Hey, I second that. Other than Tom Thibodeau, these guys are relatively green. Though they have coaching experience, it's with division II colleges and stuff like that. I know you can't have a stable of experienced NBA coaches, but ... Anyway, I definitely like Tom Thibodeau ... I'll put it that way.
Larry Smith and Jim Boylen each had something like a decade of NBA coaching. Except for Thibodeau, these new guys are new to the league. I know a new coach is going to want his own guys in, and it is probably a good idea to clear out the old guard. And, long experience does not necessarily equal talent. Even so, it seems to me we've taken a step back in the quality of our assistants.
Larry Smith. Right after his playing career with the Rockets was over, what was he.. scout, video guy, or big man coach? Patrick Ewing is doing what Larry did it seems, coming right from playing the game to a coach on the bench. I like the fact that the other guy, Clifford, has had head coaching experience, and was successful at it - even if it was a small college, its still organized basketball and you still have to lead players and other coaches, so thats a good thing. Tom Thibodeau, he seems like the main veteran assistant, Gundys right hand man, kinda like Boylen was to Rudy. Thats cool, you need that guy to ride the tough times out with you. But the main thing is that theres a whole new coaching mentality and basketball philosphy that these guys, together, bring. Will it or will it not be interesting to watch the summer league team next week and see if there is a noticable change in the way the players play and the way they respond to these new coaches.... I think it'll be interesting.
