Suns Coaching Search

[Nodack]

I mostly refrain from criticizing coaches because its really hard to see everything they do. The players show it on the court. A lot of what a coach does is behind the scenes making it difficult to judge clearly other than time outs, player substitutions and yelling at the refs.

I liked Hornecek but, I think he lost his players like a lot of coaches do, especially during crappy seasons. I wasn't thrilled by the way Hornecek was replaced. Firing his assistants and naming his replacement as an assistant. We all saw the writing on the wall and Watson became coach.

I believe I did see a difference in the Suns play after Watson. I'm not sure if it was just because it was a fresh new coach or what but, IMO their team play improved as did their passing, especially to the post where they struggled horribly all year. I'm sure somebody will quote some stats to say otherwise but, I would have to grade Watson a surprising B considering.

Should he be named head coach? I think we are still in rebuilding mode and missing a few pieces. Maybe we pick up one or two this off season and things improve. I am not sure getting "The guy" as head coach right now is good timing. Looking at Suns history tells me a coach is going to last 4 years tops if he kicks ass. We aren't going to win it all next season or the next. Maybe a coach that is good at development is better than "The guy" who will come it crack some eggs and be run out of town in two years after pissing everybody off and not winning. Hire a Watson, get the team you want in a couple of years and then hire "The guy" after we are ready to run Watson out of town like all coaches are eventually. I know it sounds crazy but, that's my take.

[Uncle_Gene]

Tom Thibodeau

[pickle]

I pretty much agree with everything Nodack says, from not judging coaches as hard to this team not being ready for "the man". I really don't want a coach with an ego problem, who clashes with his players. I don't ever want to touch Karl, even if the Kings sent him to us with a first round pick attached. I also don't know if Thibs will be a good fit. I don't mind losing another year, as long as we spend the proper time developing our current youngsters. Getting another high pick next year and then re-evaluating with whatever cap space/assets we may have then is my preferred way forward.

That said, I wouldn't mind David Blatt, although I don't know *that* much about him.

[carey]

Windhorst (who I despise) says the Suns are at the bottom of the list of coaching vacancies: http://arizonasports.com/story/631234/w ... g-vacancy/

Not sure he's completely wrong. I do know coaches would rather live in Phoenix than Minnesota but the talent disparity is pretty large. I can't say that Washington is more appealing. I would put Bledsoe-Booker up against Wall-Beal if Eric was 100% healthy. Washington doesn't have much else.

[Mori Chu]

Tom Thibodeau

Sup Uncle Gene! Good to see you.

[Mori Chu]

I think Earl Watson looks a tiny bit like "Tuco" from Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul.

[Indy]

You are racist Mori.

[Indy]

It got much worse. Much.

Hmm. The Suns don't agree with you guys' assessment. From the Coro article where he says Watson is the front runner:

Watson pulled favor with the Suns for setting up Markieff Morris’ trade value in a short time, having late-season defensive improvement, focusing on fundamentals and positive, direct communication.

I can't seem to find a custom search feature on basketball-ref that allows me to see advanced stats by coach. But I did find a way to see point differential. If you look at the point differential under Jeff, it would put us as 4th worst in the league for the season. Under Watson, it would put us at 3rd worst. Not a huge drop off, but certainly nowhere close to being better.

[Superbone]

It got much worse. Much.

Hmm. The Suns don't agree with you guys' assessment. From the Coro article where he says Watson is the front runner:

Watson pulled favor with the Suns for setting up Markieff Morris’ trade value in a short time, having late-season defensive improvement, focusing on fundamentals and positive, direct communication.

I can't seem to find a custom search feature on basketball-ref that allows me to see advanced stats by coach. But I did find a way to see point differential. If you look at the point differential under Jeff, it would put us as 4th worst in the league for the season. Under Watson, it would put us at 3rd worst. Not a huge drop off, but certainly nowhere close to being better.

You can't just do straight stat comparisons. You have to compare personnel. Watson was working with a bunch of D-Leaguers and being forced to start Archie at point for long stretches. You have to look at effort and strategies. You have to actually, you know, watch games.

[Indy]

It got much worse. Much.

Hmm. The Suns don't agree with you guys' assessment. From the Coro article where he says Watson is the front runner:

Watson pulled favor with the Suns for setting up Markieff Morris’ trade value in a short time, having late-season defensive improvement, focusing on fundamentals and positive, direct communication.

I can't seem to find a custom search feature on basketball-ref that allows me to see advanced stats by coach. But I did find a way to see point differential. If you look at the point differential under Jeff, it would put us as 4th worst in the league for the season. Under Watson, it would put us at 3rd worst. Not a huge drop off, but certainly nowhere close to being better.

You can't just do straight stat comparisons. You have to compare personnel. Watson was working with a bunch of D-Leaguers and being forced to start Archie at point for long stretches. You have to look at effort and strategies. You have to actually, you know, watch games.

I think Archie is a better defender than Knight. Same for Price. And TJ off the court is a plus defensively, right? And not having Morris here should be a plus defensively too, after the way he was playing. He also got Chandler back for nearly all of his coaching reign.

[Cap]

Magruder: Suns have the right guy in Earl Watson

[EDC]

Earl Watson's agent is out there working. A lot of articles praising a 9-24 interim coach. He did play the young guys a lot but the question is will Watson be the best coach to develop them?

I think there are better coaches available and the front office would be doing a disservice to the team and the fans if they don't at least try to hire the best available.

[Cap]

FWIW, D'Antoni went 21-40 after taking over mid-season for Frank Johnson. In his first 33 games he went... 9-24.

[INFORMER]

I want D'Antoni too. Very interested in what he can do with Booker and Warren.

DAntoni is the worst choice for young players.

Obviously you need to make sure he is ok with this type of long term plan

I don't think the plan is "long term." The Suns are still chasing quick fixes and building on a flawed foundation.

[Superbone]

Magruder: Suns have the right guy in Earl Watson

Isn't this the guy that the bomb blows up on before he can get it diffused every episode?

[Sunsfan4life]

Magruder: Suns have the right guy in Earl Watson

Isn't this the guy that the bomb blows up on before he can get it diffused every episode?

Lol that's Macgruber. Still hilarious analogy or what happened this year.

[Cap]

Possibly the only watchable SNL film since The Blues Brothers.

[Superbone]

Possibly the only watchable SNL film since The Blues Brothers.

Heh. It's educational too. This is where I learned what a double decker is.

I'd also put Wayne's World on that list.

[Cap]

Totally forgot about Wayne's World. Yes, that was a decent film, as was its sequel.

But man have they had some stinkers. Superstar, It's Pat, The Ladies Man, Blues Brothers 2000, A Night at the Roxbury...

[TOO]

I want D'Antoni too. Very interested in what he can do with Booker and Warren.

DAntoni is the worst choice for young players.

Obviously you need to make sure he is ok with this type of long term plan

I don't think the plan is "long term." The Suns are still chasing quick fixes and building on a flawed foundation.

It's so fucking sad.