Walton is not out of the realm of possibility, and perhaps Phil sees Rambis as a stop gap kind of guy at the very worst.
What we don't know is what others think of Rambis. Only thing we get from media is his conflict with Aflalo which they blow up as a "communications problem". Rambis might be smug, which Might be defined as "being rigid when things are not going well" vs. being a disciplinarian which is "Rigid because that whats successful people do"! Pop is a smug arrogant at times SOB even on TV but he gets a pass because he is successful.
I'd be concerned if we can't recruit because Rambis is not respected in the league by others. Does Phil actually hire a guy that would be a detriment to acquiring talent? That does not sound reasonable.
IN a world where coach's come and go and a players contract is not based on the employment of the coach, I think players are not as sensitive as one might think they are.