Ex-Coach Luke Walton Discussion

Mitch said in his radio interview on ESPN 710 that they interviewed Luke for 6-7 HOURS.

 

That's pretty crazy, that's a long time to sit and talk. Ding reported it was 6 hours, Mitch confirming that definitely wows me. I can't remember if it was Ding that also said Luke "killed it" in the meeting or someone eles, but clearly he did if it went on that long and then he was immediately offered the job.

 

If they talked for 6-7 hours and were convinced afterwards to just make the offer, then I have to assume they've got some really strong ideas they were bouncing off each other.

 

Dude. A 6 hour interview? My armpits would be drenched.

 

So Luke realizes his deficiencies and wants to bring in quality assistants. Isn't that a refreshing change from B0ron the genius who doesn't need help and knows more about basketball than all the media combined.

 

It is very assuring that Walton is aware that he needs assistance on some levels. A positive out of this is that the crew will not need to deal with just one voice. There will be a delegation of responsibilities and all that needs to be accountable are the players themselves for their part. I think that the player that will benefit the most will be Randle in the same fashion that Draymond Green related to Walton.

 

While I think he WILL benefit greatly from this move, Russell (if he's the player we think he is) will benefit the most. He will go from being in the worst possible offense for his game to being in arguably the best offense for his game.

 

The schemes do fit his talent as it could be similar in some respects to what was employed when he played at Ohio State. Russell's skills is already there. I mentioned Randle from a personal point of view with Walton's good people skills. He can go to the new head coach without trepidation of being talked down to. I'm sure he kept his frustrations to himself last season with inconsistent time on the floor and the odd rotations.

 

Oh. No doubt. I almost feel like Walton was the choice BECAUSE of what he could do for Russell and Randle. Their skill sets are made for that offense. I was just saying that Russell will benefit so much from this transition. Randle will likely benefit, but I think we need to make sure we bring in a defensive specialist for him and Clarkson to take that next step. Russell showed signs on the defensive end even with Boron as coach. Randle and JC are clueless on that end. Randle (or Nance if his knee issues are behind him) both can fill in that Draymond role. They are both super athletic, slightly smaller pfs. I bet with Walton as coach, we will see Nance and Randle at the 4/5 together a lot.

 

Agree. What I do like is that both Randle and Clarkson are coachable young men especially the latter who is reportedly working on his game already. They are both works in progress on the defensive end and know it but can get better. I do think though that while they are getting that together, this crew will need that mobile, rim protecting big that will cover for them. That could be Whiteside who goes after shots. Or could be Horford at least by how he slides into position.

 

Black will see more minutes under Walton definitely. He is mobile with good anticipation and instincts. Yes, Black does need proper coaching on certain details as far as reacting when and how.

 

Mitch started his presser by saying Luke signed his contract last night, glad to hear it's officially official. Now the Warriors can't lock him in a room and pull a DeAndre Jordan.

 

Brian Kamenetzky: "I'm assuming that you guys, when you let Byron go or made the decision..in making the decision to let Byron go, had candidates in mind, people that you want. Was Luke's potential availability beyond this year, if you waited longer than this summer, he might go somewhere (else?/different?), did that influence your decision at all in terms of letting Byron go?"

Mitch: "Yes."


LOL