Mikie = Asshat - Recommend a New Coach Thread

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Job Available sign now posted. Please make your recommendation here for replacement of the bronze statue on the bench with a breathing human being as coach. Please submit your candidates name for consideration.

Phx Suns HR
Phx Suns, An EOE

[Xcon]

I got a duzzy. I think Kerr should pull a Riley and fire D'Antoni and take over coaching himself.

[ShelC]

I think we should wait until tomorrow when we beat the Nuggets so this thread goes away.

[Nate]

Oh yeah! The GM who traded away Kurt Thomas, James Jones, Rudy Fernandez and several draft picks for cash and who has tremendous experience as a headcoach takes over and everything will be good.:roll:

[ShelC]

James Jones was understandable.

[Nate]

Hey ShelC, dont take the fun away from me being a revisionist.:mrgreen:

[ShelC]

Haha....if u want, ill let you blame the Banks signing and Boris' extension on Kerr to make up for it.

[Nate]

I'm game. Especially with Diaw whom I thougt to be a good signing at that time, even if slightly overpriced. But Kerr in his TNT role should have prevented his buddy sarver from signing that contract...

[EDC]

Who is the best coach available? That is the big problem. The two most well known coaches available would probably be Jeff Van Gundy and Larry Brown.

I'm not a big fan of Larry Brown but I wouldn't mind having Jeff Van Gundy as the coach. I know he ran a very slow offensive system in Houston. I think with the players the Suns have he would end up with a nice balance of offense and defense. The problem is he wouldn't have the advantage of having a training camp so getting all these changes in would take a lot of work during the season. The Suns might actually have to really practice on off games instead of shooting around and watching film.

[JediSkywalker]

Here is an idea:

Swap coaches with Memphis.:lol: (I hope you all don't take me seriously on this one)

[Nate]

Yeah, get us our defensive and big man guru back ;-)

[JediSkywalker]

Who is the best coach available? That is the big problem. The two most well known coaches available would probably be Jeff Van Gundy and Larry Brown.

I'm not a big fan of Larry Brown but I wouldn't mind having Jeff Van Gundy as the coach. I know he ran a very slow offensive system in Houston. I think with the players the Suns have he would end up with a nice balance of offense and defense. The problem is he wouldn't have the advantage of having a training camp so getting all these changes in would take a lot of work during the season. The Suns might actually have to really practice on off games instead of shooting around and watching film.

Between those two I would take Larry Brown because of his past success. His style may put us to sleep, but when we wake up, we may find an NBA championship banner in the arena.

Another idea-

I am forgetting the name of the Phoenix Mercury's head coach Paul Westhead who is now an assistant in Seattle (Sonics) right now. His style was similar to the current Suns, except that his Mercury teams played tough defense to go with the shooting. He was not afraid to make trades to find the key player needed to win the championship. He has coached in the NBA earlier.

[zara_drummer]

Ugh the only asshat hear is vlad...flame awaay....

[v9]

Mike D'Antoni had better adjust, or I'll join the Fire D'Antoni bandwagon.

IIRC, Vlad was the first to call for Frank Johnson's head as well...but I'm going to give him a chance to adjust.

If I see any more strange defensive rotations and unintelligible lack of feeding Amare, though...ugh.

[Mori_Chu]

I called for 4QF's head VERY early. I hated the guy.

As for Mike D, I have had a "Coach should be fired" sig for a month now. But I removed it because I thought it brought bad vibes to the board. Now my sig just says Coach should learn to adjust. I am generally not happy with the way he has coached our team this year.

The thing that really did it for me was during a few games where ABC/ESPN had the coaches miced, and they showed Coach D in the huddle. All he did was say things like, "Cmon guys, we gotta have energy! Go out there and have fun!" WTF kind of grade-school coaching is that? Not impressed.

Our real head coach is on the floor wearing a #13 jersey. Our assistant coaches are wearing #33 and #19.

[JediSkywalker]

Our real head coach is on the floor wearing a #13 jersey. Our assistant coaches are wearing #33 and #19.

WORD.

[Shabazz]

I called for 4QF's head VERY early. I hated the guy.

