2012-13 NBA Regular Season Thread, Feel the Heat

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by stevew

That and the fact that he's a fucking horrible coach.

This.

[bhlloy]

You either need a Spoelstra who will just stay out of the way and be a figurehead or say f it and let Kobe and Nash be player coaches. D'Antoni might work for Nash and Howard but I think he'd butt heads with Kobe

[Logan]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

D'Antoni might work for Nash and Howard but I think he'd butt heads with Kobe

But it worked so well with Melo...

[heybrad]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

D'Antoni might work for Nash and Howard but I think he'd butt heads with Kobe

Supposedly Kobe loved him during his Team USA time.

[bhlloy]

Maybe, but an NBA season is a long time. I think his offense would naturally revolve around Nash and Howard and I don't know how well that would go over.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by molson

Geez, it's 5 regular season NBA games. Kobe or somebody must have wanted him gone for a while, or there must be someone they really, really want to bring in, and this is the excuse to do it.

I would prefer the Dwight Howard is a coach killer narrative.

As far as bringing in D'Antoni, is this his type of roster? His teams usually have three point shooters and/or athletes and the Lakers don't necessarily have an abundance of either. His teams also don't excel defensively.

[korme]

There was an argument on Open Court about greatest coach ever- and of course Phil was brought up. Reggie Miller made the obvious argument, if he didn't have Jordan or Kobe would he have won those titles?

Well on the opposite side of that, Mike Brown has had Lebron and Kobe and has nothing to show for it. Bad coach.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

my biggest coaching pet peeve. system over pieces.

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Logan

But it worked so well with Melo...

Kobe is 1 million times the winner that Melo is. Kobe would likely be fine with Dantoni.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Dantoni makes sense to me. Then we can see the Lakers lose in the first round by an average score of 138-120

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by korme

There was an argument on Open Court about greatest coach ever- and of course Phil was brought up. Reggie Miller made the obvious argument, if he didn't have Jordan or Kobe would he have won those titles?

Well on the opposite side of that, Mike Brown has had Lebron and Kobe and has nothing to show for it. Bad coach.

Hmmm, D'Antoni did not do that much with the Suns that was led by a two time MVP(snicker) and a star laden Knicks team. I am not sure he is the answer.

[miami_fan]

But yes, Mike Brown is a horrible coach.

[miami_fan]

The Lakers fired Mike Brown just five games into their 82-game regular season after a 1-4 start. Just how fast of a firing was it based on percentage of the season played compared to other sports? Here's a look:

• NFL coach getting fired before the end of the 1st game (with 1:28 left, to be precise)
• MLB manager getting fired in the 8th inning of the 10th game
• College football coach getting fired before the end of the 3rd quarter in the 1st game (assuming a 12-game season)
• College basketball coach getting fired before the 2nd game ends (assuming a 30-game schedule)
• Premier League manager getting fired in the 1st half of the 3rd game (38-game schedule)

I find this funny

[kingfc22]

He was a poor hire from the start as they should have given the job to Shaw once Phil "retired".

[Neon_Chaos]

D'antoni makes sense. Kobe has high regard for him and idolized him when he grew up in Italy watching him play ball.

[miami_fan]

So what is the price for Phil to come back? 15 mil? 17 mil?

[MrBug708]

Probably 15

[stevew]

The price is the price. Just freaking pay it.

[whomario]

Andrei Kirilenko is awesome

Little surprised by Peks slow start (clearly having trouble to adjust to the increased attention he´s getting)and no one is really scoring consistently, but as a team they get it done.

Shved has looked really looked really good aside from the first game, kid is just a natural fit for the nba game much like Rubio was. Hasn´t found his shot yet, but his passing and his slashing game are fun.

And Kirilenko is just impressive as hell if you watch games whole instead of highlights, the guy does so many little things on both ends.

And the pass for tonights game winner was awesome, there´s not many guys who find a cutter like that in that situation. Of course, Gerald Green also brain farted there, but still

sucks that Roy had to leave the game, hope soreness is all there is to it

[Matthean]

I think I would be more interested in seeing Mike D'Antoni get the job. He would be cheaper and a lot less maintenance.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by stevew

The price is the price. Just freaking pay it.

The team consists of a psychopath, sociopath, two year old, a high strung Spaniard, Steve Nash, and a bunch of cardboard cut-outs. Why would he come back for any amount? He clearly doesn't need the money.

I think Bobby Valentine is available.

[MrBug708]

The same reason why Michael Jordan had to play baseball. The same reason why Kobe won't sit out games. They don't know how to say no

[miami_fan]

Kevin McHale takes leave of absence from Houston Rockets - ESPN

HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale has taken a leave of absence to deal with a family matter.

The team announced the move on Saturday and says assistant coach Kelvin Sampson will be in charge while McHale is out.

There is no timetable for the return of the second-year coach and Hall of Fame player.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said: "Kevin is a devoted family man who is needed back home in Minnesota at the moment. The Rockets organization will keep Kevin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

He didn't provide any further details on the specifics of the situation.

