Wolves coach fed up with 'me-first' attitude

[cpfsf]

Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman sent a message to his players on Friday with quick substitutions and strong post-game comments.

"I'm tired of losing and if it doesn't change, we as management have to make it change, either by me not playing them or moving them," Wittman said. It's not clear exactly who he is referring to...Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith and Rodney Carney were each yanked out of the game after short amounts of time. He's probably just firing up his players, but it's worth watching.

I wonder if they actually are seriously considering a trade.

[C.lupus]

Five games into the season and this team already feels like it is on the verge of imploding.

[Basti]

wow... I can't believe RSW seriously has the balls to say something like this in public. don't get me wrong, I like the fact that he's trying to fire up the players BUT this message clearly looks like he wants to get rid of the blame and he's the 1st one to blame IMO.

and as I said, I don't mind him trying to fire them up especially because it seems to be the case that the team really has a me-first-attitude. but wow... RSW is a complete tool.

[TrentTuckerForever]

I like the fact that he's trying to fire up the players BUT this message clearly looks like he wants to get rid of the blame and he's the 1st one to blame IMO... RSW is a complete tool.

QFT. 5 games into a season and we're seeking motivational help? It's not like we're at game 60 here... Wittman is the problem.

[Calinks]

Wittman was complaining about this same crap 2 years ago with the team we had then. The exact same thing with a group of totally different players. IF he has had the same damn problem for two years now, who's fault is that? Come on man, whatever you are doing you got to change it.

[kevinbs]

Carney should not have been pulled. He has been decent so far even though he does not get P-T

[Calinks]

Yep, even back then Wittman was singing the same song.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270418016

And holly crap at Foye's statline. Wish he'd do that nowadays.

[the_bruce]

I have come to the conclusion that he is a horrible coach. I'd rather watch the young kids play and get blown out, than watch the way he yanks players out after a mistake.

[hijacktheparade]

I don't think he was talking about Al...

[shrink]

"I'm tired of losing and if it doesn't change, we as management have to make it change, either by me not playing them or moving them," Wittman said.

I think one of the biggest reasons McHale's record as a coach was so good was because he had the power to move those dysfunctional players and their families out of town. "Refuse to listen to a coach? I hope you like living in Oklahoma City!" If Wittman has the power to influence trades, I think its a powerful tool, as long as he doesn't abuse it.

[eloper]

No way to know who this is referring to exactly, but on a side note, similar comments were made by Doc Rivers in Boston a few years ago, and I believe we later found out they were largely directed towards Ryan Gomes. That's far from solid info, and I could be totally off base (especially as I've very rarely heard anything but nice things about Gomes), but something to perhaps keep in mind.

[mandurugo]

I don't think he was talking about Al...

I'm pretty sure he was, he mentioned that players who have been in the league 3, 4, 5 years who have to learn to start playing defense... sounds like Al and Rashad. I don't want to defend Whitman, I don't think they should have fired Casey, but this team deserves the same comments for two years. They haven't learned to play defense as a team. It can't be only his fault is all I'm saying.

[hijacktheparade]

In regard to not playing or moving. The article worded it as if that particular comment could have been directed toward him. The defense is clearly awful.

[4ho5ive]

The whole "need to change their attitude or move them" comment reeks of irony. Witts the one that needs to bounce outta here.

[wolves_fan_82au]

i think its directed at foye,gomes and mccants

i notice yesterday Mccants shot was falling yet he didnt stop shooting (though that is es job as 6th man)
Foye came out and hit 2 3's in a row than he got pulled
Gomes comes out shoots 5 shots straight with only 1 going in

i guess hes trying to make them play as a team but the problem is whoever drafted these players didnt actually read there scouting report

[4ho5ive]

Only problem with that was Foye was making his shots. If you are going to bench him for not taking control of the offense as the Point then dont bad mouth him for taking shots and ACTUALLY MAKING them as a SG.

[the_bruce]

Also I'd like to point out that miller did the same thing the first few plays of the game

[collin_k41]

Wittman needs to keep his pants on. This is a team that is 5 games into the season and obviously struggling to find an identity. But that's just the thing, we are 5 games into the season.....these things take time.

[4ho5ive]

Wittman needs to keep his pants on. This is a team that is 5 games into the season and obviously struggling to find an identity. But that's just the thing, we are 5 games into the season.....these things take time.

Mike Singletary diss???

[miltk]

That's an odd statement coming from RW.....

career.....97 - 196