JJ and Boki are two of the most popular players. According to Clutch's article, they were gotten rid of because of JVG's problem with Boki. That probably got some fence riders sliding over to the anti-JVG camp. I have always believed that the players, not the coaches, are the ones who are responsible for the team's result. That's why I was against firing Rudy. I wasn't particularly crazy about JVG's hiring either. But I was willing to give him a chance. For a while, I thought he was good. I trusted his decisions even up until the beginning of this season. But I'm losing faith now. I am a fence rider almost ready to slide over to the anti-JVG side. There are two kinds of good coach: the one whom the players love so much they play hard for him (Rudy) and the one whom the players respect so much they play hard even though they might not like him (Riley). JVG is neither.
Pretty lethal combination, hating the coach and not respecting him. Van Gundy has a chance if it is just one or the other but if both are bad, he has virtually no shot at success.
Could JVG coach Piston to the championship last season? Could L Brown coach Rockets to a championship last season?
Just to clarify dates and circumstances: OT was picked up in '89 from Sacramento for Rodney McCray. Kenny Smith arrived in '90-'91 from Atlanta (?) after being dissed as 'gutless' by former coach Dick Motta. V-Max, same... '90-'91 off the SA scrap heap. One of the progenitors of today's 'unstable athlete' movement. Robert Horry, lottery pick, '92 draft. Remember the draft watchers throwing a fit when Harold Miner was still on the board? Sam Cassell, late 1st round pick, '93 draft. ... and lest we forget: Mario Elie, free agent pickup, '93. First 'significant signing' of the Les Alexander era. I need to go rest my brain now...
Whoever wrote this article has it wrong. Good coaches ajust to the talents of their players while still maintaining control. Not the other way around. Everyone knows what type of player Tracy McGrady is. To ask him to be something else at this time in his career is stupid. By the way. The only chance the Rockets have of winning is when Tracy scores boatloads of points.
JVG's idea that all he has to do is write down Xs and Os is stupid and ridiculous and disheartening.. . . . LEADERS [which i think coaches are suppose to be] Are suppose to inspire and raise everyone's game up a bit. The statement he said . . . I've change enough that just chilled my soul Rocket River