As for Mike D, I have had a "Coach should be fired" sig for a month now. But I removed it because I thought it brought bad vibes to the board. Now my sig just says Coach should learn to adjust. I am generally not happy with the way he has coached our team this year.

The thing that really did it for me was during a few games where ABC/ESPN had the coaches miced, and they showed Coach D in the huddle. All he did was say things like, "Cmon guys, we gotta have energy! Go out there and have fun!" WTF kind of grade-school coaching is that? Not impressed.
Our real head coach is on the floor wearing a #13 jersey. Our assistant coaches are wearing #33 and #19.

In D'Antoni's defense the NBA only allows the networks to show the coaches saying generic fluff. Most of the quotes you hear from the other coaches are the same. No coach would agree to being miked if they had their Xs and Os broadcast to the world.

[FrontRowSun]

Rick Carlisle.

[Robot]

It's strange because I was at Zen 32 the other day, sitting next to me in a booth was Frank Johnson, Steve Kerr and another white guy, who looked like a former NBA player, but he could have been his agent.

I tried to overhear, and most of it was them laughing and joking about life, love, different things that guys talk about at Sushi. Anyway, I told the people I was with to listen, because I thought it was strange for Fourth Quarter Frank to be lunching with the current Suns GM. I then swear I heard Kerr say:

"If Mike isn't giving us what we need down there, I think you would be the guy to fill in the space" then Kerr turned to the agent/random white guy and said something like "you've been in and out of all of these spaces, you know how it feels" to which the guy just smiled and laughed a bit. He then went on to say something like 'I ride the pine alot, and I want to get in through the backdoor'? Weird, cryptic. Maybe a coaching assistant job? Is something up here?

I know many of us loved FJ, and many of us hated him, but you have to admit, his thoughtful strategy might be just what we need. I do remember him filling the spaces on and off the court, so it might be just perfect.

Anyway they eventually just started talking about non-bball stuff, and I stopped listening because it felt creepy.

Who knows if there is anything to it or not!

-R

[SwingMan]

Robot, you're one of a kind.

Can't thank you enough, sir. :cool:

[ShelC]

his thoughtful strategy might be just what we need.

The ingenious 4corners offense? We're trying to get Amare the ball on the low block, not set more screens.

[Suns_Dave]

I'm not a big fan of Larry Brown but I wouldn't mind having Jeff Van Gundy as the coach.

Uh... the idea of replacing the HC is to actually improve the team. That's the only way it makes sense. You bring one of those clowns in here and we immediately begin a 4-year rebuilding project, the end result of which will probably be less successful than we're working with now.

I don't think Mike-D gets replaced this year--not because he's the greatest coach in the league (he's clearly not), but because no one out there is clearly better.

Simple Rule: If every available candidate in the coaching pool is a step down from the incumbent HC, you don't replace the HC!

[Robot]

I disagree about the rebuilding project. Have you heard about other teams in our situation? Look, Frank Johnson proved he had a raw sensuality on the floor, and Mike D lacks that. Remember when FJ took off his shirt after Casey Jacobson dunked on David Robinson? He swung it around his head, reveling his enhanced nipples. I think KJ was in the audience, and when he saw them....well, grossly he headed for the bathroom. Whatever, FJ for Coach.


-R

[ShelC]

Just because they have a different philosophy doesnt mean its a step down. I actually think we have the necessary parts for an LB type of team, minus the shotblocking presence at the 5spot. But i think he would need a training camp to really pound the defensive principles into the guys and then a full season for them to get it and for him to tweak things accordingly. Thats his M.O. Wouldnt be 4 years, maybe 2. I think JVG can only take a team so far as a head coach, but could put us over the top Xs and Os wise defensively as an assistant.

A big problem philosophically is going from a laid back players coach to a crack-the-whip disciplinarian type. I dont know that Stevie or Shawn in particular would take to that kind of a change. Amare might be open to it if he were the focus offensively, Raja seems to fit that mold, Hill knows what it is to actually be coached. We'd probably get more out of Marcus, Skinner and even Boris with legit halfcourt sets being used and executed. If Stevie were open to it, you could argue it would prolong his career by slowing things down and allowing him to play "easier" minutes, the way Stockton was able to play longer in Sloans offense.

