Byron Scott Discussion 2015-16 - FIRED!!! (PAGE 172)

been offline and away from media for hours so.....

YES

 

any one of walton, ollie, or messina will make me very happy

 

When D'Antoni left CL/LB had the same atmosphere that we are now feeling with Byron, it was joy and all-around happiness. Then when Byron's name was floated around, there were some initial dissent from a few, but for the most part, we as a collective whole rationalized it away by saying he was a connection to the Showtime era and would bring that winning culture back because of his championship pedigree. There were people likening Chris Paul's development under him to what Russell would be. Fast forward to today, and I can definitively say with no hesitation that 1) I was completely wrong on my analysis of Byron, 2) D'Antoni was a much better coach, and 3) Russell's development was hindered.

What i'm hearing from people right now, is that Luke, having that Lakers connection, will come in and change things for the better and I can't help but think this eerily similar to what we said about Bryon. I mean we can go back to the first few pages of this thread to see...

 

There's a big difference though. I remember at CL many ppl had reservations about Byron being coach as he had almost always worn out his welcome at other squads....and eventually the players tune him out. I never liked the Byron hire, but I thought eh, could he be worse than Dantoni? Nah, probably not. But then he actually ended up being the worst coach OF ALL TIME....now THAT I did NOT see coming. I don't think anybody saw this coming.

 

Ahem.

 

Well I can't speak for others, but I definitely wasn't thrilled with the hiring. Byron had failed miserably in other stops so I wasn't jumping with joy. Luke hasn't had an opportunity yet. Byron did and didn't have consistent success so they're completely different circumstances. I don't see people giving up on Luke just because of a tough start. That's to be expected. It'll take some time as it will with the young players.

 

It's a very valid point. I've been hesitant to jump on the Luke wagon. To me he is unproven to a team like ours. I like Luke, I like his demeanor, I like that he's young and can relate to the current incoming NBA generation. I heard him talking about GSW practices and saying how loose they were with tunes cranking out of boom boxes. Well GSW is a bunch of SELF-DISCIPLINED vets and we are not GSW in any way shape or form. I'm just worried we could be setting ourselves up for a similar disappointment with that hire because Luke quite obviously can not operate the same way with our squad as he can with GSW. I'm sure he realizes that but what's the plane then? As far as I'm concerned Luke is an unknown rather than a proven. My gut says he's a instant improvement over Scott but is that really saying anything.

 

I was one who ignored the nay sayers have to admit. Maybe it was Clarkson though that was being said about as Russell wasn't even here yet courtesy of Boron's epic first tank job last year when it was fun to post all the pictures of tanks. Very few pictures this year as no one wanted a tank job nor expected it with the better roster Mitch put together.

 

With Russell smacked down with the reality of what can happen from goofing around on Nick and the severe fallout he got, knowing he has to repair his image, he's not going to be a problem. Nance, no as well. Julius is not going to be a problem. Clarkson's 24 now and also knows he's being looked at because of his defense. There were a decent mix of good vets on the team too, though no telling what next year looks like. Has to have vets as well though. My point is this isn't going to be some romper room roster with goof off kids that the strong presence of a newly signed coach they all can respect is going to have those kinds of problems.

 

Not really what I'm worried about. I think Luke is mature enough to handle some of that kind of kid stuff anyways. I'm worried about maturity as players. On the floor, in practice, in the gym. These guys have basically spent the last year (or 2) working with a man with no plan. They are starting from maybe not zero, but pretty close in terms of playing as a team and with a system, trusting your teammates, etc. These guys are still very much a project. I don't know if Luke is ready for that. I don't think his stint with GSW (although very positive) tells us much in that regard. Mitch and Jim have really, screwed the pooch on coach hires now for 6 years and the pressure is on to get it right this time. I wonder if they'd take that big of a chance again.

 

i'm not worried about russell's development

sure byron's presence messed with it a bit but it was just one season and now that he's gone, and hopefully a good coach is put in place, he can start to develop properly and reach his potential

 

Can I ask why people want Luke so badly? That roster would have won those games with no coach earlier this season.

I'd go Ollie over Luke simply due to the fact he could help us get Durant. But, still give me Messina. He's simply the best basketball mind available.

It makes me chuckle. Luke was hated by 95% of CL years ago, now he's a borderline clubhouse favorite for coach. Time flies.

 

I would be happy of any of the 3 of Walton, Ollie, and Messina. All 3 would make sense for our team of youngsters.

I'd give Messina a good look as well, he had some exposure to the LA scene when he was a consultant for Mike Brown. But he recently has been under the exposure under Pop in San Antonio. He's a definately has a proven track record overseas thats for sure.

Ive read that Ollie would consider the job if he was given control of player personnel. So by default he's out of the picture?

 

I'll give credit to scouting more than bYRON on that one.