Not totally surprising
We should have figured this might occur with a coaching change. This past Monday Mizzou received a verbal commitment from D’Angelo Allen a 6-6 small forward. 6-8 Jakeenan Gant remains committed despite the fact he was a Frank Haith recruit. Former Mizzou shooting guard Ricky Kreklow may be headed back to Columbia. 6-4 combo guard Kevin Punter Jr. after committing last month to Mizzou is now headed to Tennessee. 6-5 shooting guard Namon Wright signed last September has now de-committed.
Playoff basketball
This is written prior to the start of the Clippers-Thunder series, I’m anxious to see it. I suppose the Thunder should win provided they can reign in Russell Westbrook. One of these days Westbrook will “play under control” which occurs infrequently. The guy is super talented it just appears he forgets T-E-A-M play. UPDATE: The Clippers torched the Thunder 122-105, as for the point guard duel. Westbrook scored 29 points and dished out 4 assists and shot very well, that’s the good. Westbrook turned the ball over 6 times compared to Chris Paul’s 2; he dished out 4 assists to Paul’s 10. Add-on Paul scored 32 points on top of 12-14 shooting and had only 2 turnovers. Westbrook is not the only guilty party he is the point guard, the extension of the coach on the floor.
Discussing NBA coaches
I listened to a recent conversation that could have only occurred in the Kansas City metro. The hosts were discussing the possibility of Bill Self being courted by the NBA specifically the Thunder. Most of us are aware Self grew up in Oklahoma however the radio guys forgot one fact although Self is a highly successful coach he is a college coach. Above I noted college coaches who are reported to be under consideration to coach the Lakers. I’m really unsure if there is any truthfulness to the report. I believe many Kansas fans will consider me a hater that is certainly not the case. Few coaches have emerged from the collegiate ranks and tasted success at the NBA level.
It’s been mentioned previously John Calipari and Rick Pitino were awful NBA coaches, so was Lon Kruger and Mike Montgomery. SMU‘s Larry Brown is the only coach anyone can name whose managed success at both levels. He remains the only winning NCAA and NBA Championship coach in history. Without research the only other coach that comes to mind who was successful at both levels is the late Jack Ramsey. Dr. Jack won an NBA championship (Blazers) after arriving in the NBA from St. Joseph’s. He won 234 out of 306 games, a .765 winning percentage. Maybe the radio guy was just intending to generate this type of dialogue
Speaking of coaches
The Nets-Raptors game was on at the time our family walked into the restaurant. In addition to dinner conversation we discussed this game and other NBA news. We briefly discussed the Laker search for a new head coach. A member said; “Kobe will only play ball for Phil Jackson,” here I go again defending Kobe. I would not disagree with anyone Kobe is difficult but I sense he will play for any coach he respects. I’m not going to compile a Kobe list of coaches he respects but I think it would also include Coach K. I do believe there were coaching issues with both Mike Brown and D’Antoni.
“Hired to be fired”
The above expression is ancient; it’s the explanation coaches are often at the mercy of management even winning ones. Last year it was Lionel Hollins, this year it was Mark Jackson. The represent coaches who fall into conflicts with management. In the case of Jackson he leaves with a 121-109 record the Warriors made the playoffs two out of the three years he was at the helm. In addition their record improved each year.
2011-12 23-43
2012-13 47-35
2013-14 51-31
Rookie of the Year
The 76ers had a awful season, I doubt if anyone will disagree with that statement. Despite the record Michael Carter-Williams was a standout, enough of a standout he became 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year. The numbers for this point guard, 16.7 ppg, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists a game. .