[LazarusLong]

As inept as D'Antoni appears sometimes, it may just need some patience to sort things out. I'm not really convinced that there is anybody available that would do a markedly better job.

Jeff Van Gundy can be a bit too controlling.
Rick Carlisle is similar.
Larry Brown knows the game, but has turned drama queen in recent years.
Fratello ... please.

The only potentially good candidate might be Rudy Tomjanovich, and he bleeds Rocket red, so that's probably out of the question.

[LazarusLong]

Robot ... please send me two fingers of whatever you are smoking.

[ShelC]

Not really a fan of RudyT. Agreed about the others, especially Brown at this point. And hes either lining up for the Philly job or Cavs job. I really like the idea of Mark Jackson. He was a true point guard who could relate to Nash, seeing things as Stevie does. But he also knows playoff basketball and what it is to have a weapon like Amare down low. Could be the best of both worlds. If i had a younger team, he'd be my guy. A team on the brink, not as much.

MikeD isnt going anywhere. But i get the feeling like hes riding the fence with the offense, still clinging to his run and gun philosophy rather than just admitting the team is best served slowing it down at times and giving it to Amare when we need scores or taking advantage of a guy like Hill, who can score in the halfcourt. We need leadership from the top, decisiveness and even boldness. I think hes more confused than anyone else, dogged by expectations and maybe even looking over his shoulder.

[LazarusLong]

I thought Rudy T. was a good players' coach.
Sort of a more recent version of KC Jones.

[ShelC]

I think hes done coaching, probably burnt out. I also remember reading something a few years back about his coaching style during the rockets championship years. IIRC, he never walked thru an opposing teams plays with his team, instead relying on their defensive principles to guard the other team. In theory, he would be right. If youre playing perfect team defense, you should always be in position to defend against any kind of play. But that requires intense focus and discipline and guys who have been coached the right way their entire lives. I dont know that its possible with NBA players today, especially ones who arent coached well in HS and dont spend much time in college, if any at all.

Now I dont know if this is true, dont know if he still coaches like that. And im sure his coaches still knew the other teams plays to at least give guys a heads up. I dont know if he did this when coaching the lakers for that short amount of time, but it always stuck with me.

[LazarusLong]

I agree that he's probably not going to coach anymore.
He was fairly burnt out, and what does he have to prove (w/ two rings)?

[desertcoast]

Simple Rule: If every available candidate in the coaching pool is a step down from the incumbent HC, you don't replace the HC!

I think these talks would have been decidedly more heated if Iavoroni were still here to take over the reigns.....

[Vladimir_Taltos]

I think Jeff Van Gundy, while normally controlling, might be interesting...at least he understands defense. Hell, Nash is running our offense for the most part, not Mike. I think if we brought in Jeff on a provisional basis for the remainder, to give it a try, I simply think it wouldn't go any worse this year than it would WITHOUT a change/try at it.

desert, Amen on Ivaroni...it sux that he got away.

VT

[LazarusLong]

It's a funny team, as in peculiar.

They can't beat the premier teams in their conference, but they handled Orlando twice, rather easily, and the Magic and in particular their eugenics project center, are the NBA's darling team, right behind the Celtics.

Other than a trade, one way to shake up the team is to use different players, like Tucker.

Marion has been hot and cold. He's done some great defensive work at times, and had that ridiculous hot game shooting threes recently. But other times he's MIA and moping around like a 13-yr. old who got stiffed by his first boyhood crush. Shawn is many things, but he's never really had the emotional maturity to be a team leader.

Amare had a decent first half, especially defensively, against NO, but seemed to have been forgotten in the second half. While I don't endorse skipping practice, I can understand his frustration. He's one of the NBA's most efficient big men, and he gets seemingly frozen out. When was the last time Nash got benched because his defensive assignment was torching him?

I've said it several times, but WTF is up with the tiny ball lineup in the third quarter that allowed especially Peja to get untracked? With all the alleged coaches on the sideline, didn't any of those tools notice that the Suns lost momentum and were overmatched defensively? Other than an occasional good quote, what does Alvin Gentry bring to the table? D'Antoni's cadre of assistants seems less a braintrust and more of a formalized sewing circle ...

