Gortat's Interview

[SweetD]

Looks like this was back from the Dallas game, but not to sure on the date. Sounds like he is making excuses for his poor play. Funny he said it wasn't about Nash, but then he says he needs a PG to create for other players.

http://hoopshype.com/videos/videos/marcin-gortat-theres-not-too-much-for-me-on-offense

 

[BC867]

Looks like this was back from the Dallas game, but not to sure on the date. Sounds like he is making excuses for his poor play. Funny he said it wasn't about Nash, but then he says he needs a PG to create for other players.

http://hoopshype.com/videos/videos/marcin-gortat-theres-not-too-much-for-me-on-offense

I found nothing wrong with his interview. What he said seems to be true and he tried to be diplomatic while not whitewashing the Suns situation.

What I don't like is his action on the court. He seems to have given up on fitting in. He is pretty much in the same situation that Pau Gasol was in. A team with very bad chemistry, trying to find itself under a new coach.

The Suns with an unqualified interim one-dimensional (defense) coach and the Lakers with a stubborn one-dimensional (offense) coach.

It is ironic that Gortat and his former mentor, Howard, find themselves in similar situations.

 

[Errntknght]

I found nothing wrong with his interview. What he said seems to be true and he tried to be diplomatic while not whitewashing the Suns situation.

What I don't like is his action on the court. He seems to have given up on fitting in. He is pretty much in the same situation that Pau Gasol was in. A team with very bad chemistry, trying to find itself under a new coach.

The Suns with an unqualified interim one-dimensional (defense) coach and the Lakers with a stubborn one-dimensional (offense) coach.

It is ironic that Gortat and his former mentor, Howard, find themselves in similar situations.

One very clear difference is that Hunter is giving his offensive coach a prominent position while D'Antoni did nothing remotely similar. I find that difference quite compelling - not to mention that Hunter is one dimensional in the more important dimension.

 

[JustWinBaby]

One very clear difference is that Hunter is giving his offensive coach a prominent position while D'Antoni did nothing remotely similar. I find that difference quite compelling - not to mention that Hunter is one dimensional in the more important dimension.

You can't be serious.

Are you suggesting that Hunter is a more competent head coach than Mike D'Antoni.

Unbelievable, just freaking unbelievable

 

[Errntknght]

You can't be serious.

Are you suggesting that Hunter is a more competent head coach than Mike D'Antoni.

Unbelievable, just freaking unbelievable

I'm quite serious. I think that prioritizing defense is a better way to win NBA titles than prioritizing offense. I also believe that its a good strategy to rely on assistant coaches strengths. I'll take Hunters approach to the NBA game over D'Antoni's every time.

As far as Hunter being competent, that remains to be seen. I'm certainly not impressed with what he's done so far but we are not even sure what goals his boss set for him except to play the younger players more. It could be that he's supposed to get the highest draft pick he can without appearing to be tanking - so far he's doing quite a good job of that, you have to admit. That will not endear him to the current players because they will be devalued by being part of a bottom team - and I doubt one could fool them.

I do not think D'Antoni is a competent NBA coach. He was very successful in Europe but I've always said that the approach he used to succeed in Europe did not transfer to the NBA. I've long believed that the top spot on his agenda was proving that his approach could win in this league and that is why he seems to be so stubborn. But, of course, he could just be oblivious to the vast difference between NBA and European seasons - shorter games, much shorter regular seasons and nothing resembling NBA playoff series - making a different approach to the game necessary.

I certainly hope that Hunter will prove to be more than competent because if he isn't the Suns may decide that his approach was wrong and they'll devalue defense for another forty-odd years.

 

[desertdawg]

I'm quite serious. I think that prioritizing defense is a better way to win NBA titles than prioritizing offense. I also believe that its a good strategy to rely on assistant coaches strengths. I'll take Hunters approach to the NBA game over D'Antoni's every time.

