The Case For Stan Van Gundy

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

"Couple things stand out from the Adelman/Flip press conference today. 1. Flip looking for big-time experience at head coach" -- Krawczynski

"2. Adelman said thought Wolves chances of keeping Love improve with a new coach. That way Love knows who will be here for long haul" -- Krawczynski

"3. Flip on coaching himself: "Never say never." I KNOW Glen doesn't want it to happen. Doesn't mean it won't happen." -- Krawczynski

"Asked about qualities in a new coach, Flip said he doesn't want to lose the offensive identity that Adelman brought to franchise" -- Zgoda

"Rick Adelman retiring, and Timberwolves reportedly have eyes for Stan Van Gundy. Suns assistant Jerry Sichting another name to really watch." -- Sam Amico


Big-time experience? Stan has it. Five seasons with ORL between 2008-2012, .657 winning %, 31 playoff wins, four 50-win seasons, three Southeast Division titles, one Eastern Conference title.

A coach with the reputation and "big name" caliber of Stan could contribute to keeping Love in Minnesota. I think their competitive natures would come together positively rather than clash.

Flip doesn't want to lose offensive identity? What coach knows how to play inside out ball better than Stan Van? Stan was the first coach to use a stretch PF that shoots volume threes in this new "shooting is everything" era. Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson after that. The difference is that our franchise player is the PF and not the all smiling center (Dwight).

Stan ran a bunch of pick and roll in ORL, something we all know Rubio's very good at, but Adelman would always go back to facilitating through the high post instead. I don't know about you guys, but that's maddening to me. I think we need to combine both, but with more weight being on the P&R. When Rubio's feeling it, it's unstoppable. Period.

People also tend to forget WHO made Dwight that defensive animal for the Magic. Yeah, that was a lot of Stan. Sure, Dwight can jump out of the gym, but he needed Stan's coaching to win those DPOY awards. We have a guy with serious defensive potential in Gorgui. That's another reason I'm clamoring for Stan so hard. I think Stan could groom G into a guy that's in the DPOY conversation every year. Stan's a good team defense guy too. It gets forgotten that those Orlando teams were very stout on defense, and they had to be. Annually ranked amongst the best in the league in defense every year. And no, one Dwight doesn't make a good defense.

He made Hedo fucking Turkoglu the Most Improved Player in 2007-08 for crying out loud. He got Jameer Nelson to the All-Star game in 2009!

SVG's demanding, innovative and a preparation guru. Did any one of those Orlando teams ever underachieve? No, they were too busy making playoff runs. Not to mention he's got a killer 'stache. Let's hope Stan comes to Minnesota.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Nice analysis Cam. I'm in the same group that wants SVG. I watched a lot of those Orlando games when they made it to the finals. He's obviously very passionate and excitable, the bizarro Rick Adelman if you will. Not sure if he can take credit for Dwight Coward's development, but still my favorite.

[bleedspeed]

I am on board. SVG is my first choice. Hoiberg is my second. Seriously how has SVG not gotten another job?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I am on board. SVG is my first choice. Hoiberg is my second. Seriously how has SVG not gotten another job?

I couldn't tell you for sure. He's the best available coach on the market hands down. Has he said he doesn't want to coach anymore and I just haven't seen it? I think a lot of it comes down to Stan wanting an attractive situation to come into. One that's competitive with a star in place, a future and preferably a nice city. We have competitive pieces and a star. Twin Cities are nice for those that aren't looking for tropical areas.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Not to mention these clips are pure gold.

Stan Van handles like Kyrie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21cE2aUbWB0

Stan Van with a GREAT catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgCxAMP3GH4

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

And another: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYBHBC8qsgs

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

The biggest thing to me is finding someone that can a) teach, emphasize, and cajole defense out of our current roster, while at the same time b) gaining buy-in and credibility from our two main guys - Love and Rubio.

If Stan Van Gundy can do those two things better than any other candidate, he's our guy.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

The biggest thing to me is finding someone that can a) teach, emphasize, and cajole defense out of our current roster, while at the same time b) gaining buy-in and credibility from our two main guys - Love and Rubio.

If Stan Van Gundy can do those two things better than any other candidate, he's our guy.

Sounds exactly like Stan Van to me. I value the same things you just threw out there.

[TAFKASP]

Not to mention these clips are pure gold.

Stan Van handles like Kyrie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21cE2aUbWB0

Stan Van with a GREAT catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgCxAMP3GH4

When was the last time the league had a player/coach? He had better moves and hands in those videos than any Wolves wing over the past decade!

:p

[Lipoli390]

Cam -- I think you have made a great case for Stan V. He's been my first choice from the beginning and your analysis firms up my conviction that he's the right choice. Unfortunately, I don't see Flip hiring a big personality like Stan. Based on my read of Flip, he won't want someone who might overshadow him or who would challenge him. I could,d be wrong, but that's my take.