[Phoenix219]

They should try a lineup some time of Nash/Banks/Tucker/Amare/Skinner and see what happens when they get some young atletic energetic spark plug guys playin with the MVP. Banks can hit the three and Tucker can score inside, and we all know the hustle Skinner brings. I'm not saying to start this lineup, but to just put it out there and see what it can do.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Yes, we can try new lineups, etc. But this requires a coach with the insight, courage and belief from the players to implement new schemes...and more importantly, the internal fortitude and confidence to think it through and sell it. D'A is the little boy hiding in the corner...he has shown he lacks confidence, insight or fortitude to try new things with any confidence or consistency. This image in this season is dramatically influencing the confidence and thus chemistry of the team. Thus, even if new lineups, etc. are the solution...you don't have the party at the top needed to try them. Thus...its the coach. Time to flush.

VT

[jed]

I like Iavaroni. In fat, I liked him for the promotion when D'Antoni got it.

Still, I don't know that things would be any better with him at the helm. We'd still have the same personnel -- which is the true problem -- and the same system, basically.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Jed...its not just the players. If the players are setup in a game a certain way, if they're not practiced in a certain way, if their time on the floor...100% determined by the coach!...is not set appropriately, if they're not used at all...this then has NOTHING to do with personnel and EVERYTHING to do with who is the coach. So, I respectfully, but utterly, disagree with a statement that Ivaroni as head coach would have left us where we are right now. Ivaroni is a big man coach, not historically a guard, who would MUCH better have understood inside-outside play and structure and would NOT disproportionately favor small ball to a fault. It wouldn't be his comfort zone, as guard play is Mikie's comfort zone.

VT

[blee732]

Someone mentioned Jeff Van Gundy as a potential candidate and it reminded of a Suns game he was commentating (I think it was against the Spurs). Basically the whole game he was gushing about the Suns, Nash, Marion, etc.

I thought it was great, but got the distinct feeling that any non-Suns fan would be wondering why he has so much man-love for almost every Suns player.

I wonder if he might be eyeing a potential coaching job knowing that D'Antoni's contract is up this year (I think). Fairly or unfairly, a coach who can't get to the Finals with Nash, Amare, and Marion (you only get a couple/few of these types of players every generation in the entire league) for 3 years, not including when Amare was hurt, will probably be given the boot.

Seems to me Van Gundy might be expecting this and is trying to position himself in the good graces of the organization. Personally, I would love that. Or maybe he can come in as an assistant? Unlikely but an intriguing possibility.

[misteradiant]

I like Iavaroni. In fat, I liked him for the promotion when D'Antoni got it.

when i first read that, i thought it said "in fat, i liked him for the pepperoni with c'annoli.

[Ben_Dejo]

JVG?
For real?
We are getting desperate. I've felt fot the last few years that he was holding the Rockets back and when he got fired, or left, I can't remember which one it was, I thought it was bad for the rest of the West.
I'm still of the opinion that we've got everything we need, we just need to hope that the ream gels by playoff time. After that, if we don't have a ring, I look to blowing it up and rebuilding.
On a side note, I'm not sure if it's the way this season is going or if it's the way Stern handeled the whole reffs fixing games thing, that has me way less interested in the Suns, or the rest of the NBA this season then I have been in the last 10 years. I'd almost rather watch WWE. They're not trying to fool anybody.

[v9]

No JVG.

In the unlikely event the Suns would actually make a coaching change, Rick Carlislie would make the most sense, IMHO.

[sose]

This is fucking stupid.. I mean VT, I love you bud.. You have had some crazy ideas, but this is just too much..

Is Mike to blame for not finding a good backup PG? Is mike to blame for players not hustling? Is Mike to blame for shots not falling?

Yes, our guys play some decent minutes.. When you have a great team, sometimes there are not enough to go around.. Deal with it. Are you saying you wouldn't play your best 5 as many minutes as they were comfortable with?

In fact, this goes out to all of you guys.. CALM DOWN! The ship is not sinking.. Maybe treading water, but not sinking..

This team is changing a bit. Playing better D.. Adjusting to life with not so many 3's (even with last nights game). Still working in some people. It is JANUARY! Not April, not May.