As far as Hunter being competent, that remains to be seen. I'm certainly not impressed with what he's done so far but we are not even sure what goals his boss set for him except to play the younger players more. It could be that he's supposed to get the highest draft pick he can without appearing to be tanking - so far he's doing quite a good job of that, you have to admit. That will not endear him to the current players because they will be devalued by being part of a bottom team - and I doubt one could fool them.

I do not think D'Antoni is a competent NBA coach. He was very successful in Europe but I've always said that the approach he used to succeed in Europe did not transfer to the NBA. I've long believed that the top spot on his agenda was proving that his approach could win in this league and that is why he seems to be so stubborn. But, of course, he could just be oblivious to the vast difference between NBA and European seasons - shorter games, much shorter regular seasons and nothing resembling NBA playoff series - making a different approach to the game necessary.

I certainly hope that Hunter will prove to be more than competent because if he isn't the Suns may decide that his approach was wrong and they'll devalue defense for another forty-odd years.

Ouch, you typed that in public amigo. Hunter > Dantoni is ridic. You need a better crack dealer, Dantoni with the right circumstances can win a NBA title, Hunter has no shot, literally.

 

[Errntknght]

Ouch, you typed that in public amigo. Hunter > Dantoni is ridic. You need a better crack dealer, Dantoni with the right circumstances can win a NBA title, Hunter has no shot, literally.

I said I thought Hunter's approach was better than D'Antoni's for the NBA game. Actually, I've been saying that since D'Antoni's second year here, I just didn't know Hunter had the approach I advocated. History doesn't give much cause to believe D'Antoni could win a title because no team that disregards defense to extent 'Antoni does has ever won a title. Teams that emphasize defense have won the bulk of the titles giving rise to the saying, "Offense wins game, defense wins titles." A bit of an exaggeration, of course but there's considerable truth to it.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I don't think Hunter has proven anything, good or bad, as a head coach. I think Dantoni has proven that his system, while highly entertaining, is flawed and that it would take a nearly perfect situation for it to lead to a championship.

Steve

 

[Phrazbit]

Ouch, you typed that in public amigo. Hunter > Dantoni is ridic. You need a better crack dealer, Dantoni with the right circumstances can win a NBA title, Hunter has no shot, literally.

D'Antoni had the perfect circumstances for what he wants to run and he never won a title.

The topic has been argued in circles numerous times but the guy is in LA right now proving beyond a doubt how utterly awful he is as a head coach.

 

[JustWinBaby]

How any Phoenix Sun fan can condemn D'Antoni's coaching in light of what has happened since he left town is amazing. Winning close to 60 games per year and being relevant throughout the league I guess means nothing. Nash did it all by himself. What accomplishment did Steve have prior to or after D'Antoni that were any better. Those days of competing in the WCF are long gone and the road to get back is without direction.

I think the true reason for us not winning a Championship becomes clearer everyday and it has been clear in my mind for a long time. Robert Sarver is probably the most incompetent owner in the NBA. He made poor decisions when D'Antoni was here and it gets worse every day. When things don't work right he spins it to take himself off the hook. He is the one constant in this franchises demise.

We would be blessed if we had him back, JMO.

 

[Phrazbit]

How any Phoenix Sun fan can condemn D'Antoni's coaching in light of what has happened since he left town is amazing. Winning close to 60 games per year and being relevant throughout the league I guess means nothing. Nash did it all by himself. What accomplishment did Steve have prior to or after D'Antoni that were any better. Those days of competing in the WCF are long gone and the road to get back is without direction.

I think the true reason for us not winning a Championship becomes clearer everyday and it has been clear in my mind for a long time. Robert Sarver is probably the most incompetent owner in the NBA. He made poor decisions when D'Antoni was here and it gets worse every day. When things don't work right he spins it to take himself off the hook. He is the one constant in this franchises demise.

We would be blessed if we had him back, JMO.

After he left town... like when we went as deep as we ever went under Mike D and did it with a lesser roster?

