flow of the game" calls for and doesn't have a set mindset for either end of the court. Plus you hear stories of how JVG would post little notes in their lockers and say things to them to motivate them. Somehow I doubt Adelman is that type. It bothered me when I kept hearing them say, "No I haven't talked to Coach about it" early this season. JVG seemed like a talker.
Thanks, but time has already spoken. When is the last time a "hands off" approach by the head coach won an NBA championship? Go back 10 years. Try 15. Don't even try to say PJ with the Lakers was hand off. I share the same concern. Take a look at the Spurs. Pop's hands are on everything they do. TD leads by example, not by personality. Same for Manu. TP is the antithesis of a leader. The defensive intensity and the crisp offensive sets they display on the floor are straight from Pop. Duncan never goes to the press to complain when things are going bad like Yao. Pop does that, although a lot less than he used to (I guess 4 championships give you less to complain about). Please understand I'm not criticizing Yao for his public comments, but if he isn't voicing and demonstrating the same discontent to the team behind closed doors, it's nothing but hot air. I love the fact he is angry, but being angry and leading & positively influencing other players are two different things.