Listen.. Teams blow games. Team lose games they should win. Sometimes star players have fantastic games while they play with the flu, sometimes they sit.

This is why we play the game. If everyone always won the games they were supposed to, and lost the games they were supposed to, we could just let analysts pick the champs at the beginning of every year, and have a season full of exhibition games.

Does Mike make mistakes? Yes. Does Nash make mistakes? Sure, does Amare, Raja, and Shawn screw up occasionally, sure..

Everyone does.. You do. I do. My co-workers do. Does my boss get fired? No, overall, we still kick ass as a team and enjoy working together. We take the good with the bad. If you cannot, find another team.

[misteradiant]

to unmask grey poupon's great powers, you must first learn to eat cheese with a pitchfork.

[Ben_Dejo]

to unmask grey poupon's great powers, you must first learn to eat cheese with a pitchfork.

word

[SpecialSauce]

Sorry Sose, here's where I disagree with you. I think the talent level between Raja, LB, and Banks has gotten close enough where there is no clear "best 5." I think they all contribute in different ways, and we would be wise to use all three.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Well, we'll choose to diagree, Sose. I think the chance we have, given I feel that the cause of our play being poor being the fault of Mike D, is too precious to be lost by sitting back and seeing what happens. You can disagree...but the reality is that Mike has had time to grow as a Coach, and has shown a remarkable inability to grow...evidence examples of getting out coached by Pops in the last two conf finals...and yes, he clearly was well outcoached...among the myriad of other issues that I and mutliple other posters have stated.

Regards,
VT

[sose]

Well what the F has JVG done in his coaching career that makes you think he'll be any better?

He boasts a career coaching mark of 378-288, as his winning percentage of .568 ranks eighth among active coaches and 22nd in NBA history. Van Gundy also owns a career 41-40 (.506) record in the postseason.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Sose...I was think about Jeff only because his history is defense and half court...Mike's weakness. The open court side of things can largely take care of themselves w/Nash at the helm. The other factors are where I think maybe Jeff might help. If we were flexible enough to maybe discuss an assistant position w/him...and if Mike would actually LISTEN to him...maybe that would work...but my concern is D'A's history of not being willing to mix things up.
Maybe there's a better choice...thus the topic...Jeff was just a thought it might be worth considering. Hell, I still think it sux that Ivaroni wasn't selected top dog. I think we would in the end have been better off, from the overall perspective of the team. IMHO. Feel free to not agree. But ask yourself...if we do indeed get booted in the playoff for similar reasons, and we might have had some edge of a better chance to make it through w/a new coach...might not then have a new coach been worth the try? If we continue to play as we have, continue to use the bench sparingly, are inconsistent in our use of Skinner w/Amare on the floor, etc...and this leads to continued losses against teams like the Lakers...you don't think it will be time to try something BEFORE the season is lost?

VT

[SwingMan]

to unmask grey poupon's great powers, you must first learn to eat cheese with a pitchfork.

"So, remember to eat your cereal with a fork, and do your homework in the dark."

- Happy Harry Hard On, 1990

[Superbone]

This is fucking stupid.. I mean VT, I love you bud.. You have had some crazy ideas, but this is just too much...

Thanks for bringing some common sense to this thread, Sose.

[sose]

I may have been a bit crude on the comment of finding a new team.. Though I didn't necessarily tell VT himself to, I did try to make moire of a broad statement.

We are all passionate. We all want the same thing.. A 4 day druken celebration of the Suns winning it all.. VT is a good fan.. Perhaps a bit misguided at times.. But I still love him..

[da_suns_fan]

John Hollinger calculates an offensive rebound rate (the amount of offensive rebounds divided by the number of missed shots), the defensive rebound rate (the amount of defensive rebounds divided by the number of missed opponent shots) and an overall rebound rate.

Offensive rebound rate
1st place: Philadelphia (31.5%)
30th place (last): Phoenix (21.1%)
Thus, the Suns acquire the least amount of possible offensive rebounds in the league.

