Outside of the bubble, meaning the 8 games to finish the regular season when we were adjusting to new lineups and clearly not going all out, this team lost multiple games in a row this season twice. That’s it, twice. One stretch in December of 4 losses in a row, and 2 losses in a row in January. Same for the playoffs, no consecutive losses, this coaching staff was excellent with adjustments, and apparently players like Rondo had major input too according to Dudley on the Simmons podcast.
Need the “Stay Kentavious” giant banner up on Figueroa side of Staples next to Dwight’s pulled out of storage and the wrinkles taken out.
Remember when Vogel was the team's third choice to hire as Head Coach? When the third choice is the best choice.
:Carusohearthands: Superb article on Frank. I read early on somewhere shortly after he was hired that he was a "players' coach" and always built good chemistry on his teams. During the season to me it also became clear and I mentioned that term and the observation a couple times and then again in the playoffs, that he showed non wavering faith in his players and never did anything to negatively affect their confidence. That's just an awesome trait he has and I hope both these guys can get enough of a raise from us that doesn't strategically hurt us and stay at least for another year. This very anecdote about their experience this year and the chance to play for this Man again ought hopefully to factor into their decisions heavily. As well IMO Frank when he is fitted with a mic for games ..... sounds better and more compelling in what he says in huddles than 95% of these guys. Usually you hear what their cliches are and what their styles are and roll your eyes thinking what that must be like to guys that have been pro ballers in the league for years.
I am not sure Frank is necessarily the best coach in the game, but he did an excellent job for us, and probably suited our collection of players (skills and personalities) better than any other coach in the game. I loved the game we built and identity under Frank. "Not playing Laker basketball," meant not playing defence, and controlling the game at our own tempo. And as such, so many times, we built runs on the back of getting our defence right at both the perimeter and in the paint. Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't recall Frank really going ballistic at officials on the sidelines very often. I have never liked that about the NBA as it sets a bad example for kids out there seeing coaches etc yell at officials and talk to them the entire game. So I also thank Frank for winning with a lot of class and respect to his players, the officials and the media.
Put some damn respect on Vogel's name. He's a top 5 coach now in this league - and he's only getting better.
He did a fantastic job. Our defense was smothering most of the year and we won the championship. What more is there to say really? I had my beef at times re: lineups but he's the coach and he won so who cares? Great one and looking forward to running it back next year.
Before The Finals began, one of the dorks at SI predicted a Miami triumph citing that Spoelstra has always beaten Vogel whenever their teams met in the playoffs. Of course, he did not mention that Spoelstra had James on his team and Vogel had Playoff P.
