Of coaching decisions and Charlie V's halftime antics

These are relatively boring times, no?

Three days without games – but given the way games have been going I’m not entirely sure that’s a bad thing – but three days to drum up marginally interesting fodder for here.

A quandary, to be sure.

But, because I work hard for the mediocre bucks, it’s a quandary that has to be resolved. And so it shall be:

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This is sort of a list, sort of a rant, sort of an answer to a lot of questions I get

Five factors to figuring out the next coach

Getting along

TONY BOCK/TORONTO STAR

Jay's been working hard in the interim, no doubt.

There’s no question that Bryan Colangelo likes to be involved and that’s not a bad thing, given he’s the boss and all. So whoever sits in that chair is going to have to be willing to listen to advice, discuss suggestions on a daily basis and take time to hear out the guy who hired him.

Does that leave out stubborn veteran coaches who might say: “Just give me players and et out of the way?” Absolutely.

Get a style and stick to it

Whoever gets the gig has to come to camp, having studied the roster and the relative skills of the players and decide right away what kind of team it’s going to be. Defence? Halfcourt? Fast-breaking? Crazy early shots? A team that plays zone a bit or not at all? A team that goes nine or 10 deep?

And then they cannot deviate from it.

Finances

Let’s, for argument’s sake (although I don’t believe it will happen) say that Sam Mitchell doesn’t take a job next year and the Raptors remain on the hook for his whole salary (there will be a reduction in what they owe him commensurate with what he earns from an NBA job).

Does that mean they have to hire on the relative cheap? I’m sure it’ll be a factor in who they might like to look at.

Putting together a staff

If the boss comes to you and says, ‘hey, I really, really think this guy can help you in your job’ and you get along with that guy well, why in the world wouldn’t you do the prudent thing and work with him?

In a perfect world, you’ve got a great teacher, an old hand and a former player on any staff and the head man’s going to have to keep that in mind when picking his assistants.

Get going right away

This maybe more on Bryan than guy coming in but I think it’s absolutely imperative that whoever the coach is, he’s on the job by the first week of June. That may eliminate assistants from the final two or four teams but so be it. The coach, and his assistants, have to be deeply involved in the working out of possible draft picks, the recruitment and selection of free agents, discussions of sign and trade possibilities and whatnot.

He has to hit the ground running.

Now, whether that guy is Jay Triano or Dominic Triano, Flip Saunders or Flip Wilson, Avery Johnson or Avery Brundage, I don’t know at the moment. And I’m quite sure neither does Bryan Colangelo.

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Look, a coaching question:

Q: Another missive bound to be ignored, but in light of your daily and much appreciated contribution to my blogosphere I persist. I read your conjecture on Mark Ivaroni (sic) as lead assistant and recalled Jim Todd's departure, after the club refused to bestow that designation upon him. Does this constitute a shift in the structure of the Raptors coaching staff or just a way to compensate for Jay's relative inexperience and lack of clout?

Matthew H, Kingston

A: I don’t think titles mean a hill of beans and it was only a small – very small –- part of JT’s decision to leave. He’d worked with Sam for about seven years (and trust me, that’s a long time), there were family considerations and it was just time to go.

And if I know people, being called a “lead assistant” is much less important than the annual stipend.

So, no, it doesn’t constitute a huge change in the structure of the staff.

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Charlie, Charlie, Charlie.

This is among the most ridiculous – and telling – things I’ve ever heard.

The Bucks are, what? half a game out of the playoffs, playing one of the best teams in the East at home and at halftime the guy’s goofing on his wireless thing in the locker room?

Unreal.

But it’s not just Charlie. I’m sure hundreds of other guys go check their texts or take their messages every halftime of every game.

They should be all required to leave all their little communications devices in the coach’s office until the game’s over.

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Some big basketball tournament start tomorrow or something? Getting lots of questions on it.

Here’s the deal:

I’ve seen maybe 15 college games this year, what with doing this job and, you know, living a life.

I know about the Griffin kid, likely No. 1 selection, needs shooting range; the guard from Duke and the kid Harden, who when I saw a bit of the Pac-10 final was an absolute non-factor in the offence in the first half, so that’s troubling.