Defensive rebound rate
1st place: San Antonio (77.8%)
29th place: Phoenix (69.9%)
30th place: Golden State (68.8%)

Overall Rebound rate
1st place: Boston (52.5%)
30th place: Phoenix (46.9%)

You can find all this info here (although you need an ESPN insider account):
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats?sort=rr&league=nba

This might be the worst rebounding team in the history of the NBA. A lot of people will blame Amare or our lack of size, but I think the fact that our guys don't hustle for every potential rebound falls directly on "The Stache".

[ShelC]

Its also our system. Again, we want guys leaking out and getting down court. If we sent all 5 guys crashing, those rates would most likely improve.

[Vladimir_Taltos]

I may have been a bit crude on the comment of finding a new team.. Though I didn't necessarily tell VT himself to, I did try to make moire of a broad statement.

We are all passionate. We all want the same thing.. A 4 day druken celebration of the Suns winning it all.. VT is a good fan.. Perhaps a bit misguided at times.. But I still love him..

And you know how I think of you Sose...even if at times we may disagree. You of all people generally keep an even head. Some of the folk here can't handle differing opinions, but this would be one dull place without some differing opinions, I would think.

VT

[LazarusLong]

Cum-bay-ah, Cum-bay-ah...

[Mori_Chu]

Do we still get even close to as many fast-break points as we've gotten the past few years? I wonder if it even makes any sense for those guys to run back so quickly.

[sunsdotcom]

Do we still get even close to as many fast-break points as we've gotten the past few years? I wonder if it even makes any sense for those guys to run back so quickly.

because if we play small and teams are aware that we won't run... that we'd gang rebound instead, then they'd tell their players to go hard for those offensive boards too. and we'd still be at a disadvantage.

[SpecialSauce]

VT I might not like the fact that you pop around only when things are bad, but I agree: D'A HAS GOT TO GO. His playing of favorites has become plain ridiculous.

Leaving Amare out of the end of a close game??? Absolutely ridiculous. He wouldn't leave Nash out, no matter how poorly Nash was playing. This is fucking ridiculous.

[sunsdotcom]

VT I might not like the fact that you pop around only when things are bad, but I agree: D'A HAS GOT TO GO.

no way will sarver let go of dantoni. the guy can generate wins in the regular season and runs an exciting brand of basketball that bring in big revenues for sarver the businessman.

[SpecialSauce]

this shit is not entertaining this year let me just say that right there lol

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Facts are facts:

Assertions of what's wrong include insufficient utilization or improper utilization of players, unwillngness to be open to use certain players more, inability or unwillingness to properly train players, chemistry, inability to inspire unity or agreement with strategy on the team, poor substitution patterns, poor choice in staffing, playing favorites, etc.

All...these concerns are NOT the players...its the coach...period. So I'll ask it again...who do you think would have the best chance of rebalancing this team and getting the most out of what I think is the best player set in the NBA right now...

I still think you give Skiles or JVG a contract for the remainder of the year and give them a shot...recommendations, please.

VT

[sose]

VT, don't you already have a bitch about D'Antoni thread?

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Sure...more negative tone and more baggage. I actually wanted the brain trust to look at the problem for real...vs. going into Pit Bull mode.

If management is of the mind to make a change, then you don't trash the product. You fix the things that position the product FIRST before you abandon the investment and the parts that are a whole lot harder to fix/replace...alah, the personnel in this case. The assertions of what's wrong clearly point to coaching. So I'm asking for an honest assessment...if we HAVE to make a change and it were in the coaching staff...who would we/you recommend. I think its a valid question...

VT

[desertcoast]

Sure...more negative tone and more baggage. I actually wanted the brain trust to look at the problem for real...vs. going into Pit Bull mode. VT

so you posted this so management could come to the board and more easily find answers to their problems that aren't being addressed in their coaching and staff meetings....got it. :razz:


(Hey, shout out to Mikey, Steve, Robert Sarver and Rick Welts and everybody else if you're reading this!!!!)

[Nate]

(Hey, shout out to Mikey, Steve, Robert Sarver and Rick Welts and everybody else if you're reading this!!!!)

