Well first of all there are a few reports of media people that knew Sam in Toronot and some people more locally that say Sam is living and enjoys whatever opportunities that can be in front of him. I am not suggesting Sam isn't interested at all and I get the perspective that it makes sense that Sam is looking out for his next job but let's say he is it still doesn't change some of the rest of my points.
Sam isn't the visionary guy that's Flip or Milt but obviously as acting coach who has said he is about development that's part of his job to look at what this team will look like down the road it just doesn't seem like Sam has a lot of interest in selling anyone on that. That seems reasonable especially considering the circumstances.
Why did Sam take the job? Well when the owner who you have a relationship with tells you to do the job or asks you it's a no brainer right? Flip brought him here to help him and now Sam gets a larger role. Obviously this could be good for him to get the next shot but it's obviously not the main reason he took it. :)
Not always. I've had people in my company that have been approached to take over when their Superior left and they flat out said "no thanks - I don't want that headache". It's generally not a good career move for anyone hoping for future promotional opportunities - ha! But some people just don't want to climb. And that's why Sam doesn't fit that model IMO. He has already demonstrated in the past his willingness to climb up the coaching ranks and be a head coach. Now he's accepted another shot. I understand the circumstances are less than ideal considering Flip's health. But still...it's an excellent opportunity. Especially when you consider Flip was intentionally losing games last year, so our record was artificially poor. It shouldn't be hard to get credit for improving on last year's record when you add: A healthy Rubio, Martin, Towns, and Bjelica along with hopefully improvement from Wiggins, LaVine, Bazz and Dieng. But if for some reason he fails, I can't believe he'll be back in any capacity. That's just what happens when you decide to be "the guy" and that's why some people say "no thanks".
Carlos maybe we aren't that far apart on Sam's coaching aspirations.
My position is that of course he wants this opportunity and of course a long term (hell right now a year long interm position is almost long term lol JK) HC with the Wolves or another franchise BUT he isn't going to sell out and try to win games JUST to make himself look good. Do you get where I am coming from? I know you think Sam will put forth effort to win games to further his career as a HC but how far do you think he goes to do that?
monsterpile wrote:Carlos maybe we aren't that far apart on Sam's coaching aspirations.
My position is that of course he wants this opportunity and of course a long term (hell right now a year long interm position is almost long term lol JK) HC with the Wolves or another franchise BUT he isn't going to sell out and try to win games JUST to make himself look good. Do you get where I am coming from? I know you think Sam will put forth effort to win games to further his career as a HC but how far do you think he goes to do that?
OK - gotcha. Yeah, I guess we are really not that for apart then. And I agree Sam will generally stick with the plan to develop vs. win a few extra games to make him look good. But at the same time, I think he realizes he doesn't have the same protection as Flip did last year to just tank/flop. He needs to show something this year to keep his job as HC. And if he doesn't, I can't imagine a new HC coming in and keeping him and the other assistants around. So there is some pressure to perform (which I don't think is a bad thing). How that translates to wins/losses - I don't know. I assume improvement is more important than actual wins. But more "W's" might be the easiest way to show the improvement otherwise it becomes very subjective.
I think trading Martin for Gibson makes a lot of sense for both sides pending we can get another warm body to be there in case of any injuries to Zach or Wiggins. The Bulls aren't giving up Mirotic or Portis. They just aren't. Mirotic is likely the starting 4 next to Pau this year and Portis is young, cheap and already showing promising signs. Gibson can guard 4's and 5's which is important because that allows Towns and Dieng to get more favorable matchups when they play with him.
KG might play next year or he might not. He wouldn't be the first guy to retire before his deal is up. If he can't play 15-20 MPG's for 50+ games because he can't hold up physically, he might not come back. Gibson would give us the guy we need in his prime who can help the younger guys develop by being a defensive anchor while they learn how. Martin can score, but so can Bazz, Wiggins, Lavine, Tyus, etc. Scoring is a replaceable skill on this team and we still lack defense in the paint.