You know I love Dell Curry and think his son Stephen is going to be a Top 10 pick and maybe a big surprise but the kid just knows how to play. But he’s not even in the tournament.

So, to ask who watch is to ask someone who isn’t sure. And since we have no idea where the Raptors will draft, trying to pick and choose the guys to watch is ridiculous.

Enjoy the games, that’s what you should do.

Oh, and when Super Son and I get done our brackets later tonight, we’ll let you know who to cheer most loudly for.

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A list and a question all rolled into one:

Q: Long time reader, not a first time writer, but haven't written in a long long time.

Even though the Raptors had the "best" roster at the beginning of this season it's obvious to see that they are one of the NBA's most underachieved team this season. Name 3 teams that have underachieved and name 3 teams that are overachieving this season whom we probably won't be seeing in the playoffs next season.

Andy C, Toronto

A: I’d say, with a quick glance at the standings, that the underachievers – right now – are Toronto, the Pistons and Phoenix, all of whom expected to be much better than they are at the moment.

Overachievers? I think you can make a case that Charlotte, Milwaukee and Houston are the big surprises given all that they’ve had to go through this year with injuries and trades.

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Comments

[Doug]

Feschuk isn't critical of the Raps he's critical of everything, he writes just to evoke a reaction...he's like the newsprint version of a Bob McGowan, not writng or saying his opinion just saying/writing to go against the grain...and writers can be critical without coming right out and stating such and such, read between the lines of what is written...also if i were a Raptor I wouldn't tlak to Feschuk at all but would talk to Doug..so it's a two-way street...being critcal and factually incorrect as Feschuk is , is not being critical it's being irresponsible or that other guy over at the Sun...

[Ryan]

Hey City Country,

Don't leave Bell out of the blaming loop. Their advertisements intentionally stating that we are missing games because we do not subscribe to Bell are slaps in our collective faces.

I blame Bell, MLSE, Rogers, in that order. MLSE could be forgiven this year for overlooking Bell's intentions with TSN2.

If it happens again next year though, I will blame MLSE, Bell, Rogers, in that order.

[Rob.V]

Doug, good point on determining a style of play however I think most of this falls with Colangelo (which includes his coaching selection).

Colangelo is not the coach, so trying implement “his” philosophy on how to play is a problem.

When the Grand Poohba came to town we were going to run so they traded for TJ which made complete sense. He talked of players who could play multiple positions in an up tempo environment. That was fine until he hired Mitchell to a long term deal. In the beginning Mitchell went along with that plan however quickly reverted to what he knew best… which is the complete opposite of this (I think). Sam was never going to be a run and gun coach... not in his make up. So out with our run and gun point guard and in with a half court guy (for the next 5). Now what, back to the run and gun... doesnt seem to make sense does it? (I'm agreeing with your point).

With all of this said, my point is simply this: maybe Colangelo should hire a guy he actually BELIEVES in rather than worry about “style”... and not meddle so much.

We should decide on an experienced coach who has been to the finals (at minimum), and has a defensive mindset. Then, stay out of the way! (as much as possible).

Thoughts?

Blogger's note: If you find an experienced coach (finals at the minimum) with a defensive mindset who'll work for the money and wants to take over a team that will likely lose 50 games this season and I'd say interview him for sure

[Tim W.]

I really don't see the point of Twitter, anyway. It's pushing the world even further into 10 second sound bites, so to speak. Why do people feel the need to not only express every thought, no matter how mundane, but read what other people are thinking and doing? I also find it incredibly ironic. People started carrying around cell phones so they could be reached and call people no matter where they were. Then Facebook came and so they could catch up with all of their friends at the same time. Texting meant that you could be more up to date. Now with Twitter, they can follow every move and thought of a person. Of course, with every new technology, yu are getting further and further away from face to face contact. Then again, if they did meet someone face to face, they'd end up talking on their cell phone the entire time to someone else. (Side note: Have you ever seen a couple in a restaurant and one of the people was talking on their cell phone, apparently unaware how rude they were being?)

