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Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 12m

Hearing: Pistons are in advanced talks to try to secure former Magic GM Otis Smith as COACH of their new D-League franchise in Grand Rapids

Seems strange in that he seemingly has no coaching experience, and SVG just filled out his front office hiring a GM and three Assistant GM's - roles where Otis would have had experience, and hired on a full staff of coaching help since his hiring as well, including rounding out his staff with three hires yesterday.

I guess Smith just wants to try out the coaching thing, and wanted the autonomy of being a head coach, and didn't want to earn his way through the ranks - so this is his fast track.

Oh dear, as long he's not within earshot of the Pistons organization, then ok.

Maybe Stan feels he owes his buddy a gig, at least this is all it is. SVG is a smart man.

I don't see how hiring someone who knows and understands SVG's system could be a bad thing

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Some people are better suited for different roles within the hierarchy of a basketball organization. Otis didn't have a spectacular run as a GM, but he clearly has basketball knowledge. Perhaps his knowledge fits better behind the bench than behind a desk. A minor league basketball team isn't ever going to have a sexy hire at any position. Especially one where the coach won't get autonomy to make his own decisions.

It's a low risk, likely low reward option. If anything, at least the guy has been around the league, and knows what NBA talent looks like more so than some other options.

What happened to selecting the best at each management position?... he's not the best coach available.

mercury wrote:What happened to selecting the best at each management position?... he's not the best coach available.

Honestly, I can't name one Dleague coach. Why not give it to a guy who knows what Stan wants. We're witnessing the creation of a stable culture. I like it.


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mercury wrote:What happened to selecting the best at each management position?... he's not the best coach available.

You're right, should of hired D'Antoini instead.

mercury wrote:What happened to selecting the best at each management position?... he's not the best coach available.

Realistically, what coach would have come to this type of situation?

Other than he's never been as much as an assistant coach anywhere he's perfect.

mercury wrote:Other than he's never been as much as an assistant coach anywhere he's perfect.

It would be very difficult to attract anyone aspiring to become more than a D-League head coach. Especially with the amount of control the organization could have on playing time, rosters, and rotations, it's not exactly a resume-builder.

epheisey wrote:

mercury wrote:Other than he's never been as much as an assistant coach anywhere he's perfect.

It would be very difficult to attract anyone aspiring to become more than a D-League head coach. Especially with the amount of control the organization could have on playing time, rosters, and rotations, it's not exactly a resume-builder.

Sounds like settling for an old friend instead of researching for the best candidate... communicating game situations is important enough to hire someone that has the right experience.

mercury wrote:

epheisey wrote:

mercury wrote:Other than he's never been as much as an assistant coach anywhere he's perfect.

It would be very difficult to attract anyone aspiring to become more than a D-League head coach. Especially with the amount of control the organization could have on playing time, rosters, and rotations, it's not exactly a resume-builder.

Sounds like settling for an old friend instead of researching for the best candidate... communicating game situations is important enough to hire someone that has the right experience.

I suppose. I guess I just don't see this as being a real issue. He's coaching a team that will pretty much have no impact on the Pistons. We won't have control of any of the players on the team unless they are on an NBA contract and "sent down", and those players will be there mostly for playing time, likely in short stints. Coaching those players will still be done by the guys back in Auburn Hills.

Smith previously held positions in player development with Orlando before he became GM. Perhaps experience in that played a part.

epheisey wrote:

mercury wrote:

epheisey wrote:
It would be very difficult to attract anyone aspiring to become more than a D-League head coach. Especially with the amount of control the organization could have on playing time, rosters, and rotations, it's not exactly a resume-builder.

Sounds like settling for an old friend instead of researching for the best candidate... communicating game situations is important enough to hire someone that has the right experience.

I suppose. I guess I just don't see this as being a real issue. He's coaching a team that will pretty much have no impact on the Pistons. We won't have control of any of the players on the team unless they are on an NBA contract and "sent down", and those players will be there mostly for playing time, likely in short stints. Coaching those players will still be done by the guys back in Auburn Hills.

Smith previously held positions in player development with Orlando before he became GM. Perhaps experience in that played a part.

I'm not the biggest fan of nepotism, but your stance makes sense too. He'll likely have no influence within the FO and just focus on developing players. I'm ok with that.

I'll take Otis running the D-league team over having any say in the GM position.

Revenge is sweet nothing like rubbing it in to the guy that fired you.
He Otis how are you buddy have I a job for you.
Thanks SVG assistant GM ?
Well not quite how about coach.
But your the coach
No silly not the Pistons in Grand Rapids
How much does it pay?
Not much just about what your worth
Will take anything right now thanks Stan your were the favorite coach I fired.

cammac wrote:Revenge is sweet nothing like rubbing it in to the guy that fired you.
He Otis how are you buddy have I a job for you.
Thanks SVG assistant GM ?
Well not quite how about coach.
But your the coach
No silly not the Pistons in Grand Rapids
How much does it pay?
Not much just about what your worth
Will take anything right now thanks Stan your were the favorite coach I fired.

cammac wrote:Revenge is sweet nothing like rubbing it in to the guy that fired you.
He Otis how are you buddy have I a job for you.
Thanks SVG assistant GM ?
Well not quite how about coach.
But your the coach
No silly not the Pistons in Grand Rapids
How much does it pay?
Not much just about what your worth
Will take anything right now thanks Stan your were the favorite coach I fired.

So in other words you know nothing of the situation and how it played out in Orlando. Otis Smith showed tremendous loyalty to Stan and refused to fire him, and resigned from the team when Stan was fired by ownership.