I like the balance an NB/Gibson/Towns/Dieng rotation at the 4 and 5 potentially has moving forward and it has guys who can play now and guys who can develop into players moving forward. I don't think KG should hold up any deals for a guy who can help this team now and moving forward. Martin is a good player, but so is Gibson and Gibson lets guys like Towns, Dieng and even NB focus more energy on the offensive side of the ball by drawing the tougher defensive assignment and Gibson isn't a slouch offensively himself.
monsterpile wrote:Carlos maybe we aren't that far apart on Sam's coaching aspirations.
My position is that of course he wants this opportunity and of course a long term (hell right now a year long interm position is almost long term lol JK) HC with the Wolves or another franchise BUT he isn't going to sell out and try to win games JUST to make himself look good. Do you get where I am coming from? I know you think Sam will put forth effort to win games to further his career as a HC but how far do you think he goes to do that?
OK - gotcha. Yeah, I guess we are really not that for apart then. And I agree Sam will generally stick with the plan to develop vs. win a few extra games to make him look good. But at the same time, I think he realizes he doesn't have the same protection as Flip did last year to just tank/flop. He needs to show something this year to keep his job as HC. And if he doesn't, I can't imagine a new HC coming in and keeping him and the other assistants around. So there is some pressure to perform (which I don't think is a bad thing). How that translates to wins/losses - I don't know. I assume improvement is more important than actual wins. But more "W's" might be the easiest way to show the improvement otherwise it becomes very subjective.
Yeah I pretty much agree with all that. Great back and forth to get to the middle. lol
One other thing I think influences my thoughts on Sam is this. My guess is Sam knows to a certain extent something special has to happen for him to get this job long term. Why? If he was thought of that way I don't think Flip would have talked to all the other coaches about the HC position. That honestly sounds kinda harsh for Sam but Flip interviewed Sam for the job before taking over the job himself. They have a pretty significant relationship I can't imagine Flip and Sam having some sort of understanding about what Flip was thinking about HC in the future. That's speculation but I think there is some reasonable thought behind it.
Now it's possible Sam does a great job this year and he gets the job long term. I've said that may happen because I can see him being a solid developmental coach and he may end up being let go a few years down the road for a coach that takes the team to another level. Is Sam coaching for this job long term? Sure. I bet if you asked Flip right now he would say absolutely Sam is someone worth consideration. Why would you not consider him at this point? He is doing the job right now working with the players etc etc. I think most everyone would love to see Sam have REAL sustained success going forward as the coach of this franchise. It would be a fantastic storyline. Flip Sam and KG all coming back (with Glen) to where it started and saving the franchise...again.
Most of us don't have confidence in Sam to be that long term guy. Most would be happy if he can be a competent short term guy this year which I do believe in. It will be interesting to see how it plays out especially since it has been reported that Glenn is a big fan of Sam plus you have the KG factor. He will have some influence which throws something interesting in there.
True that Monster. It just really sucks that Flip got sick. This is truly a cursed franchise. Three coaches, three years and no guarantee next year won't be four for four unless Sam shows something. It's hard enough to try and rebuild a team. But without leadership aka a secure coach in place, it's damn near impossible.
Carlos Danger wrote:True that Monster. It just really sucks that Flip got sick. This is truly a cursed franchise. Three coaches, three years and no guarantee next year won't be four for four unless Sam shows something. It's hard enough to try and rebuild a team. But without leadership aka a secure coach in place, it's damn near impossible.
Yeah it's been rough plus Adelman had the health of his wife keeping him from being his best. Lack of consistency is a big problem. You just made an additional argument for keep Sam as HC if he has reasonable success. Lol
Camden wrote:Question: Would anyone still choose Okafor over Towns?
I seem to remember 2 or 3 people (maybe just 1) that leaned towards Okafor. Pretty tough to imagine anyone regretting the choice at this point!
khans, the doper, The Rage Monster, TRKO and likely some others were in favor of Okafor over Towns. Just wondered if any of those people would still rather have Okafor.
