I think Van Gundy would be a good coach. Reason: NY used to be built around Ewing, just like us around Dream. Van Gundy actually managed to change them into a team with full court offense. When he was coach, they were always contenders. I always though Van Gundy is a good coach. He actually has more class than Pat Reily. Please no George Carl (aka John Lithgow). Remember how they blew their playoff chance last year (was it last year), I believe they only had to win 1 of their last 8 games. I don't think he can achieve anymore with SF and CM more than he can with Sam Cassell and Ray Allen. However, changing coach alone is not enough for this ROX team. SF and CM just can't coexist. We need to move SF to the 2 and get a real PG. Sailor
One name I would throw out there is Eddie Johnson. He seems like a basketball savy guy that would be a good motivator. I know he is broadcasting Suns games right now, but I think he has expressed an interest in coaching. He would be my choice if we wanted someone without experience. For an experienced coach, I would love to see Pat Riley here. I know he is struggling in Miami and wearing out his welcome there, but the guy can coach. He just needs a change of scenery, and I think he could provide the discipline and direction that Francis and Mobley need.
Good idea but with a serious flaw. I believe Riley is not only the Heats' Coach but the franchise President as well. IMHO, the Rockets (Les) would never pay him his asking price.
Van Gundy is an excellent choice. He is under Pat Riley's system and Pat Riley coaching style revolved around dominating centers. Ewing went thru major injuries such as plantar fasciaitis in right foot, broken right wrist, and patella tendinitis in right knee, and because of this, Van Gundy have no choice but to run isos with their best offensive players such as Houston and Sprewell. Although Van Gundy's very loyal to his players, he will make his point across with his players doesn't follow his plays. Hot-heads like Sprewell, Larry Johnson, Chris Childs, and Charles Oakley respects him because he's very well-prepared with strategies. Even the tough NY fans routing his name in MSG when he was on the verge of getting fired on the final 2 games just making the last spot on the playoffs(which they went straight to the NBA Finals).
I would rather Van Gundy the coach that Rudy. The players probably wouldn't like him as much as Rudy, but I think he would get more out of them. I also think his basketball IQ is much higher than Rudy's.
I disagree. Cotton Fitzimans is the one that put that team together and had them playing like a great team. When he retired Westphal reaped the rewards of his work and the team started to go down hill after that. I kind of reminds me of the Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson scenario in Dallas. Switzer managed to win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys. But it was Jimmy's hard work that taught that team how to play and regardless of the Super Bowl win against the Steelers the Cowboys never played as well under Switzer as they did under Jimmy. Same applies with Paul Westphal. He was coaching the Suns when they went to the finals but that team never played as well as when they were coached by Cotton. As a result they seemed to play worse every year under Westphal.