:lol:

[Vladimir_Taltos]

Sure...more negative tone and more baggage. I actually wanted the brain trust to look at the problem for real...vs. going into Pit Bull mode. VT

so you posted this so management could come to the board and more easily find answers to their problems that aren't being addressed in their coaching and staff meetings....got it. :razz:


(Hey, shout out to Mikey, Steve, Robert Sarver and Rick Welts and everybody else if you're reading this!!!!)

Actually, dc, it was for the BOARD's brain trust to discuss the topic vs. avoiding it with sarcasm, verbal attacks or other dodging of the question. I think some of our folk do know quite a bit about things and if they choose to discuss a question might have some interesting takes and insights. But I guess, what the fuck...why have a discussion on a relevant question on a discussion board...that makes too much damn sense, huh?

I still think something like bring in JVG...and give somebody like Ewing off time to work on Amare's D 1:1...might make for an intersting outcome. They tried it w/Yao and it didn't go anywhere...but Yao is NO Amare. But I guess sitting by and just not voicing an opinion while they trade-off Amare is a more noble approach...and not discussing something like this vs. discussing how trading off Amare is an option is also ok...for cryin' out loud.

VT

[SpecialSauce]

See: Mikie = Asshat

[jed]

I'm not bagging on anyone, but this is a pointless discussion. D'Antoni's not on the hot seat now and he's not going to get there by the power of a poison message board thread.

[v9]

It does put a miniscule amount of additional pressure on management - but just a microscopic bit.

VT, I agree with your sentiments that Mike D has outstayed his welcome here...but aren't there less disruptive (for board members) ways of doing the same thing?

[jed]

It does put a miniscule amount of additional pressure on management - but just a microscopic bit.

VT, I agree with your sentiments that Mike D has outstayed his welcome here...but aren't there less disruptive (for board members) ways of doing the same thing?

No it really doesn't.

I can guarantee you the Suns monitor fan commentary on the Internet, here and elsewhere. But I can also asure you that they take it all with more than a few grains of salt.

In other words, they don't come here to take the temperature of the fan base. They recognize that we are the loyal and the rabid.

[Superbone]

You're off your rocker if you think any message board has any effect whatsoever on the Suns activity.

[Andy_S]

I still think you give Skiles or JVG a contract for the remainder of the year and give them a shot...recommendations, please.

I think Skiles would be an excellent choice to bring on board, as defensive coordinator.

As head coach? Absolutely not. That's funny. But the man did turn a previous Suns team from a soft twinkie into a defensive juggernaut overnight. I would love to see him working with D'antoni to tweak our team into a point where we can have all the offense that we currently do, but also have the defense on more than the occasional basis that we currently do.

Head coach, VT? You're such a kidder.

[v9]

You're off your rocker if you think any message board has any effect whatsoever on the Suns activity.

I'm saying that message boards (especially ones this popular) serve as free market research for the Suns. To the extent that the brass care what the fans think (which may, admittedly, not be all that much), they care.

But - it's worth mentioning that this is - at most - a minute portion of the decision-making process. What fans think matters, but not all that much.

Besides, I think I'm losing whatever credibility I once had around these parts, so take everything with a grain of salt ;)

[Superbone]

You're off your rocker if you think any message board has any effect whatsoever on the Suns activity.

I'm saying that message boards (especially ones this popular) serve as free market research for the Suns. To the extent that the brass care what the fans think (which may, admittedly, not be all that much), they care.

But - it's worth mentioning that this is - at most - a minute portion of the decision-making process. What fans think matters, but not all that much.

Besides, I think I'm losing whatever credibility I once had around these parts, so take everything with a grain of salt ;)

OK, I buy that. I know it's true in my industry. We listen to the hardcore videogame baseball fans and we do make some adjustments and decisions based on that feedback via message boards.

[CNY_xplant]

So how's the feelings toward Coach these days Vlad? :wink: :lol:
Respectfully, you're nuts for thinking that Skiles could make this team a contender. Skiles had his go around here and I couldn't stomach to see him as the Suns head coach again. As Alan said, Skiles as defensive coordinator could work, but no way in Hell should he even come close to running everything. You think there are alleged chemistry problems now? Bring him in to run everything and you'd have mutiny on your hands.

Regardless, you don't replace a head coach mid-season unless there are MAJOR problems with the team and you're experiencing a severe losing record. And neither of those scenarios exist today with the Suns.

