The Daddy is still a bit perturbed about Mr. Johnson's coaching techniques. I really can't fathom the rationale to sit the league's best playmaker and one of the most composed vets. Avery has supported his decision several times, but to me it looks like he is a control freak and he doesn't always find himself able to let Kidd be Kidd. If any other superstar was benched randomly fans would be calling for him to be fired. Avery has been given a free pass for so long now. He isn't criticized for this nor was he criticized for terrible coaching in the playoffs. Thoughts?

daddyfatsax wrote:

That was ridiculous. Shouldn't Kidd be ON the court in situations like that? Isn't he supposed to be the grizzled vet that can help them win? I couldn't believe they didn't have him on the court. I initially thought Avery was a stud coach in the making, but after the past season and so far this year... I'm not so sure.

Astute observation wondering about Avery's coaching acumen. I think he's overrated due to his great coaching record. Of course, the great coaching record is due to having been lucky enough to get a Top 10 team handed down to him.

What if Avery was given a team like the Wolves? What if Wittman was given the Mavs? What if POPOVich was given the Mavs? I bet they'd be better. Just a thought.

daddyfatsax wrote:
Avery would still make the Wolves better, no doubt.

Wittman definitely makes the Mavs infinitely worse.

I also think Popovich would make the Mavs a tad bit better. I think he's probably the best coach in the league.

Wittman could drop the Mavs out of the playoffs. Avery might be able to turn Foye into a competent player.

Popovich or Sloan? Sounds like you'd take Popovich CW...Can't argue, I may take Sloan, dunno.

daddyfatsax wrote:
Yeah, I'm a Popovich guy... but to be honest, I'm actually big on both him and Sloan. Did you see that convo Withers, Roundhouse and I had going on in the Elimination thread about different coaches? Anyhow, I stated that the top three coaches (imo) in the NBA are Pop, Sloan, and Phil Jackson.

Your thoughts?

daddyfatsax wrote:
Not too mention how at many times this season the offense does not revolve around Dirk but Josh \"overrated\" Howard is taking wild shots...and gosh the time outs that Avery Johnson calls is ridiculous...

Phil Jackson is certainly showing that all the years with Jordan/Pippen or Bryant/O'Neil...is not a fluke...what he has done with the Lakers this year is simply incredible

KG4LVP wrote:
Wow, we actually agree on something! (JHo being overrated)

BonK wrote:
Well that deserves a positive howl....WOOOOOOO

KG4LVP, howl for you...

Howard is a very good player, we all can agree on that. As a second or third option he really excels. When you begin to treat him as your superstar, he can't get it done and Avery tries to unveil something that isn't there. As far as his timeouts, I just figured I'm not the best \"timeout\" mind around so maybe I was missing something. I also piss off my assistants on the 8th grade team I coach with lack of timeout calls. I always see coaches panic and call timeouts, flustering their team. I usually try to maintain my cool and instill a sense of poise in my players (Which doesn't work since they are 8th graders and not very good).

Anyway, The work Phil Jackson has done has got to be recognized this year. He is indeed a HOF coach as he may be on the verge of bringing 3 distinctly separate styles of play to greatness. Sloan, for whatever reason has never gotten it done. There is only one championship a year though so I can't really fault him too much. Another coach I really admire is Rudy Tomjanovich. I thought his rotations were brilliant. He managed a game better than I could ever hope to.

daddyfatsax wrote:
Yeah I am not sure what the deal has been with Sloan except that the Jazz had to face the Bulls...so that may have something to do with it...Rudy T was awesome and is sadly forgotten many times as one of the great coaches of his era...Nice work and a howl for you!!!!