Hirings and Firings
- Adrian Griffin‘s firing by the Milwaukee Bucks was not a surprise. All of the warning signs were there. From Terry Stott’s resignation during camp to Giannis getting upset when he was taken out in Boston were among the many signs the Bucks had a coaching problem. I understand Giannis interviewed and approved of him. This was at a time when the Bucks were concerned Giannis would not re-sign with them and the Bucks needed to keep him happy. My take is why do you hire an inexperienced head coach when you believe you can win a title. You saw what happened last year in Boston though I think Joe Mazzulla is growing into a good coach.
- As for the hiring of Doc Rivers, that’s interesting. Doc won a title in 2008 and that is his best moment as a coach. I think Doc is a solid coach with his best asset being his ability to get his players to buy in to what he’s selling. If you speak to people from LA they’ll tell you to become worried if his team takes a three game to one lead in the playoffs.
- Wes Unseld Junior’s firing was somewhat of a surprise but fit in this week of firings, hirings and trades. I thought he would make it through the season though not much further than that.
Trades
- Terry Rozier‘s trade to Miami was another smart move by Pat Riley. Rozier appears to be the perfect fit for what Miami likes. He’s scrappy and plays hard. Hopefully the Heat have one more move in them. The move is to go out and get some size. The Heat aren’t a big team, Haywood Highsmith has been playing the four and he’s only six feet five inches. The Heat did give up an aging player in Kyle Lowry. Right now Rozier is much better but Lowry is a winner and still can be a factor in big games. If Charlotte buys Lowry out the team he goes to will benefit.
- I hear D’Angelo Russell is the bait the Lakers are offering in trades. His salary is needed to match in a trade but do you really think Atlanta or any other team would want him. LA has to make a decision on Austin Reaves, he’s the player everybody wants.
Other notes
- The Minnesota Timberwolves deserve mention not in a good way but for their immaturity. Their coach, Chris Finch blasted them after their loss to Charlotte. The Timberwolves are talented but don’t seem to be ready for the big time. Over the last few weeks we’ve seen numerous incidents that don’t speak well of them. Jaden McDaniels, an outstanding defender, had a technical called on him at the end of the Lakers game a few weeks ago that would have put the game into overtime if LeBron’s toes were a couple inches smaller. He then committed a silly foul against the Celtics fouling himself at a crucial time in the game. This helped cost his team a game. Then the other night against Charlotte with Karl Anthony Towns going off for 44 points in the first half the team decided to give him the ball throughout the second half. This led to the Wolves blowing a double digit lead and losing to the Charlotte Hornets.
- For Lakers fans if things don’t improve the big concern will be if LeBron wants to return. He has an opt out in his contract.
