...Phoenix. Somebody disprove my theory that he would be an excellent fit for that team. My thoughts: He's obviously known as a defensive coach (and a great one at that). His offense is seen by some (at least during his time with the Rockets) as stagnant and boring. However it was surely exciting at times ('05 playoff run for example). Everybody knows that a JVG offense is created by a JVG defense. And what team has better talent at running the break than Phoenix (even with the recent roster alterations)? Unlike Terry Porter, JVG wouldn't run defensive drills meant for 5-year-olds. Issues: Phoenix is getting ooooold. Assuming no one gets traded, Phoenix may start 30-somethings in Nash, Shaq, and Hill. Can they still compete at a high level? Steve Kerr. That guy has made some big moves and costly gambles in his short time as GM. Bringing a guy like JVG on board would be an excellent hire, but one would have to expect more input on player personnel from the coach. Probably the biggest of all: Shaqitude. Shaq already HATES Stan. Personally I think JVG and SVG are distinctly different from each other. JVG would have a better relationship with his players, plus he also has successful experience with big-time centers (perhaps developing Yao isn't exactly a strong point).
They are very similar. They yell a lot; they are either the best coach or the worst coach for the players. Both had success with big men, not just Jeff. But... You bring up a good point. Jeff might be a good coach for them. Also, being 30 or over isn't an issue with Jeff. See: Charles Oakley, Rod Strickland, Charlie Ward, etc...
A lot of players on the Suns team don't like playing defense though. What you're saying in theory sounds good, but in practice, JVG will go crazy trying to preach Nash and the likes to play D.
Hasn't JVG said repeatedly that he's waiting for his kid to go to college before he jumps back in? He strikes me as the type of guy that generally means what he says.
If anything, JVG is one of the best I've seen at managing superstar egos. The only coach I'd put ahead of him in that department is Phil Jackson.
You look at some of the players; you say, of course. But... again, like I said in my first post in this thread... Jeff is either the best coach you ever had or the worst coach. Best Coach: Jon Barry Tracy McGrady Worst Coach: Bonzi Wells Derek Anderson Just a small example, but you get what I mean.
I didn't say "best players' coach". I said, "best at managing superstar egos". Wells and Anderson weren't superstars - in fact, they were failures, and neither is good enough to play in the NBA anymore.
I respect your opinion but, outside of McGrady, what primadonna superstar has he ever managed to rein in? Although he had an ego, I wouldn't put Sprewell into superstar category either.
JVG has really killed the Suns this season for the way they treated Terry Porter and the way they don't commit on the defensive end. I don't think he'd ever coach them.
He would be a great coach for most of the NBA teams, including Houston Rockets. Maybe he should take over the Bulls, to have them play disciplined defense. But I still like him better than Rick. Not hating on Rick or doubting his capabilities, just personal preference. I have so much respect and fondness for this short bald guy, and love his special sense of humor.
has any of JVG's teams been a success in transitional offense? IIRC, JVG's defensive philosophy dictates that his team to: 1. get big men back to prevent fast break points after shot is up, in sacrifice of offensive rebound opportunities, and 2. securing defensive rebounds before allowing the guards to rush up court for fast breaks. These are INTENTIONAL philosophical decisions and JVG's team seems to be willing to take the trade off, but these are REAL tradeoffs. I doubt a JVG team will automatically improve its defense without sacrificing some of its fast breaking efficiencies
JVG is smart, he is going to bide his time and wait for the BEST CHANCE to win. I think he will wait until phil leaves or maybe for nate mcmillan to get fired in two or three years. he will go to a team where he can win a campionship