My big question about Villanueva's tweet, is why on earth would anyone care what 10 second thought he had during halftime? Then again, I don't care what 10 second thought anyone has most of the time. Being on Twitter is like following fifty incredibly superficial conversations all at once.

Did you hear Twitter's rejected motto? How to waste your life 140 characters at a time.

[mary]

thanks for answering my questions doug.

one more for you -- any idea what nathan jawai's summer plans are? i've watched him in the D league and i'm very impressed. i'd love to see what he could do if they could get him in shape by next season.

thanks!

Blogger's note: No firm idea but I'm sure he'll play in the summer league and be around working out with the coaches a lot

[TJ]

Good day all.
I noticed the remarks about Feschuck, and I have to admit that he doesn't seem to be all that much of a b ball guy. He seems to just write things to stir the pot for readers. Rarely do I think he has a pulse on the NBA or even the Raps. But what he does do is give us readers a different view point of our team and the league then you. I can't fault a man for doing his job but I can find fault with someone being negative (not critical) of the Raps, yes they are awedul this year and last but in these times he should try and offer hope and constructive critic.
Now regarding coaches for us...
A big money guy or a new cheap coach, it isn't an issue!
Jay has done a good job, not great. Consider that he had no say in his team the way they were put together and no training camp, injured players, new players. He needs better asst's! Marc for offense and a kevin O'Neil type for defense. Heck he has helped Bargs become a 20+ scorer!

[vhigge]

I just don't think the Raptors get it!

You may as well sit on the bench, if you are going to do the wrong thing.

Like a kid who never gets picked for any teams, you know who the smart coaches are.

The game is full of nuances, loyalites, small elegant forces of beauty that make the whole thing rattle and hum!

You can't just go in there with athleticism and a bunch of skills and hope to rhyme them off in order, against 30 NBA rosters!

The fact that players are "getting better" has little to do with
improving basketball.

You don't sink a ship and know everything will be perfect the next time!

It's not like football or soccer where you can just take a few guys out of position and get over the line.

You are accountable.

While Triano may know baseball or hockey offense well, he can't seem to read or predict, to anyone's benefit, the statistics over the uniforms on any given night in basketball.

"Go to the end of the car, turn around and catch the ball"
only works in the movies. It takes coordination, years of deafening silence, and countless platforms, and beyond that -principle; None of which these Raptors bring with them, as a team or individually.

Enjoy the basement.

You will be there for a while.

[Eden]

Whether the coach is talking or not, during a game you should be focused. If you're taking a breather on the bench you should be focused.

Tweet'ing is not being focused, even if it is about the game. To stay connected with the fans? To inform friends? To make plans for later? Why would any of this matter at the moment if you're focused on the game at hand. This is what they are employed to do. Think about it.

[Robert S]

Regarding the Tweet, I think that's less invasive than when a player is interviewed at the half.

[O.J.]

Hey Doug,

I would have to agree with the previous bloggers statement and simply add that the NBA is a league that is, for the most part, predicated on guard play. I think it is imperative that the raptors draft the best wing player available and add another proven backup guard and post player to their bench. Your thoughts?

Blogger's note: Well, since wing play is, right now, their most glaring weakness. I'd say that's what they should look at in the draft and in free agency

[Tim W.]

BLue Skies,

Every proven coach started out as a "cheap' no-name coach. When Phil Jackson took over after Doug Collins was fired, he had never been a head coach. Gregg Popovich took over as an interim coach after he fired Bob Hill (where he had a 17-47, as compared to Jay's 16-34 record). Jerry Sloan was mostly known for his days as a hard-nosed Bulls guard when he took over from the great Frank Layden.

Quite frankly, while there are some very good coaches out there, but all have question marks that caused them to be fired. It was felt Avery Johnson was too controlling, especially on offense, and that caused his team to fail. Those wanting the Raptors to run more most definitely should not want him.

