Rudy T had never been a coach before and he took the Rockets from the lottery to a division title his first year. And championships his 2nd and 3rd years.
Back when they let go of Adelman, I think that was the Summer to hire someone like Cassell that could grow with the team as a young coach. Now with a team that already has two superstars who have very real flaws, I think you need a coach that has a little more commanding presence to get what needs to be had with these stars, and to help hide their weaknesses. I would have supported Cassell and/or Elie getting a shot 2 years ago... not sure about it today.
I have no idea if Cassell, or Elie, or any other former Rocket would be a good coach or not. We remember these guys as Rocket players, but what do we really know about their ability to coach a team? I will admit that when Rudy was picked to coach the Rockets, I was shocked. I don't even think he was the top assistant on that team. Cassell or Elie would be sentimental favorites to coach the Rockets, but I don't know if they would be the best choice. I don't know how either of these guys are thought of around the league.
Greg Popovich has only coached one team. He's the longest tenured coach in major American sports and is easily a top 3 NBA coach of all time. Eric Spoelstra coaches the Heat... Enough said. Clearly there needs to be some diligence of Sam's success this far as an assistant. John Wall has definitely improved... But that's focusing on one player, not managing a team. All that said, ultimately were talking about entertainment. I think Sam could be a great great head coach, and certainly an entertaining one. I'd be on board. Probably prefer Hollins first. But otherwise... George Karl? Isn't he just a slightly better version of Adelman? Didn't he flame out of the playoffs year after year, including his last as a 3 seed? Plus he's ancient. No thanks. Give me big balls Sam I Am please.
Realistically, I want: - Hollins for Head Coach - with Elie - that Vipers guy (Morey is not going to let him go) - and another defensive specialist. Cassell is not leaving Washington other than a head coach job, if he is even allowed to leave according to his contract.
LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Mario to teach the tenacity with the front court... Sam to tutor on backcourt play... and I don't believe either would have an issue getting up in any 'superstars' face for lack of effort or stupidity.... So do we then sign on Hakeem on a fulltime basis to work the down low finesse?
Flame out in the playoffs? lol. Let's look at this for a second. That Denver team, even with Melo was never a contender. They were a decent team with no star power outside of Melo. The expectation matched the result each year. Second, given two superstars in they're primes (GP & Kemp) he got to the finals in Seattle but lost to Jordan. That team played defense and scored at a high level Bottom line, Karl's the most battle ready coach available. He can play fast paced offensively, he can also coach defense. He also challenges his star players. Unless you're giving me Jerry Sloan, I don't want any other coach coaching this team. Sam Cassell should not be a option given the pressure this team has to win a ring
I'm not saying he's a bad coach. He's a slightly elevated Adelman. Adelman is a good coach, too. But, in part, the game has moved past them " a bit". And in part, as good as he is, I wouldn't say he ever overachieved or underachieved. He got to the Finals once. My point was simply that the dude lost in the first round A LOT. He's had 6 teams finish with 50 or more wins and lose in the first round. It may be what the team was... but if that's all you get from the coach, then Morey is right.. coach doesn't matter that much. Just try to get one that isn't a net-negative, which McHale seems to be at the moment. Moreover, if that's what to expect from a coach, again I am happy happy happy trying out Cassel. At worst, he's a McHale. At best he's better than Karl. George Karl is a solid double and occasional triple. There's too much talent in the NBA. Cassel may be a strike out or a single... but his experience thus far leads me to believe his downside is a double, and his upside might be a grand slam. Now, while I'd rather make the playoffs than not, once Hollins got some talent his teams seemed to overachieve. Taking out the Spurs and almost taking out the Thunder. Making it to the WCF. Honestly, the palyers on that squad weren't that good. You might say look at what the Thunder are doing now... yeah, they finally decided to get back to doing what Hollins instituted and are now doing better. I think he is coaching option 1a, 1b, 1c...
And just to add -- Wall's improvement had a direct impact on the Wizards winning their first playoff series in a very long time.
Definitely agree. Wall still isn't a superstar PG... but he's been super solid. I think many here think Cassell would be coming off the street or something. he's been a Wizards assistant coach since 2009. Sure, you don't hear his name bantied about as a top assistant coach ready to take that top spot... but who cares. Most of those guys go on to become below average coaches... OR have limitations in other ways - eg. Thibs inability to teach offense, despite otherwise being a great coach. Just out of curiosity sake alone, I'd love to see what Cassell could do.
Chris Paul says he learned an important lesson from Sam Cassell "I actually talk about him at my camp every summer because Sam used to do a pump fake, he used to dribble at you slow motion then pump fake," Paul said. "I think my first time playing against him, I got three fouls. That's when I realized I wasn't a shot blocker. I don't go for pump fakes anymore, and I always tell Sam that he's the reason." http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-clippers-chris-paul-sam-cassell-20140929-story.html