Nash has had success without Mike D around... Mike D on the other hand cant even crack .500 no matter how many all-stars he has on his roster. Not only is he doing an unimaginably pathetic job of coaching the Lakers, but the Knicks (another team he struggled to crack .500 with) have gone 49-21 since they fired him.

 

[desertdawg]

I said I thought Hunter's approach was better than D'Antoni's for the NBA game. Actually, I've been saying that since D'Antoni's second year here, I just didn't know Hunter had the approach I advocated. History doesn't give much cause to believe D'Antoni could win a title because no team that disregards defense to extent 'Antoni does has ever won a title. Teams that emphasize defense have won the bulk of the titles giving rise to the saying, "Offense wins game, defense wins titles." A bit of an exaggeration, of course but there's considerable truth to it.

History has shown that without a bogus hipcheck from Horry, a wild fluke ass 3 from Duncan, and some weird ass suspensions from the NBA it's self...we had the ring there for a minute. That was some of the most crazy B-ball I ever seen. I aint some big Dantoni fan, but he can out coach Hunter anyday.

 

[Chaplin]

I said I thought Hunter's approach was better than D'Antoni's for the NBA game. Actually, I've been saying that since D'Antoni's second year here, I just didn't know Hunter had the approach I advocated. History doesn't give much cause to believe D'Antoni could win a title because no team that disregards defense to extent 'Antoni does has ever won a title. Teams that emphasize defense have won the bulk of the titles giving rise to the saying, "Offense wins game, defense wins titles." A bit of an exaggeration, of course but there's considerable truth to it.

If I said that I would coach defense first, does that make ME a better coach than D'Antoni? It's one thing to say it, but it's another to teach it, as someone else said earlier.

The PHILOSOPHY might be better, but the coach himself is a totally different matter.

 

[Errntknght]

If I said that I would coach defense first, does that make ME a better coach than D'Antoni? It's one thing to say it, but it's another to teach it, as someone else said earlier.

The PHILOSOPHY might be better, but the coach himself is a totally different matter.

I agree. I hope to heck Hunter proves to be a great coach but he's proved nothing yet. I can't even say he's got off to a truly promising start, much as I'd like to. And, I haven't said anything like that in these posts though several people have replied as though I had.

As I said before, my worst fear if Hunter flops is that his philosophy will get the blame.

I assume that you'd prefer not to get an honest answer to your initial question.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I agree. I hope to heck Hunter proves to be a great coach but he's proved nothing yet. I can't even say he's got off to a truly promising start, much as I'd like to. And, I haven't said anything like that in these posts though several people have replied as though I had.

As I said before, my worst fear if Hunter flops is that his philosophy will get the blame.

I assume that you'd prefer not to get an honest answer to your initial question.

Considering how anti-Dantoni this board is I'm surprised that so many people seemed to have misunderstood your position. I thought it was pretty clear you were announcing your preference for the stated direction of Hunter to the proven philosophy of Dantoni. And I agree. Personally, I'd prefer a coach that preaches balance with a focus on defense but if I had to choose between a defensive minded coach and an offensive minded coach I'd choose defense. Especially in today's NBA. Whether Hunter will ever be more than a voice for defense remains to be seen.

Steve

 

[Chaplin]

I assume that you'd prefer not to get an honest answer to your initial question.

Heh! I think we all know the answer to that question...

OF COURSE I'd be a better coach than D'Antoni.

 

[Phrazbit]

History has shown that without a bogus hipcheck from Horry, a wild fluke ass 3 from Duncan, and some weird ass suspensions from the NBA it's self...we had the ring there for a minute. That was some of the most crazy B-ball I ever seen. I aint some big Dantoni fan, but he can out coach Hunter anyday.

And maybe if Mike's teams had been a little more disciplined or if they had any semblance of a defensive system we wouldnt have had to worry about those "flukes".

I am not proclaiming Hunter a good or bad coach, I have no idea what to think of him, this roster is far too bad to judge any HC. But, history has shown that Mike D blows.

