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

So... about that coaching hire. The more I'm thinking on who we need to hire, I like the idea of Luke, I really do, but I'm starting to lean more towards Messina. Simply because of not just what he has done overseas, but being under Pop, being involved in their system and culture and seeing how Pop handles his superstars and team in general, that kind of insight could pay dividends for our young ones. Both the Warriors and the Spurs play the game the right way. That's why one them is going to be champions. But I consider Pop the best coach in our era and having someone from his ranks on our sideline could be the next best thing to having the man himself.

P.S. Surprised this thread doesn't have a poll like the last time to see who people want.

 

I'm guessing there's no way we could convince Messina to accept an assistant coach role behind Ollie or Walton?

 

It depends. How much are the Spurs paying him? If we really want to, we could try offering him more $$ to come over here.

Also, the Spurs are already established. He has an opportunity to work with young players and teach.

 

I would think Messina has learned a lot under Pop and watching the Spurs organization work for these past few seasons. Not sure how much power and influence he really had when he was a consultant for us so its hard for me to draw any conclusions from it.

 

As has Luke playing under and watching how Phil Jackson operated, plus coaching alongside Steve Kerr who played under both Jackson and Popovich. GS's offense from Luke's good interview several pages back in one of these threads made it clear principles and preparation drills in practice are being pulled from both of best coaches in the NBA. Not to mention Luke says his favorite part of the offense was the Pinch Post. I've always liked the sound of that term.

 

To be honest, I go back and forth on whether the Phil influence is a good or bad thing.

I'm a big fan of Luke though. If I had to call it now I'd say he was our next coach.

 

Shaking my head at everyone who jumped on the Ollie train REAL quick. People harping on Luke for lack of experience - but then willing to give the reigns to a dude with ZERO NBA experience?

At least Luke actually was HEAD coach of a team. A team that broke the record for best record in league history. Sure it was Kerr's system but please don't take away what Luke meant to that team in terms of day-in, day-out management of games. He was leading practice, he was leading film sessions, he was making rotations, he was creating game plans, he was calling time outs, and he was preaching at half time.

I want a guy with NBA EXPERIENCE. No to Ollie. What has he accomplished?

Luke or Messina. I'm leaning towards Messina but I wouldn't mind Luke. Have ya'll heard Messina talk X's and O's? He's brilliant.

 

yeah but does he have the charisma to lead spoiled young men? That's my fear on getting Messina, he wasn't an NBA pro and he isn't American.

 

can we also have a new thread for our coaching search? we have two threads here now and my fingers and neck are tired switching from one thread to the other.

 

Ollie has accomplished quite a lot in college and that can't be understated. He does have key experience with young players which is a huge factor given our current mix of players. Would I still prefer Luke? Yes, but it's literally neck and neck. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

LOL. Lock this thread!

 

@KareemtheGreat33 I think he does. You can't be that successful in the Euroleague without getting people to buy into a cause.

Have you heard him talk X's and O's? I'm not sure which thread to post it in, but I found some great text on Messina spitting his X's and O's genius. Definitely helped seal the deal for me. I'll post it soon.

Ollie has accomplished decent things in COLLEGE - not the NBA. Very very very few college coaches are successful in the NBA. Even fewer win a ring (Larry Brown was the last one). Brad Stevens is the exception, not the rule.

Give me a guy with league experience.

 

And for god sakes, look yourself in the mirror if you're thinking about Ollie so he can recruit Durant. You NEVER EVER EVER pick a coach to recruit one specific player. That's some s*** from the Jim Buss School of Basketball Management.

 

It wouldn't be Jim Buds, though. He likes Luke. If Jim had his way, he would hire Luke. He's not picking Ollie on a hunch that will give him better odds to sign Durant. Not even Jim is that incompent especially considering the pressure he's under this summer to put a winning product on the floor next season.

 

Yeah, I have to admit, I was one of the knee-jerk "ollie=durant" types. But after the last few days of reading (including the things posted today/last night here) I'm really leaning towards Messina. Luke would be a fine choice as well and I wouldn't be upset (ecstatic is closer to the mark) bit I think Messina could bring us up to speed faster in terms of at least playing modern basketball like GS/SA than Luke might.

Truly I think the fault with Byron these past few seasons is this: if you aren't going to be good, at least be entertaining. We were neither. I'm not expecting a championship next year, just AT WORST be fun to watch.

 

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In sense i understand where you are coming from regarding Ollie, we aren't necessarily in win NOW mode. We are pretty much starting from scratch. What a better way to start a franchise with a young coach and a young core. Either way I like all 3 of Walton, Messina or Ollie. Each bring something different to the table, i wouldn't be mad at all whom thet FO choses considering what we have been through with Boron.