http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4386466 The Minnesota Timberwolves and Kurt Rambis have reached terms on a deal that will install Rambis as the Wolves' new head coach, according to NBA coaching sources. Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves are planning a Tuesday news conference to introduce Rambis as the replacement to Kevin McHale, whom Rambis famously tangled with in the 1984 NBA Finals. Long considered a potential heir apparent to Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, Rambis has been lured away from Jackson's staff by a four-year deal believed to be worth in excess of $8 million After turning down the Sacramento Kings' job during the NBA Finals, Rambis was chosen by new Minnesota president David Kahn from a group of finalists that also featured ESPN analyst Mark Jackson and Houston Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner. Kahn interviewed more than a dozen candidates in a deliberate search that began after the NBA Draft in late June.
Good hire I think. He did okay as Lakers interim coach in the 98-99 strike shortened year, the year before Phil Jackson took over. From a career Laker to the Wolvs, man he's gonna have to get really get used to losing. Article I read said Ricky Rubio's decision might be influenced by who's coaching the Wolves. But whats Ricky Rubio even know about Rambis or any of the coaching candidates?
Surprised that Rambis couldn't wait a year to inherit a team that would be a contender to team who has no real direction. Plus, he was going to have control of the Lakers on the road this year to make the transition a smooth one for 10-11 season, when he'd take over. Not to sure what he was thinking.
Call me crazy but I think Rudy would do a damn good job with the current Lakers. Look at the roster for the 2004-2005 Lakers. The only NBA-caliber players (I know Walton/Devean George/Brian Cook are in the NBA, but come on) are young/immature Kobe/Odom/Butler/Sasha. Rudy is a great coach, when he is coaching a smart veteran team (like the current Laker roster). For that matter, look at the teams he won championships with and look at his last few years in Houston (Steve Francis, Moochie Norris, Eddie Griffin just to name a few dumbasses). Look at how successful he was with the intelligent team, and look at his unsuccessful he was with the teams comprised of dumbasses. He is a damn good coach. Just not a good coach for young/immature teams (like his Laker squad clearly was)
am I the only one thinking really selfishly and is just glad they didn't get Elston Turner away from us? =p
yeah. I wonder how Turner must feel. His name keeps coming up with these coaching jobs, and he can't seem to get it.
Him and Tom Thibodeau can get together for a beer. I don't think Kobe would want Rudy T back as coach, the rumor was that Kobe didn't care for Rudy T and Rudy just came up with that illness excuse to bow out gracefully. The only coaching opportunities I see for Rudy to get back in are rebuilding situations where he's got nothing to lose and rebuild his rep as a coach, don't think any ready made contender team will hand him the reins anytime soon.
I'm surprised as well. Minnesota is not going to be a picnic since they're rebuilding, must be getting a nice contract for a first year head coach with a good guarantee for him to take the job.
Rudy actually did a decent job with that 04-05 team considering all the Hall of Famers they lost. They would have made the playoffs if Rudy stayed on. Even when Kobe went out with injury the Lakers had a decent record without him. Its AFTER Rudy quit while Kobe was still hurt that the Lakers tanked. I dont think Rudy has it in him to coach. If he had the drive he'da put himself in the running for a coaching gig I think.
The lakers had a winning record with Rudy T coaching. Rudy is a great coach. He took francis, mobley, and walt williams to 45 wins.