 

[BC867]

And maybe if Mike's teams had been a little more disciplined or if they had any semblance of a defensive system we wouldnt have had to worry about those "flukes".

What a great point! People in charge never have to alibi success, only failure.

What happened to the players does not outweigh that the philosophies of their Head Coach (and part-time General Manager) led to failure.

The Suns have excelled at home during the regular season for almost four and a half decades. And disappointed the rest of time. Steve Nash made it more entertaining during D'Antoni's tenure. But nothing changed the outcome.

 

[elindholm]

And maybe if Mike's teams had been a little more disciplined or if they had any semblance of a defensive system we wouldnt have had to worry about those "flukes".

D'Antoni could have been a better coach, but just for the record, how come the team that benefits from a chance event "deserves" it because they were well prepared, and the team that loses out does so because of some intrinsic flaw that has nothing to do with the event?

 

[BC867]

D'Antoni could have been a better coach, but just for the record, how come the team that benefits from a chance event "deserves" it because they were well prepared, and the team that loses out does so because of some intrinsic flaw that has nothing to do with the event?

Many of the strong NBA teams from the past had "enforcers", which would ward off dirty plays even before they began.

The Suns had one once -- Maurice Lucas. And he was dispensed with pretty quickly. Before and since we have been known as a soft team. And it shows. It is the Suns mantra. If you can't beat them with skill, beat them with muscle or even cheap shots.

 

[Phrazbit]

D'Antoni could have been a better coach, but just for the record, how come the team that benefits from a chance event "deserves" it because they were well prepared, and the team that loses out does so because of some intrinsic flaw that has nothing to do with the event?

When you're engaged in a pattern of "bad luck" and "flukes" preventing you from succeeding at the highest level eventually you have to question if it really is bad luck or are you just not executing when it matters most.

 

[SweetD]

When you're engaged in a pattern of "bad luck" and "flukes" preventing you from succeeding at the highest level eventually you have to question if it really is bad luck or are you just not executing when it matters most.

How soon we forget about Donaghy

 

[Budden]

Imagine a basketball team that gets to the Western Conference finals.

Now imagine that for following season, the GM decides not to resign 2 of the 5 starters from the conference finalist team, and another starter, who averaged 30 points and 11 rebounds in the playoffs, misses the season.

Now imagine this new, decimated team again reaches the Western Conference Finals.

Finally, imagine how dumb you'd sound if you looked at the situation and said, "That franchise would've won a championship if it wasn't for their stupid coach!"

 

[HooverDam]

D'Antoni had the perfect circumstances for what he wants to run and he never won a title.

I've never heard of a star player breaking his face, an owner trading away half a dozen 1st round picks, and the NBA suspending your teams do best interior players in an unjust manner as a "Perfect circumstance" before.

All the Mike D bashing on this board is silly. Is he an all time great Coach? Probably not. Is he good? Yes. Could he have won a title in PHX with a little better luck? Likely. The Suns had an insane string of bad breaks for a few years in a row, almost every little thing that could've bounced their way didn't and they still made a heck of a run.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I've never heard of a star player breaking his face, an owner trading away half a dozen 1st round picks, and the NBA suspending your teams do best interior players in an unjust manner as a "Perfect circumstance" before.

All the Mike D bashing on this board is silly. Is he an all time great Coach? Probably not. Is he good? Yes.

one three year run where he had an abundance of talent doesn't make the guy a good coach. Considering his teams have been horrific to mediocre outside of that three year run, I'd say he's really nothing as a coach. Just like Westphaul, who had a boatload of talent with the Suns, never won a title and then ended up doing nothing ever again at the NBA level.

the fact that DA was AWFUL with the Nuggets, pretty bad with the Knicks and again, AWFUL with the Lakers who still have a huge amount of talent says to me the guy lucked out with the perfect storm in Phoenix... and still couldn't even get the squad to one Finals appearance.

he's not a terrible head coach... but he's yet to show he's a good one IMO. 3/4 teams were a disaster with him at the helm. that doesn't happen to a good coach.