From what I understand, his contract is up after this year. What do you guys think about his performance thus far? Happy? Unhappy? Meh? I wasn't really excited about his signing in the first place, and while I've enjoyed his offense, I think this team needs a lot of work on defense. Personally, I would like to see the team reach out to Jerry Sloan. I have no idea if he's interested in coaching at this point, but I think he would be able to do wonders with the Dame/LA combo. Deron Williams played his best ball under Sloan, by far. I also know that Sloan wouldn't take this bullshit on defense. I like Terry, but I've never thought he was the guy that was going to take us to the next level.
I said yes, with a qualifier. I like Stotts and the general vibe surrounding the team but we need a defensive specialist assistant coach.
If he would take the downgrade to being the offensive coordinator, i'd be all for that, but i don't see that happening. I'd love to get Lionel Hollins.
If nothing else, this has to be a more attractive job this summer than it was two years ago, right? Be interesting to see if they do interview anyone.
I really have two problems right now. 1) The teams overall defense is just very poor. 2) We seem to lose motivation at times, and obviously that's not all on the coach, but the coach can be a factor. I've also never been a huge fan of offenses that rely so heavily on the three point shot. It's great when they're falling, but when you go through prolonged droughts it can be extremely frustrating to watch.
I like him from an offensive standpoint although he hasn't seemed to have made adjustments as teams have pushed out on the Blazer shooters. From a defensive standpoint, he seems well below par. Lopez, Aldridge, Batum and Matthews are all above average defensively at their position but yet Portland as a team is in the bottom 1/3 of the league. He bought himself another year with the fantastic start but ultimate success is about success in the playoffs and I fear this year will go down much like the previous 12 or so.
Honestly, this thread is probably too early. The real decision will be determined in the playoffs. If the team does very well, he'll be back. If the team just completely stinks it up, I could see them seeking a replacement.
For the record, I think he'll be brought back regardless of what happens in the Playoffs. I just don't feel like he's half as good, offensively, as his reputation suggests. Why bring back a mediocre offensive coach who absolutely sucks on the defensive end of the floor? Being better than Nate McMillan is not a reason for bringing him back.
valid points for sure. Not that I disagree or anything. I just see enough progress in the quality of play over the year and a half that I'm happy with the organic growth. If there was a sure fire 100% upgrade that wanted the job, I'd be all ears, but so far I wouldnt say I dont have faith in Stotts, is what I was trying to say lol
I agree. I'm not at the point of pitch forks and torches (the playoffs could change my mind quickly though.) I think the defense is my biggest problem though. If we were middle of the pack, I'd be totally fine with it, but we're just horrible on defense. I don't know if it's because the team just doesn't care, or if it's how Stotts approaches defense in practice, but god we're horrible at defending the paint and the pick and roll.
The growth may be more so to do with the timing of the natural maturation of the players involved more so than the coach. I wouldn't mind bringing Stotts back, however. Although, I would really seek a great defensive coach. That being said, I would like a different offensive scheme, as this one looks to have run its course. So, I'm really on the fence with this one.
I was hard on Stotts when he first got the job. I even called him "Interim" for a while. However, he has gotten this team to play a beautiful style of basketball, and one when were in rhythm is a winning style. Could we play better defense? Sure. However, this team has wildly overachieved and at least some of that credit has to go to Stotts. Keep the guy, with one caveat. He must always dress up Ramsay-style. That was one of the coolest tributes ever.
The P/R defense is 100% Stotts' fault. I elaborated on this in the thread where Lillard responds to Quick about his defense.
