L.A. mulls Rudy T. as coach Former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich is emerging as a top candidate to replace Phil Jackson as Lakers coach if Jackson does not return, according to a source familiar with the Lakers' thinking. Tomjanovich, who resigned as coach 13 months ago after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, owns a lifetime 503-397 record and coached Houston to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. He is regarded as a superb offensive coach who is well-liked by players and one who has first-hand experience relating to superstars, having coached Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen. The Lakers believe Tomjanovich's personality would serve as a calming influence for Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, teammates who have feuded for years. Bryant will opt out of his contract on July1 but is likely to re-sign with the Lakers. Jackson's contract expires this summer, and after the Lakers were eliminated on Tuesday, he said the chances of him returning were "slim." Kurt Rambis, who was Jackson's predecessor and is a Lakers assistant coach, is also a candidate for the head job. Pat Riley is a long-shot to return to Los Angeles because he is under contract for one more season with the Miami Heat and his deal includes ownership of the team. Tomjanovich, 55, spent the past season with the Rockets as a personnel consultant and part-time scout but wants to return to coaching. Frank Isola http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/203597p-175655c.html
Lakers want Rudy T http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/203597p-175655c.html L.A. mulls Rudy T. as coach Former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich is emerging as a top candidate to replace Phil Jackson as Lakers coach if Jackson does not return, according to a source familiar with the Lakers' thinking. Tomjanovich, who resigned as coach 13 months ago after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, owns a lifetime 503-397 record and coached Houston to back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. He is regarded as a superb offensive coach who is well-liked by players and one who has first-hand experience relating to superstars, having coached Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen. The Lakers believe Tomjanovich's personality would serve as a calming influence for Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, teammates who have feuded for years. Bryant will opt out of his contract on July1 but is likely to re-sign with the Lakers. Jackson's contract expires this summer, and after the Lakers were eliminated on Tuesday, he said the chances of him returning were "slim." Kurt Rambis, who was Jackson's predecessor and is a Lakers assistant coach, is also a candidate for the head job. Pat Riley is a long-shot to return to Los Angeles because he is under contract for one more season with the Miami Heat and his deal includes ownership of the team. Tomjanovich, 55, spent the past season with the Rockets as a personnel consultant and part-time scout but wants to return to coaching. Frank Isola
I can't say that I would enjoy watching Rudy T with another team, let alone the Lakers. However, he should be coaching somewhere. Good for him, I guess.
He's the perfect coach for them. He'd be the perfect coach for us after one more season of JVG's hard-nosed coaching.
i'd be happy for Rudy T. if he was able to get that job. There is no better coach for that team in my opinion.
It would be a good fit if true. Rudy is a (veteran's) players' coach. We sacked him, he can move on. I love the guy and it'll be hard to take in seeing him associated with another team after the 30+ years he gave us, but the team knew this would happen. I wish him all the best, regardless of where he ends up. Evan
If he goes there, I wish him well... I just fear that he will get more criticism than he deserves, because barring some crazy circumstances, that team won't be in the position they were this year to succeed. But if Chuck Daly, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson can all change teams after winning championships elsewhere, Rudy should get that chance as well. Also... Rudy relied heavily on his coaching staff... and he won't have any of them at the new job (unless Boylen, Smith and Berry all leave their respective contracts and join him... doubtful though).
I hate to agree, but he'd be an awesome coach for the Lakers. I'd be afraid. Very afraid if they had Rudy T at the helm.
"familiar with the Laker's thinking" !?! Now THAT is a person I would have something interesting to say
As a Rockets fan I would hate to see it. But being objective, Rudy as the Lakers next coach is a perfect match. That team more than anything needs a coach the players can 1) respect and 2) a coach that can manage egos. Rudy has won championships and has coached many great players. His laid back style is perfect for veteran teams (not as much for young teams). I think Kobe and Shaq would respect Rudy. I am not sure any coach other than Rudy or Pat Riley would garner that respect in terms of coaches that would be available to the Lakers. Anything else would probably be a disaster as the players would be running the team (as if they arent already).
