Canzano Once Asked Bobby Knight..........

[ABM]

"What makes a great coach?"

Knight responded, "Essentially, three elements are involved. Number one, you have to have excellent planning - well organized practices, teaching principles and techniques, scouting, and the like. Number two, you have to have the ear and respect of your team and all be on the same page. Number three, you have to be able to make adjustments during games..........."

Canzano then went on the hypothesize that Nate does very well with the first two elements, but it's the last one that holds him back. Said he was terribly out-coach by Adelman and Gentry during the last two playoffs. Said he thinks that's why Vulcan wants Nate (or them) to bring in seasoned assistant coaches to directly help him in this area.

Ya know, I kind of agree with that notion.

One BFT caller indicated that Nate is a great "regular season" coach in that he prepares the team well, doesn't monkey with the system, guys know what to expect, et al. However, he's a not-so-good playoffs coach as, for whatever reason(s), he seems to be too set in his ways.

Sounds as if Vulcan has identified this "weakness" and is taking the bull by the horns.

Thoughts?

 

[illmatic99]

The assessment of Nate is spot on. (Although I think there is too much credit being given to Nate's prep work). That said, I don't think Bernie Bickerstaff is the answer.

 

[oldmangrouch]

Nate appears strong at #1, and questionable at #3. Bringing in the *right* veteran assistant would be a very astute move.

What worries me is #2. Watching the Blazers, I'm not always so sure Nate does have their ears.

 

[Sug]

No coach is an island, and behind every great coach is a more knowledgeable assistant. I strongly believe this, and I would argue that Nate has yet to have that more knowledgeable assistant sitting next to him. He has had some good guys, but not the guy that can get in his ear and motivate him to change it up. These are your Tex Winters, Dick Harters, and the like. The guy doesn't need to be head coach material, because that is a different skill set, but he does need to have an amazing understanding of the game.

 

[Wheels]

The assessment of Nate is spot on. (Although I think there is too much credit being given to Nate's prep work). That said, I don't think Bernie Bickerstaff is the answer.

This.

 

[BrianFromWA]

We've had part of this discussion during the regular season.

FACT: Nate's offense is the slowest-paced in the league.
FACT: Nate has consistently said in interviews, radio, TV, etc. that he implores his team to run more.

I'd hope he still has their ears, and I'll say that, despite my criticisms, I'm generally in the "Nate's good in #1 and #2" camp. But when I compare what he says (I believe him) to what the team does (slowest pace), there's a disconnect there that is difficult for me to explain if I still believe in #1 and #2. Mind you, this isn't a discussion of "should we run vs. not", or "should Player X be the starter". It's Nate saying one thing, and the team doing another.

 

[ABM]

We've had part of this discussion during the regular season.

FACT: Nate's offense is the slowest-paced in the league.
FACT: Nate has consistently said in interviews, radio, TV, etc. that he implores his team to run more.

I'd hope he still has their ears, and I'll say that, despite my criticisms, I'm generally in the "Nate's good in #1 and #2" camp. But when I compare what he says (I believe him) to what the team does (slowest pace), there's a disconnect there that is difficult for me to explain if I still believe in #1 and #2. Mind you, this isn't a discussion of "should we run vs. not", or "should Player X be the starter". It's Nate saying one thing, and the team doing another.

Very astute remarks. Rep'd.

 

[STOMP]

I wouldn't make too much of this last post season. Hard to make adjustments when many of your best options are playing through serious injuries or seated behind the bench. Integrating Miller with Roy required Nate to loosen the reins on offense and let the players make plays. Adding a low post threat (Greg) will probably cause some spacing and chemistry issues they'll have to work through... I'm recalling some chaffing from Brandon on this last year. Hopefully the guys will find a comfort level playing together in Nate's sets and will have the freedom from their controlling coach to react to what the D is throwing at them. It's my belief that a heavy handed coach can only take a team so far. While I agreed with his controlling style as a strategy early on for this young Blazer squad, it's getting about time for the guys to be trusted to react rather then think.

I do agree that Nate seems pretty good on elements one and two though.

STOMP

 

[hasoos]

At the same time, you can only do what your personnel on your team is capable of. Nate can only make adjustments if his team can handle the responsibility of that adjustment. The whole fact that he told Batum to work on his post game recognizes the fact that his hands were tied in the PHX series due to what personnel were available, and where their talents were strong. Batum did not have a strong offensive game to fall on when Steve Nash was guarding him. Popovich had the same problem the next game because RJ was that guy, and RJ could not create for himself, and even worse, could not hit an open 3. Popovich is considered an elite coach. He could do nothing without personnel to back up his needs.