Sources: McHale using Sampson's absence as an excuse for poor defense

That was my question at the time of hire.

It was public knowledge that they wanted to groom Finch and Adelman refused to be the nanny (and probably all reputable coaches would too). So what was McHale for? I remember Morey sounded like we were so lucky we got a gem falling on our lap. Why would we hire a "big name" guy when the goal was just waiting for Finch to be ready?

 

I would love a new coach for this team.

 

That's not totally true. Rudy fans loved him and still do. Same with JVG fans and Adelman fans.

Conversely, those who hated these coaches continue to rip them after they have been gone.

 

He tells them to play harder!!! Lol

 

Bumblin' Dumblin' Bafoon does what we all thought.

 

This is fairly different than what CyberX posted. Are you saying there is dissension among the players?

 

Sloan was my choice all along. Now if we can get an oxygen tank and fancy wheel chair that would be appropriate.

 

I want Thibs!

 

You can't even make this kind **** up. The best solution McHale can come up with defense is to hit the board "harder"?

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2014/04/kevin-mchale-urges-rockets-to-hit-the-boards-harder/

 

What, do you think McHale should be drawing up plays to get rebounds?

Or you think our rebounding has been just fine?

Or you think the blog post covers all of McHale's thoughts for game 3? Why would you think so?

 

i read a tweet that after the game, the players and the coach had a closed doors meeting. is this true and what of it? would love if someone could share or confirm

 

Mchale was hired before we had Harden. Obviously morey didn't think we had a good chance of being a contender.

 

Woodson is available lol.. he preaches defense and actually makes some adjustments during games.

 

I wondered why the surveys after playoff games are asking fans how they feel the coaches are performing... I haven't seen that question all season until last 2 games...

 

Daryl Morey and Stan van Gundy are practically best friends. I think it's a strong chance that SVG will be our coach next year. Of he can his brother along as an assistant it'll be a match made in heaven. Dwight with SVG in his prime would be crazy, and if we get Carmelo...it's a done deal...

A guy can dream can't he?

 

Why not just throw Finch in the fire and see what happens if that is who he really wanted eventually? I dunno. That's a good question.

I do think that Morey felt good about the hire at the time though, but I don't think that he really thought he was going to lead them to the promise land or anything. My guess is that he was just happy to have someone that could step in and be the face of the franchise for a little bit. People forget that Adelman really wanted no part of the media side of coaching, and as I pointed out earlier, I don't know how comfortable Morey was having the GM be the face of the franchise.

Also don't forget too that it was reported that Les had the final say so as well. I honestly think everyone got a little star struck and McHale can be very a well spoke optimistic guy when he wants to be.

After Yao was officially done, and the team was looking to have some really hard years in front of them, injecting some optimism and charisma into the forefront and allowing Morey & co. to step back behind the curtain a bit probably felt good at the time.

Again... I'm just guessing here, but looking back at how things were at that particular time this explanation makes the most sense. Also don't forget about how they were just weeks away from recruiting hard after Nene in free agency, and were probably already working on the Gasol trade. They probably didn't have a ton of confidence in Finch being the mentor for two elite veteran low post players who wanted to win now, and thought McHale could at least make a pretty good pitch.

 

I doubt there's dissension between the players. From everything we've seen/read/heard they're all VERY close to each other and spend a ton of time off the court together.

That said, when you put that many hardcore basketball fanatics in the same room together (and players ARE fanatics), you gotta think that they break down and analyze every game and know when something is off. If someone gives them a plan that's flawed, they'll probably do it out of respect to the coaches (they apparently actually like the coaches) but that doesn't mean that they're going to like it or going to ignore what's happening.

If as fans we can see problems in the coaching, I have no doubt the players can too.

I wouldn't be surprised if part of the reason that McHale ends up getting fired is the players aren't stupid. They want to win, and like a coach or not they're not going to line up and burn multiple seasons playing losing basketball.

At this point it's too late to do anything, but I suspect there will be some behind the scenes lobbying in the off season if things don't turn around VERY quickly.

 

We were up by like 8 or so early in the 2nd and he trots an abysmal lineup to blow the lead. That was the turning point. Mchale is pure garbage.

 

Sometimes, your relationship with your coach is part of playing the game.

 

I certainly hope your interpretation is the correct one. I'm still stupidly optimistic, but I'd let the optimism go if it turns out the team is losing cohesion.