8 Candidates To Fill Out The Blazers’ Assistant Corps (Dime)

[ABM]

http://dimemag.com/2010/06/8-candid...ssistant-corps/?utm_source=bleacherreport.com

The Blazers organization has been one of the most stable over the last few NBA seasons. They had young building blocks in place (LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy), a great GM (Kevin Pritchard) and stability at the head coaching position (Nate McMillan). But now chaos is starting to reign supreme in Portland.

During the season, the Blazers fired Tom Penn who was Pritchard’s right hand man in the front office, and now word is that Pritchard may also be on his way out of town. In addition to the front office troubles, the Blazers’ coaching staff is also in a bit of turmoil. Monty Williams recently left to take the Hornets head coaching job, rumors are flying that Dean Demopoulos may be on his way out, and according to Dave D’Alessandro of The Star-Ledger, Joe Prunty appears on his way to New Jersey to join Avery Johnson.

Having said all that, Joe Prunty – a Blazers assistant the last few years — is probably a lock as Avery’s top guy, because they are best friends – have been since ’96.

Here’s how close they are: Prunty, a personnel guy in those days, was literally on his way to the Spurs’ victory parade in 2005, when he got a voice message on his cell phone. It was from the new Dallas coach, and it said, “It’s Avery. Look, I want you to know I talked to Pop this morning, and I want to get you up here with me. Now enjoy your parade.”

About two days later, the Mavs threw a pile of money at Prunty and Popovich had to let him go, because this was Joe’s chance to be a bench coach. And even though Del Harris was considered Avery’s top aide, Prunty was his sounding board, his conscience, his basketball soul mate.”

All of this turmoil on the bench is not good for the still young Blazer team. Stability has been a big reason why they have succeeded so nicely the last few years, and all this change could do damage to the on-court production. With McMillan’s job seemingly safe, here are some guys he should think about adding to his staff for next season:.....................

 

[Wheels]

comparing Roy to Drexler saying

" they both love to run and are incredibly athletic, and are also soft-spoken leaders on-and-off the court"

not sure I agree about the running part

 

[hasoos]

After listening to Mark Jackson as an announcer, I have no desire to see him coach here. What a total fucking idiot.

 

[B-Roy]

If Mark Jackson becomes an assistant.....

 

[Boob-No-More]

I'd love to see the Blazers add Lawrence Frank to their bench. He'd be MUCH better than Bernie Bickerstaff. But, I bet Nate would prefer a yes-man with a similar style, like Bernie, over Frank who would threaten Nate's authority and push him outside his comfort zone.

Bernie is the safe choice. Frank is the best choice. He's a much better Xs and Os coach than Nate - and that's Nate's biggest weakness.

Roy Rogers, to work with Oden, is also an intriguing option.

BNM

 

[LittleAlex]

comparing Roy to Drexler saying



not sure I agree about the running part

Drexler and Roy are not very similar at all. Roy finishes below the rim, Clyde above it. Clyde was many, many times better an althete then Roy. Roy has a higher basketball IQ.

And Roy really doesn't like pushing the pace. Clyde loved it.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I have to admit I don't really care who it is Nate adds to his staff, just so long as it includes at least one really strong Xs and Os guy and a bigman coach. One way or another success or failure is going to be all on Nate regardless, so I'd just as soon he surround himself with guys who share his philosophy, this way there can be no doubt about whether his coaching style is valid or not.