So apparently some think the Bulls missing out on Mike D’Antoni was a good thing. Steve Rosenbloom is calling for someone to step in and play the hard-working bumpkin to drive this team back to the playoffs. Someone who can focus on defense. And the person he suggests is…Avery Johnson?
Johnson doesn’t have a very strong record on defense though. Rick Morrissey also calls for Avery Johnson, saying the Bulls “must get him.” He then talks about that defensive guru Tom Thibodeau, who should stay right where he is - IN BOSTON.
The Bulls’ indecision cost them the best coach available this offseason. The Bulls owe Scott Skiles about $5 million, which likely figured in to not putting up the dough for D’Antoni. Mark Jackson is probably now the lead candidate for the job. Here’s what the experts say:
Last week, Rick Carlisle took the coaching position with the Mavericks. Mark Jackson is likely headed to the Knicks.
That leaves the Bulls with three major candidates:
Jeff Van Gundy
Avery johnson
Mike D’Antoni
Since his run with New York in the ’90s, Jeff Van Gundy has bumbled along with the Rockets, and is now commentating games for TNT. I saw him opening night in Boston for the Celtics this past year. He’s pretty short. But that’s beside the point. Van Gundy isn’t a likely candidate, but it’s fun to think of him coaching again.
Avery Johnson is a young, unproven coach who has shown he can direct his team to stellar regular season records, but cannot deliver come playoff time. His rapport with his players is strong, and his desire to win is strong. For some strange reason, the Spurs retired his number last year.
Mike D’Antoni is much like Avery Johnson. He can be handed a great group of guys and win during the regular season. But his ability to control and direct his team has been criticized. He is known as an offensive mastermind, but has not been able to deliver on the other side of the ball. Nonetheless, he could be a breath of fresh air from Scott Skiles. Steve Kerr handed him what he thought was a NBA Championship team after bringing Shaquille O’Neal in this past year, but the Suns were swept in the first round.
Whoever has the displeasure of stepping into this role will of course have big shoes to fill. Since Phil Jackson left in 1998, there have been seven people barking at the refs from the sideline, and only three playoff births. Best of luck to you… Mike D’Antoni?
Farragut Career Academy’s own Kevin Garnett is helping pave the path for the Celtics’ return to glory. The Red Sox had Babe Ruth. The Celtics currently have Len Bias. His tragic death has cast a shadow on the NBA’s most successful franchise for over twenty years.
I’m keepin’ em crossed your boy (and mine) KG steps up and delivers. Oh yeah, and I guess the rest of the team has to produce, too.
So apparently some think the Bulls missing out on Mike D’Antoni was a good thing. Steve Rosenbloom is calling for someone to step in and play the hard-working bumpkin to drive this team back to the playoffs. Someone who can focus on defense. And the person he suggests is…Avery Johnson?
