So Arnovitz had a decent piece on the hot names in the NBA coaching market This part applies to the Rockets Not sure I'd put Jarron Collins in that category but either way there are many up and coming assistants mentioned as well as former coaches out of work. The section mentioned above for the Rockets coincidentally includes two former Rockets organization members in JVG and Chris Finch. Going by the list of assistants and former coaches in the article, is there one (or two or three) that you would have on YOUR list for the Rockets to interview and/or go with after the D'Antoni era ends? https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id...rospects-tyronn-lue-tom-thibodeau-chris-finch
Tilman probably gets final say so I'd imagine it'd be someone that talks like Tilman. A big talker that's popular amongst the media but has no idea what he's doing during games.
Maybe Tilman can hire his twin in the White House to coach. He gives good speeches. What NBA players wouldn't get motivated with this type of speech??? "“You have to dominate. If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time. They’re going to run over you. You’re going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate,” the next coach of the 2020 NBA World Champion said during his job interview with Glaveston Mafia Tilman for the head coaching job.
Noted was the unnoticed name of my personal choice if MDA does not return: SAMMY. Where was Cassell in the write- up???
If we move on from D'Antoni, I'd love to bring back JVG. The team is still inconsistent with defense and focus, which is where JVG really shines. The bet you are making is that JVG has spent enough time analyzing the game to understand the value of running a modern offense and would take input from the front office. JVG brings the intensity that makes his players run through a wall for him. Most importantly, he rides for Houston through and through
I'd be good with JVG and a strong offensive assistant... our offense is 80% preordained - 3's and iso... we need somebody that can move the needle on the defensive side, hold guys accountable without pissing them off and utilize better rotation and minute management so we dont run outta gas in the playoffs from chasing reg season greatness... There are prob other guys who would also fit the bill... but I'm not gonna throw out names for folks I'm not fully versed in...
id say defense is more a product of personnel rather than accountability. We have guys that take pride in defense, but we are just a small team. You probably can’t be great defensively without length. Idk if our defense can be that much better with the same roster unless we play a half court, walk it up, grind it out type of style that just mucks the game up. I still don’t see why people think Mike D doesn’t care about defense. I’m sure he is well aware by now you have to defend to win it all. We are middle of the pack defensively and have not had a training camp since going small. There is room for improvement.
Thank you for the link to the article. Covered much of my point of views in discussion with @D-rock and @smoothie. Even about money by owners being in question. Let’s us not forget Tillman empire depends on customer turn out to casinos and restaurants......we they ever get greater than 50% capacity again? Let’s see if Mike Brase is offered the job and if he accepts the job if D’Antoni doesn’t come down drastically in his asking price. If not Brase, then which no name? Recently Morey called Harden a basketball genius. I’ve hinted the same and even suspect Tillman would like to re-invent the player-coach possibility.....since Tillman has to pay Harden $41M anyway. Houston is the team that introduced, “Micro-Ball,” on a full time basis. Definitely a team of innovation. But, like an attorney representing himself in court.....you have a client for a fool. The Rockets should not go with a player-coach. Better to have eyes on the sideline in order to see things from another angle. Rockets have the musician(s) [Harden/Westbrook] and they have the instrument.......I just don’t think they need such an expensive mouth piece. A simple one will do, imho.
I can somewhat agree with you... but i also think its a byproduct of what personnel you chose to put on the floor - and i think as a coach u have to balance that... Obviously typically you're gonna play your starters a decent number of minutes to justify the payroll expenditure, but there is some wiggle room there... Personally, I think MDA is so focused on his offensive stats that nearly everything revolves around the offensive end of the court - as opposed to some balance. Small ball its about opening up the lanes on the offensive end - at detriment to having a legit rim protector at the other end. Sure, maybe it also helps on the switching defense - but i still have to believe its an overall negative on defense. Everybody loves scoring... I think its the whole reason Les wanted MDA in the first place. Its more exciting to watch and probably a better product to sell to casual fans - and even some hardcore fans. But preventing a basket on the defensive end can be equal to scoring a basket on the offensive end... The key is to find the balance so you can maximize your efficiency on both ends - and i think we have way more room to move the needle on the defensive end.
I dont think he s unless a team trades for DM. Tillman cant afford to pay him and a new GM with the Hotel and Restaurant world in the crapper. Plus he is cheap anyway.
If true then Morey gives him a 5 year extension. McHale impressed Morey. MDA is around the same caliber coach, a yes man, no accountable guy.