Is Keith Smart Still the Best Choice?
By Marcus
Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm in Chris Webber, Don Nelson, Keith Smart.
It’s been widely understood, and more than intimated by head coach Don Nelson, that Keith Smart will be the Warriors next head coach. But Nelson’s possible departure and the recent shake-up in the coaching ranks has brought up an interesting question.
Should the Warriors stick to their plans of annointing Smart as the successor? Or should they go out and get one of the names that are available?
Honestly, it’s a tough call. The names are enticing. Avery Johnson, who was introduced as coach of the year just two years ago. Mike D’Antonio, who is reportedly but unofficially out in Phoenix, has mastered the system similar to the one the Warriors play. Sam Mitchell, who may get fired in Toronto, was last season’s coach of the year and one of the young talents in the league. Flip Saunders may be on his way out, too.
These are all winning coaches. Avery and D’Antoni (if he becomes available) Playoff coaches. Avery has been to the Finals. D’Antoni has been to the West Finals. They couldn’t get their team to a championship, which is why they are (likely) out, but they have gotten their team to the playoffs regularly, which is the next step for the Warriors.
If you are Chris Mullin, do you go out and get a proven coach who can take this team to the next level? Or do you stick with the groomed assistant who knows the system, the organization and COULD be one of the next young coaching talents?
As tempting as it is to go nab one of those vets, it may be more beneficial to go with the guy who is familiar to the franchise. A new guy would have to a spend a year or two getting accustomed to the team, to the franchise, to the media, to the fans. There’s a whole feeling out period that needs to go on, which could cost the Warriors a season of progress. True, it may be a necessary price to get to the ultimate goal, but that may not be the best thing coming off missing the postseason. True, it may take Smart as much or more time to get used to being the head man. But he may just be able to smoothly step in, as did Avery.
Another reason I’d say go with Smart is the cost. Smart is cheaper than Avery or D’Antoni (should he become available), and could turn out to be just as good. Remember, Avery and D’Antoni were young, unknown commodities when they first took over. They stepped into to great situations and thrived. If Smart can do the same, and it’s set up for him to do so, they Warriors will get the same results for much cheaper. That money is better served going towards the luxury tax they’ll have to pay to bring in some help.
As tempting as it is to get the proven commodity, I’d say stick to the plan. Stick with Smart.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
That’s the million dollar question Marcus.
I love the idea of Avery Johnson but let’s face it, he’s had difficulty working with a Nellie constructed team in the past, what’s to say it would be any different in Oakland? Avery inherited a playoff team and had one good run, but since then has seen diminishing returns. The grumbling in Dallas is Avery never figured out how to use Kidd correctly and asked Kidd to fit his system instead of making sure he make the necessary changes to incorporate the gifts Kidd brings to the game. I know it’s difficult to judge when a new player comes on board, but I’m just not sold on Avery.
Antoni has a similar track record and again you have to look at the hand he was dealt by his management. Like with Avery he also was dealing with a major trade. In this situation though, all accounts have the Suns doing everything possible to incorporate Shaq, but unable get past Spurs yet again. I really like Antoni’s system but at some point I’d like to see him coach some D’ ; )
Smart, once again is basically an unknown. I’d feel more comfortable with D’Antoni but we’ll all have to trust Mullin on this one. As much as many folks have called for Nelson’s head, he’s a known commodity. Is it safer to dance with the Devil you know?
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I’m all for it if Keith can instill some sort of defensive commitment to these guys. What’s the scouting report on Keith? What are his strengths and weaknesses as a coach?
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:11 am
Nellie will be back, for 1 year and 1 year only. Whoever we bring in, let him be the assistant coach this year, then work him in gradually. Then by post All-star break he can take over.
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 am
I don’t know enough about Smart to know how much credibility he would have in the dressing room and on the court and how tough he can get. With any team containing Baron Davis, you need somebody who will sit his ass when he plays dumb and doesn’t follow the game plan. Nelson, for whatever reason, never did that until the next to last game of the season, so I don’t know that a new coach would have the cojones to challenge him and make him play to his potential.
So I’d vote for D’Antoni, but my dream coach would have d’Antoni’s offense with more emphasis on defense.
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
d’antoni proved he was a capable coach before taking the suns job. he was coaching in europe, so in essence, he’s not an unknown or unproven commodity.
avery was a proven leader for the championship spurs, so being a coach was just the logical next step.
but keith smart…he really hasnt proven himself at any level. can he coach a team, make adjustments on the fly, drawing x and o’s. can he win? or is he just another coach along the line of mike woodson. good assistant but cant win as head coach.
i’m all for taking a coach that has proven himself in the coaching ranks. if flip saunders or d’antoni becomes available, i rather have them coach the w’s than having smart do it.
that’s why i wanted to see w’s go after kelvin sampson, and groom him to be the next coach in line. but too late.