[sose]

*whisper* if you stop posting in a thread, it will go away..

[CNY_xplant]

*whisper* if you stop posting in a thread, it will go away..

I know... :lol:
I was just trying to yank his chain....

It's all in fun... :wink:

[Superbone]

Why be respectful bigfan when VT hasn't. An asshat after all he's done for the organization? Shameful really.

[Phoenix219]

I like the Skiles as assistant defensive coach idea...

[Vladimir_Taltos]

'Bone...chill. You don't agree, okee...but FYI, I'm not only one w/my opinion of Mikie. I've gone off that topic for now and I've stated I'll withold further comment for next month or two to see if things turn around...though I'm still not a fan of his.

[Nate]

'Bone...chill. You don't agree, okee...but FYI, I'm not only one w/my opinion of Mikie.

Just adding my 2 Cents without being asked:

Vince Carter annually was the leading vote getter for the All-Star-game. This year more people are of the opinion that Battier belongs on the All-Star-squad than Shawn Marion. And to kill this thread, having Godwin in mind and the tongue in cheek, I would like to remind you with the right amount of tastelessness about the following: The NSDAP together with the DNVP (German National Public PArty) won the majority in the parlamentary election of 1933 in the German Reich. What does it tell us about your statement...

[Superbone]

'Bone...chill. You don't agree, okee...but FYI, I'm not only one w/my opinion of Mikie.

I don't mind your opinion of D'Antoni. It's your over the top insults I take issue with.

[sunsdotcom]

bump.

[JediSkywalker]

I am not a Dantoni fan, but I take objection to the title of this thread. I don't think he deserves it. I don't believe the Suns can win the championship with Dantoni as the coach, but he has brought the team respectability, and more important he has influenced the way the game is played in the NBA. Some other teams are emulating the Run & Gun approach. It's no longer the yawn...yawn....yawn....ball. The game has become interesting and I think Dantoni's early success with the Suns had a lot to do with it. It is also influencing some college teams.

[sunsdotcom]

http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/124357

SI Players NBA Poll
1 day ago :: 25641 Views

Which head coach would you most like to play for?

Phil Jackson, Lakers ....... 21%
Mike D'Antoni, Suns ....... 21%
Gregg Popovich, Spurs ....... 15%
Don Nelson, Warriors ....... 10%
Jerry Sloan, Jazz ....... 4%
Rick Adelman, Rockets ....... 3%
Doc Rivers, Celtics ....... 3%
Pat Riley, Heat ....... 3%
Avery Johnson, Mavericks ....... 3%
Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers ....... 3%

Based on a survey of 242 NBA Players

FAST FACTS: Players could not vote for their own coach.... The Heat's Pat Riley and the Celtics' Doc Rivers, each of whom drew 3%, were the top vote-getters among Eastern Conference coaches.... Among players 30 and older Popovich was the winner, drawing 19% of that vote; Jackson got more than half of the rookie vote.... Each of the top five except Sloan has won a Coach of the Year award.

[da_suns_fan]

How about Paul Silas? Has he been mentioned in this thread yet?

There's a guy who might get the respect of some of his players. We know he isn't afraid to chew anyone out either (just ask Eric Snow).

[Xcon]

I am not a Dantoni fan, but I take objection to the title of this thread. I don't think he deserves it. I don't believe the Suns can win the championship with Dantoni as the coach, but he has brought the team respectability, and more important he has influenced the way the game is played in the NBA. Some other teams are emulating the Run & Gun approach. It's no longer the yawn...yawn....yawn....ball. The game has become interesting and I think Dantoni's early success with the Suns had a lot to do with it. It is also influencing some college teams.

I object to your objection!

[AmareIsGod]

Let's fire the guy. Suns SUCK!

[SpecialSauce]

I still agree that he's an asshat, and I think it's lame that it took Hill going to D'Antoni for him to start Diaw ahead of him. D'Antoni's gotta grow some nuts

[Superbone]

Let's fire the guy. Suns SUCK!

Thanks a bunch, AIG. This thread was finally floating away and then you had to go and do that.

[AmareIsGod]

Misery loves company.