I'll give him 15-20 games before i pull out my torch and a pitchfork. So far, "a little" concerned and not impressed.
imo, he chose the appropriate starting lineup and has handled what is potentially an explosive situation with rondo (popular vet who hasn't been an on-court positive in years) about as well as can be expected. throwing starter bones to him is probably part of that. didn't like that the team seemed unprepared for the lou/trez pick and roll in the first half of game 1; didn't like that they haven't figured out a sensible counter to folks switching the lebron/AD pick and roll--though in fairness, we heard rumblings in camp that that play wasn't working as folks had imagined, too. he needs at least half a season before people go after him.
If Vogel would choose not to hit Rondo with his car if the opportunity presented itself, he likes Rondo more than I do.
Anyone see on the national news yesterday the absolute moron who was looking at his phone ..... hit the crossing guard in the middle of the street and send her flying 30 feet? Probably viral today. Ahem .... like manna from heaven there’s @Savory Griddles ’s gif just needing Rondo’s head. She’s banged up but ok fortunately.
Luke played kcp, too. I mean, could be they’re both dumb, but it could also be that kcp beats out competitors in practice.
Most of the GMs, coaches, owners in the NBA are idiots. The sheer rarity of a team having won a championship or even having a successful season is a proof. We used to have it all -- an owner, a coach... even a GM that were top notch. In 2013 it's all ended. And it has been downhill from there. I certainly don't expect Vogel of all people to change that.
A Pacers fan on Reddit described how Vogel would be stubborn in his lineup changes during his time at Indy. If that is actually true, I think it's an encouraging sign that he made an adjustment in the 2nd half to shift LBJ/AD to the 4-5. I wonder what the two guys prefer.
Kidd awaits, Bron is on the floor, and no team was looking to hire him, probably ever. He has no room to be stubborn
Staggered Davis and Howard at the 5. With Davis and James, made sure one of them was on the floor while the other took a breather. Stayed with Daniels when he had a hot hand. None of that Walton nonsense.
Better coaching this game. I liked the way he staggered Lebron and AD. I’m assuming Caruso was taking the spot of Rondo there in the second half adjustments.
2nd half adjustment last night against Utah was huge. Vogel has said he is a players' coach or something to the effect "everyone gets a fair shot". Luke tried but I have to admit already there seems a better flow to things with the substitutions and with adjustments. He gave all the guys trying to make the team fair shots and sensible minutes. He started Bradley over Rondo when the latter was available in the first pre-season game. I thought that was a good sign he wasn't going to succumb to politics and instead play the guys that are getting it done how he and the staff want to have it done. Was missing Kuzma, Rondo and Caruso to help address where we are weakest in depth in 2 areas ..... handling of ball to take load off LBJ and more help at the large 3 / small 4 position plus big boost in scoring efficiency with the 2nd unit when those 3 guys are all back. So what does Vogel decide to do 2nd half... 2 Un PC like and strategic adjustments. Start AD at the 5 against Gobert mano a mano and WOW look how well AD did. With probably more effort than against a smaller 4. But look at Gobert's numbers. Scoreboard. Also Un PC was doing it whether McGee takes it the right way or not. Vogel's got more important things to worry about like delivering on winning games. If Howard can be the good soldier now for the greater good of the team so damn well McGee better do the same. He was back to to Shaqtin a fool a few plays against Clips .... no? Just saying already these are great signs IMO. Eff politics .... play the best players and be fair and the team will recognize the real game of everyone from practice and and actual "game" performances ..... and bond much better for it. His stated MO.
Guys and gals. Gonna have to let Vogel tinker a little here. Even though he had lineups that were weird in Game 1, the game was a 2 point game with 7 min left. It's not like the Lakers are s*** all game long like they have been the last 6 years. The way they bullied the Jazz last night was extremely encouraging. There wasn't a part of that game where I didn't feel like they weren't going to win. It's been a LONG time since I've had that feeling. Both AD and Lebron played 30 min. That, after the W, was the next big W. If AD and Lebron can do what they do against a good team like Utah in 30 min a game, we are in for a real treat.
