I hope not, because that would be very sad if Rudy thinks he's the best big-man coach. During radio interviews Rudy said that he would welcome Moses or Hakeem teaching Yao. Now, of course, what Rudy says in the media could be different from what he does behind the scenes.
This is the typical ignorant comment I expect from people who have not been long time basketball fans. The best player does not make the best coach or teacher. It takes a certain personality to play. It takes another type of personality to coach. Kareem Abdul Jabaar is one of the greatest players of all time and is practically begging for a job. He is coaching in the NBDL. Why aren't teams just begging him to teach their big men? Why does Amare Stoudemire attribute much of his success to Mark Iavaroni, the epitome of a mediocre NBA player. If youve ever listened to Bill Russell do commentary or know of his reputation, you would think twice before advocating him. This guy has been known for his gruff, cranky, often sullen attitude following his hall of fame career. In a brief excerpt from an article in the Sporting News, David Kindred described the difference between Wilt and Bill Russell: I seriously doubt if he could relate to today's players. Except for a brief (and thoroughly unsucessful) stint with the Kings in 1987, he hasn't coached for over 25 years. His players in Seattle didnt like him or his coaching style... From his bio, touting him as one of the best players ever to play: Compare that with Wes Unseld who is well respected throughout the league. After coaching the Washington Bullets, he has remained in their front office for over 12 years. He is renowned for his hard nose, yet fair style. If youve ever watched him coach back in the early 1990's, he never belittled or yelled at his players and his players loved playing for him. He was the consummate professional. This is why he's still in basketball today. If you think carefully, which type of coach would you rather have teaching Yao?
By the way, I've heard some people (RIET ) say that Moses Malone doesn't have very good grasp of the English language. I was thinking about this before...while this is true. I think it would be better for Yao to train with someone that doesn't speak too much complex english words. Did anyone see the look on Yao's face when he meet Bill Walton? Walton started talking like a banty-rooster and Yao was looking at him like he was speaking another language! Walton was talking too fast and used too many abstractions in his talk with Yao. I mean, Yao has enough trouble understanding BASIC english, why complicate things with colorful metaphor speak? We all know how Walton is a "far out 60's child!" Malone would keep things simple, and speak in simple terms; mostly showing Yao what to do, rather than talk about it. Technique by example!
Please Riet, what I found interesting is the fact that we are debating the merits of different potential coaches here when it's obvious that even we want this guy, we can't definitely get this guy. I was not laughing your edorsement of Unseld. Not at all. Maybe I was using the wrong smiley. Plus your above statement was real ignorant. How did you know that I am not a long-time basketball fan?
Bullsh*t and even more Bullsh*t. On the first quote, you know what, that's what teams are suppose to do. Players developement ultimately comes down to how bad they want it themselves. I sure do hope that a TEAM puts the TEAM ahead of any individual, but I guess that's only when it applies to everyone except Yao right On the second quote, more BS. I think all Rudy did was told Moses he wont hire him, and he wouldn't. There's no point hiring someone for just one player's needs. Ok, Moses would be better for us instead of Mr. Mean on the bench but that's another debate . I seriously don't think Rudy's that much of an egomaniac and some ppl on this board just like to trash him cause they're looking for scape goats.
I think everyone is having trouble differentiating between good coach and good player. I also think that RIET is having trouble differentiating between good coach and good tutor/mentor.