I hope for the best for the McHale family. On a much lighter note, Kelvin Sampson is actually a head coach in the NBA.

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Desnudo

The team consists of a psychopath, sociopath, two year old, a high strung Spaniard, Steve Nash, and a bunch of cardboard cut-outs. Why would he come back for any amount? He clearly doesn't need the money.

I think Bobby Valentine is available.

Phil has a big ego. A chance to further idolize himself in the minds of many by winning more titles is surely tempting. The Lakers have more talent than any team in the league.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

I find this funny

1988 Baltimore Orioles season - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[cuervo72]

Re: Phil; man is this act getting tiring. He has to retire every so often just to remind everyone how great he is and so they can come crawling, begging for him to come back.

[Ajaxab]

Weird situation that followed the Spurs-Kings on Friday night:

hxxp://deadspin.com/5959649/awesome-demarcus-cousins-suspended-two-games-for-trash+talking-terrible-sean-elliott

I was watching the Spurs feed and Spurs' color guy, Sean Elliot was being the typical homer. In the 4th quarter, Cousins beat Duncan and then starting talking to the Spurs bench. Elliot reported what Cousins said on air saying that Demarcus had taunted the bench with, "I'm going to beat his [butt]." Duncan then spent the next several plays torching Cousins. While Duncan was torching Cousins, Elliot started going off on Cousins with the quotes from the article above only to have Cousins show up after the post-game show. Elliot's comments were dumb, but Cousins was still acting like he was 13. Elliot has been saying these kinds of things for years, but to have a player come after him for it has to be a first.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

Weird situation that followed the Spurs-Kings on Friday night:

hxxp://deadspin.com/5959649/awesome-demarcus-cousins-suspended-two-games-for-trash+talking-terrible-sean-elliott

I was watching the Spurs feed and Spurs' color guy, Sean Elliot was being the typical homer. In the 4th quarter, Cousins beat Duncan and then starting talking to the Spurs bench. Elliot reported what Cousins said on air saying that Demarcus had taunted the bench with, "I'm going to beat his [butt]." Duncan then spent the next several plays torching Cousins. While Duncan was torching Cousins, Elliot started going off on Cousins with the quotes from the article above only to have Cousins show up after the post-game show. Elliot's comments were dumb, but Cousins was still acting like he was 13. Elliot has been saying these kinds of things for years, but to have a player come after him for it has to be a first.

I used to think the Nuggets had the biggest homer announcers of all time. Scott Hastings complains about the refs more than I do, which isn't an easy thing. Then I watched one of the free games on nba league pass last year and heard Eliott. I was shocked at how bad he was. This guy puts Hawk Harrelson and any other homer announcer to shame.

----------------------

As for Phil, I love how he leaves right when everyone in the world can see the Lakers are on their way to imploding. Then decides to come back right when it looks like they are setup for another title run. Like Alex Ferguson at ManU, now I get to listen to a coach who gets 98% of all the calls bitch about not getting the other 2%. If The Finals ends up being Lakers/Heat, I will cheer for a players strike to wipe out the finals.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by Danny

Phil has a big ego. A chance to further idolize himself in the minds of many by winning more titles is surely tempting. The Lakers have more talent than any team in the league.

Their first five are. Their bench is horrendous.

[whomario]

Originally Posted by Ajaxab

Elliot's comments were dumb, but Cousins was still acting like he was 13. Elliot has been saying these kinds of things for years, but to have a player come after him for it has to be a first.

How so ? Cousins is working real hard to surpass Javale McGee at the top on the "really talented players that leave their brain in the locker room" list, gotta give him his props, no ?
A couple weeks ago against the Timberwolves even the Kings announcers were killing him most of the game, at one point he committed (yet another) goal tending penalty right when they were talking about this being the time in the game he has to get his head in the game and basically their reaction was hilarious.

Also, it´s absolutely true that Duncan made it a point to shut him up

[Neon_Chaos]

Lakers hire Mike D'Antoni as next coach - Yahoo! Sports

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by Neon_Chaos

Lakers hire Mike D'Antoni as next coach - Yahoo! Sports

ESPN was saying it was due to the triangle offense and it would take longer for the team to learn, but to me it's less drama and less pay.

[Desnudo]

Relaxed travel schedule. was he only going to coach home games? If Kobe says he loves him, I give him 10 games.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by Matthean

ESPN was saying it was due to the triangle offense and it would take longer for the team to learn, but to me it's less drama and less pay.

If the triangle was going to be the problem, then the Lakers should not have even called Phil. It is not like he is going to be running a new offense at this stage. Given the relationship that Phil had with Jim Buss in the past, I see this as Phil asking for a bit too much and Jim Buss saying hell no. I guess we will see what D'Antoni learned from his time in New York.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

yeah, who knows what machinations took place behind the scenes. from an entertainment standpoint i like d'antoni. but if i was a laker fan i'd be pissed. phil gives you the best chance to win a champ. triangle or not he's smart enough to make it work

[heybrad]

This is all just my own speculation, but we know the Buss family really doesn't like Phil and Jim Buss specifically hates Phil. I think the minute Phil asked for any type of organization control, that most likely ended their talks. I heard that Phil asked for either GM control or a piece of ownership, none of which the Buss family would have gone for.

