http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070705/sp_nm/nba_carlesimo_dc_1;_ylt=ApcR.xukrNP4dgvGIPbRTdYE1vAI SEATTLE (Reuters) - P.J. Carlesimo, who was attacked by one of his own players during his last NBA head coaching job, was confirmed as the new head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT Carlesimo, an assistant with NBA champions San Antonio Spurs the last five seasons, takes over from Bob Hill, who was sacked after the SuperSonics finished in last place in the Northwest Division with a record 31-51. It is the third head coaching job for Carlesimo but the first since he left the Golden State Warriors (1997-2000) seven years ago where he was famously grabbed round the throat by Latrell Sprewell during a practice. Carlesimo also served (1994-1997) as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. "I am really excited with the opportunity to come to the Sonics," Carlesimo said on the Sonics Web site. "We have a talented young nucleus returning and an outstanding draft class." The announcement of the signing comes just one day after the SuperSonics reached deals with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, the second and fifth overall picks in last week's NBA draft. Sonics chairman Clay Bennett said: "We believe P.J. is absolutely the right person for the job and is more than ready for the challenge." ____ Good for him, I think he has an awesome team to coach after that long head coaching hiatus.
Carlesimo yells. You can maybe yell at Durant and Green. But you can't yell at middle aged men with families, basketball experience, businesses, millions in the bank, college degrees, etc... There is a place for guys like Carlesimo. Its called college.
[sarcasm]Good thing they didn't hire JVG or else Durant and Green would be riding the pine!!![/sarcasm]
bunch of new players, might as well get a new coach. Waiting for the announcement that they'll get a new city, too.
[sarcasm]Durant and Green are out of control, can't handle the ball, or know how to play like a robot. If you had a chance to see them at practice, then you would know!![/sarcasm]
They lost in the title game to Michigan. Controversial foul call at the end and Rumeal Robinson hit both FTs. A great NCAA final. Knowing basketball doesn't make one a good head coach. The ability to relate to players in such a way that they don't get tired of listening to you is just as important. The NBA isn't like college. Diplomacy matters.
What they need is Coach Carter. He don't take no bs and he'll bench you if you don't do well academically.
Ohh - You are right! I really should have made absolutely sure he won at St. Johns before making that assertion. I just associated him with a NCAA final. I never cared for the guy-I never thought he was diplomatic or could coach on an NBA level- he has sat on the bench at SA for years. I agree- an effective NBA coach needs efective-relevant knowledge of psychology, diplomacy, and communication skills to achieve in this league. I think Carlisimo really does know the game-probably effective as an assistant like in SA. Meh -I really do not care- I doubt he will hurt us at the Sonics. I agree- diplomacy matters... I think I heard he had used the term "put some mustard on it " more than 20 times when Spree choked him....
