Posted by nixluva:
Posted by Bippity10:
Posted by nixluva:
The reason why I don't care that it's only preseason, is that this season isn't just about Wins and Losses. I'm keying in on the way the players have responded to MDA. The way they're executing what he's taught them. They've shown a lot of growth in a very short span of time. They look much more united and focused than we've every seen this group. This is only the beginning of the process and they already look much better than most believed they'd be.
This isn't to say they're a lock to be world beaters just cuz they look good in a few preseason games. That's not the point. This is about the process of moving this team towards future success and changing the culture here. For that i think MDA deserves the credit, cuz I don't know how many coaches would have had the same result.
Part of my view comes from how highly I respected him as a coach to begin with. For those who think he was a creation of Steve Nash's great play, they still have doubts and don't want to give him his due. I for one think he is a top level coach, the equal of the best coaches in this league. He still has to win the big one, to officially be considered a great coach, but I think he could get there if Walsh can get him the players he needs to improve to that level.
Nix: Things look good and there is reason for optimism. Just be careful. Keep in mind we've never been torpedoed by loss of talent. We always get torpedoed by personality. Let's hope that Dolan stays out of things and D'Antoni is able to continue the momentum by finally forcing these guys to earn their time
I actually think this issue of Personality was a Isiah Thomas created issue. If he had come in and provided discipline for Steph and all of the players, things wouldn't have gotten so out of hand. Despite his failed team building, he actually added some decent talent. He also messed up the roster too, but the scandals and bad attitudes were a direct result of his lack of leadership.
In sharp contrast MDA and Walsh are in full control and as you point out in full synch with each other. This is why i'm optimistic about the future of this team, cuz the ingredients of failure aren't there anymore. Even if Steph or some other player acts up, they don't have the clout or freedom to do any major damage. They'll be cutoff from the rest of the team and rendered impotent. This is a new regime and they do business much differently.
Nix: Without a doubt the lack of leadership was a huge part of it. Coaches couldn't be coaches here. Lenny Wilkens or LB couldn't bench a fat out of shape guy like Eddie. They had to tiptoe around every issue because if they mentioned anything it was an attack on Isiah and the personnel he collected. So again some very good coaches had little chance to behave the way they needed to, to win games. They were shackled because anything that annoyed them about the players was not backed up by management. Now D'Antoni and Walsh are on the same page and have no loyalties. They can do what is right. If D'Antonio wants to bench someone he can. If someone causes a ruckus he can marginalize them. He's in a powerful position and guys are forced to listen. This is a good thing and has a great chance of minimizing any potential problems. The day Walsh hired a coach was the day the culture he changed. Players were put on notice and that is a good thing.
All that being said, I never underestimate thees players. After watching them completely quit during the LB year I am prepared for anything. It's not likely this year, but the potential is there nonetheless.
10/22/2008 4:41 PM