I don't know what to think of D'Antoni. Hopefully this improves the offense and the players are veteran enough to put in the work on the defensive side (which i don't think D'Antoni helps at all).

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Matthean

ESPN was saying it was due to the triangle offense and it would take longer for the team to learn, but to me it's less drama and less pay.

The Lakers live on drama and have money to burn.

This was about control.

[cuervo72]

Good on the Lakers.

[stevew]

Once Brooks fails to win this year, OKC should make Phil the godfather offer.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Neon_Chaos

Lakers hire Mike D'Antoni as next coach - Yahoo! Sports

Glad to hear this. Otherwise we'd be treated to even more media-fellatio of Phil as he unretired and then inevitably reretired.

[Young Drachma]

Phil Jackson releases statement:

6:57PM EST November 12. 2012 - Phil Jackson issued a statement regarding the Los Angeles Lakers coaching situation.

Saturday morning, Jim Buss, called to ask if he could come and visit. I did not solicit or ask for the opportunity, but I welcomed both he and Mitch Kupchak into my home to discuss the possibility of my return to the Lakers as the head coach.

We talked for over an hour and a half. No contractual terms were discussed and we concluded with a hand shake and an understanding that I would have until Monday (today) to come back to them with my decision. I did convey to them that I did have the confidence that I could do the job. I was awakened at midnight on Sunday by a phone call from Mitch Kupchak.

He told me that the Lakers had signed Mike D'Antoni to a 3-year agreement and that they felt he was the best coach for the team. The decision is of course theirs to make. I am gratified by the groundswell of support from the Laker Fans who endorsed my return and it is the principal reason why I considered the possibility.

Phil Jackson issues statement on Lakers coach position

[stevew]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Glad to hear this. Otherwise we'd be treated to even more media-fellatio of Phil as he unretired and then inevitably reretired.

I believe that 10 titles may actually warrant a dick sucking by the media. It's a way better achievement than Red Auerbach winning 9 titles when there was no free agency and only roughly 12 teams in the NBA.

[stevew]

Actually there were 8 teams for the first half of the streak, and only 12 teams during the final title run.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Young Drachma

Phil Jackson releases statement:



Phil Jackson issues statement on Lakers coach position

Surprised no comment on this. They gave Phil to 12:01 a.m. Monday. The very first minute of Monday. And then told him they had hired D'Antoni.

That's some oddball stuff right there.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by stevew

I believe that 10 titles may actually warrant a dick sucking by the media. It's a way better achievement than Red Auerbach winning 9 titles when there was no free agency and only roughly 12 teams in the NBA.

I wasn't arguing whether it was warranted or not...I was just saying it's tiresome to listen to.

Then again it's not like I spend any time watching ESPN anymore anyways, so I guess it wouldn't affect me.

And I'm not sure how much better then Red it was...considering the unparalled talents that Phil had in MJ and Kobe. Not saying the C's didn't have talent too, but it's not that clear of a difference.

[Groundhog]

I tend to think D'Antoni was the right choice over Phil, given his health etc. Probably the best choice for Phil too.

Drummond has an offensive and defensive awareness rating of about 12, but I'll admit that it appears I was wrong about him so far. He's showing far more ability than he did in college. If/when Monroe flees town he should be ready to step straight in.

[molson]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I wasn't arguing whether it was warranted or not...I was just saying it's tiresome to listen to.

Then again it's not like I spend any time watching ESPN anymore anyways, so I guess it wouldn't affect me.

And I'm not sure how much better then Red it was...considering the unparalled talents that Phil had in MJ and Kobe. Not saying the C's didn't have talent too, but it's not that clear of a difference.

You can probably make an Xs and Os argument for either guy, but Red Auerbach actually had to build his teams and continuously fleece other teams in trades, while Jackson picked his spots and joined teams that were pretty much impossible to lose with. His playoff success is very impressive though. And while there's more teams now, it doesn't really seem that way. There's a handful of high profile franchises and a supporting cast. The Celtics were garbage when Red showed up.

[stevew]

Twitter / Search - #nbapalate

[whomario]

Budinger out 3-4 months with a knee injury (so basically for the season ...), the crap keeps on piling up for the Wolves this year ...
Barea and Roy missed the game against the Mavs as well and Pekovic left with a sprained ankle.

Another "how did they win that ?" game. Kirilenko with 16/11 and amazing defense against pretty much everybody.

[heybrad]

Originally Posted by molson

Jackson picked his spots and joined teams that were pretty much impossible to lose with.

Doug Collins and Del Harris would disagree with this.