Same goes for Van Gundy, who is renowned for his defensive abilities as a coach, but his teams are never offensive juggernauts, to say the least. Even with McGrady and Yao Ming, two 20+ ppg scorers, his Houston teams never broke 100 ppg. Plus, he never found playoff success in Houston.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have Flip Saunders, who many people here seem to love. His teams have never focused much on defense, which caused player discontent in Detroit and eventually led to his dismissal. And his teams always under-achieved in the playoffs, possibly due to his focus on offense, rather than defense.

Then you've got the screamers, who always seem to have an immediate impact, but very quickly wear thin on the players, especially today's player who isn't used to it. Doug Collins and Mike Fratello are good coaches who would probably help the team, but I can't see their style going over well with a guy like Bargnani.

Eddie Jordan is a good coach, but is he really the answer? He's only taken his team to the second round of the playoffs once and has never won more than 45 games.

Iavaroni didn't show anything more in Memphis than Jay has with the Raptors, so I really don't understand why he would be that much of a better option.

Some people seem to think that bringing in a great coach is what the Raptors need to win. Well, besides the fact that great coaches need great players in order to excel, you also have to actually, you know, hire the coach. My guess is there will be plenty of positions open this summer, and the Raptors position probably won't be the most attractive. They're coming off a season where they will probably win less than 30 games, they might lose their franchise player and the team isn't exactly stocked with talent. How is this attractive to an A-List coach who will probably have several options?

[Observer]

Would you want your surgeon Tweeting during a lull in sugery, when he was waiting for some equipment to arrive in the OR? I don't think so! A game (and surgery) require fairly total focus. I don't care if tweeting/checking movie times is "the way we live now".

[Doug]

the coaching issue is a important one...but really it's not one I am to concerned about, one I don't have a say BC will hire who he deems fit, an two an more importantly what players is this coach going to have to coach is the biggest issue and in fact would dictate to me what kind of guy I would hire...is Bosh re-signing, if not he is gone, at least 4 others of this roster are gone...so the coaching situation is to me irrelevant...but the biggest thing a coach needs to do nowadays is communicate effectively, and unlike Sam and i am sure this played a large part in his firing don't throw your own players under the bus or malign them in the press....comes back to haunt you...unprofessional...

plus in regards to tweeting I fired a guy last week at work for doing it a second time during a important conference and he was a high-salaried employee...its unprofessional, there is a time and a place for it, you can't set a precedent of it, or texting, or cell calls during certain times...people either get it or they don't, its not your right, its a thing you do at your leisure, appropriate circumstance...

[Takashi]

Doug i believe the Dukes guard name is Gerald Henderson and i think he would be one of the Players BC will look at come draft night.

[bballer]

observer,
there are surgeons that tweet during their surgeries. it is done at teaching hospitals. there are even surgeries you can watch online.

the fact that nba players are picking up technologies faster than other sports shows how committed they are to increasing the fans' experience whether the nba mandates it or not. most top players are on myspace, facebook and twitter. they are looking at different social media to connect with fans. i think what they are doing should be applauded. plus, once stern figures out twitter, he would allow players to tweet pre and post games and even half time. coaches will object, but they are the same ones who object to being miked during the game. i'll definitely will sign up to follow charlie v.

[Alex B]

Question on results:

If Phoenix or a similarly placed team (the Raptors?) surprises everyone and gets into the playoffs, and even pulls out an incredible upset, are the GMs/coaches who were previously on the hot seat vindicated, or is it attributed to the players exhibiting unseen willpower, renewed vigour, and a little bit of luck? If the coach or GM was going to be fired, do they keep the jobs if a late push gets them into the playoffs or the second round?

Blogger's note: I think everyone is, or should be, judged on the entire body of work

[Brian]

Wow, No March 19th blog report. I can't say I blame you Doug, but at the same time, this is out of character for you. I guess the storylines with a three day break have been exhausted, as you alluded to i.e. Boring Times.

I know the truth, you are busy preparing all of your snack foods to watch the Madness today with Super Son. Enjoy!

Blogger's note: Just solved some computer issues here at Casa Doug. Will be up soon

[Marco]

Any chance Michael Jordan made the road trip with the Bobcats?