While I’m sure this season nearly saved his job this doesn’t feel that surprising. Play a short rotation, run out of gas in multiple games, not really running much of an offense besides high screen and roll, defense didn’t keep up through the playoffs.
Some of that, as always, comes down to the guys on the team. Felt that the Knicks could have gone 8-9 deep in games and not suffered much as a result, Thibbs never does that barring injuries or fouls. It’s an issue.
My bet is they hire Malone.
It’s not surprising. Because of the CBA depth is the direction is going. He is the wrong coach for that. I’m pretty sure the front office felt he should have went deeper. In those first two loses only 2 bench players played many minutes. Thibs also doesn’t like to play young guys, and in the new NBA player development is a must.
Michael…just yesterday I was thinking about the lack of depth on the Lakers. During the 2 years of the previous coach (sorry, forgot his name)…it was said his staff did not develop players)..but it apparently is an issue around the league. Say each time has 9 players that are truly NBA solid and ready….that means there are 180 players that are not ready (seems too young, too old, or just not talented enough). I’m not entirely blaming the players. I’m blaming the system. The length of the season has been criticized, and I think it would be blasphemy to shorten the season. Some teams don’t feel the need to win every single game as the playoff seeding starts becoming clear or as improving lottery odds nears. Every single active player should be ready to contribute…but it seems that as players from 9 to 13 enter the game, it’s a hold your breath time….”I hope they don’t screw up”…what’s the answer??? Anyone have any suggestions to change the state of the game??? Personally, I am tired of the end of bench players merely being cheerleaders, standing up and fake cheering every single play of their own team. I’m tired of the finger/sign language….those would be some of the first things I ban if I were commissioner. Maybe those players would not be so enthusiastic if they were more focused on the game knowing hey could be inserted at any given moment. Why have the cheerleading squads??? “ice in my veins”…sick of that……