Jay Wright?

[bwgood77]

So who is on your list of good coaching hires? Popovich, Riley, Jackson, Carlisle, Spoelstra, Brown, Kerr, Tomjanovich, 72 year old Billy Cunningham, Larry Costello, 82 year old Bill Russell, 89 year old Red Auerbach, 83 year old K.C. Jones, 81 year old Bill Fitch, 77 year old Paul Westhead, 78 year old Lenny Wilkens, 84 year old Dick Motta, 81 year old Tom Heinsohn, 79 year old Al Attles, 78 year old Red Holzman, 87 year old Bill Sharman, and 78 year old Alex Hannum?

Which would you go after first and who do you think would be game to coach our team?

I would take any coach that has real NBA experience at a high level over a college coach. Give me one of Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson, Luke Walton, George Karl, Vinny Del Negro, P.J. Carlesimo, Earl Watson, even Mike D'antoni. It is not even that I like any of those guys. I just do not believe in bringing in a coach from college because how many times has a team won a championship doing it. One time. It was Larry Brown and it took practically 100 years for him to finally do it. This song and dance has happened so many times and these college coaches always end up getting fired and people say see, there is a big difference between coaching college and the NBA. And there is. If the Suns do this then it is further proof how incompetent Sarver and his staff truly are.

Good grief. I find myself agreeing with LGSuns. Although I do not agree about a few of those names (Jackson, Karl, Del NeGro, Carlesimo. DAntoni). I would not rather have them because they have already proven themselves poor or no longer capable coaches.

In fact, the only two coaches I would consider on that list are Walton and Watson. Not because I like youth, but I have been pleased with the coaching job I have seen from each of them so far. I believe they both understand the new NBA. The others do not. Not sure Jay Wright would.

I like Watson (and I was hesitant at first) and despite being a UA guy, I'm not sure Walton is the best guy to hire. These guys are both really green.

I don't know if I'd want Wright or not, but the guy has a ton of experience and likely has a pretty good grasp on what is working in the nba right now.

I'm not a fan of hiring big name college coaches who earn their big names mostly from being a top tier programs, but guys that can lead programs without top tier recruits to compete and continually beat the teams that DO have those players, knows how to coach, and he knows how to motivate.

If Wright WAS hired (and I don't think he even leaves Villanova even with an offer) best case scenario is that Watson would stay on as lead assistant, but that would probably create animosity.

If someone knew is brought in, whoever it is, and Watson is out, I think the players will be disappointed and there will be an adjustment. But the young guys are just going to want to learn and get better and win.

[Puff]

I would take any coach that has real NBA experience at a high level over a college coach. Give me one of Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson, Luke Walton, George Karl, Vinny Del Negro, P.J. Carlesimo, Earl Watson, even Mike D'antoni. It is not even that I like any of those guys. I just do not believe in bringing in a coach from college because how many times has a team won a championship doing it. One time. It was Larry Brown and it took practically 100 years for him to finally do it. This song and dance has happened so many times and these college coaches always end up getting fired and people say see, there is a big difference between coaching college and the NBA. And there is. If the Suns do this then it is further proof how incompetent Sarver and his staff truly are.

Good grief. I find myself agreeing with LGSuns. Although I do not agree about a few of those names (Jackson, Karl, Del NeGro, Carlesimo. DAntoni). I would not rather have them because they have already proven themselves poor or no longer capable coaches.

In fact, the only two coaches I would consider on that list are Walton and Watson. Not because I like youth, but I have been pleased with the coaching job I have seen from each of them so far. I believe they both understand the new NBA. The others do not. Not sure Jay Wright would.

I like Watson (and I was hesitant at first) and despite being a UA guy, I'm not sure Walton is the best guy to hire. These guys are both really green.

I don't know if I'd want Wright or not, but the guy has a ton of experience and likely has a pretty good grasp on what is working in the nba right now.

I'm not a fan of hiring big name college coaches who earn their big names mostly from being a top tier programs, but guys that can lead programs without top tier recruits to compete and continually beat the teams that DO have those players, knows how to coach, and he knows how to motivate.

If Wright WAS hired (and I don't think he even leaves Villanova even with an offer) best case scenario is that Watson would stay on as lead assistant, but that would probably create animosity.

If someone knew is brought in, whoever it is, and Watson is out, I think the players will be disappointed and there will be an adjustment. But the young guys are just going to want to learn and get better and win.

It is not that I hate on Watson or would be upset if he was hired as our coach for next year but why should we be concerned about what THESE players think? We need to hire the best coach possible, period.

Most only think that a hand full of our players are keepers going forward anyway and I fully expect another off season of new faces arriving in Phoenix.

I also do not think that the team won one for the gipper, like most are suggesting. The Rockets sucked down the stretch and I think they would prefer to be on a fishing boat next week rather than playing any more games than necessary together.

Is there a more overpaid cry baby than Dwight Howard?

Posters that suggest that MDA did not use him correctly in LA have no clue. I do not think there is a coach on the planet that is capable of using him correctly.

I really hope Howard somehow signs up with the Knicks this off season, that could be an epic melt down. They deserve each other.

Why in the world did they fire McHale? I thought he did a pretty good job last season.

[aIvin adams]

i thought brad stevens was the best coaching hire two years ago. i thought horny was the second best. i was right about one of them, at least (still think horny was a good hire...)

dunno about this guy but i like the idea of getting a guy to build up a 'program' spurs style. that's what the celtics are doing.

and if anybody knows how to build a team capable of demonstrating that the lakers suck, it's them.

[Jarlaxle0204]

Posters that suggest that MDA did not use him correctly in LA have no clue. I do not think there is a coach on the planet that is capable of using him correctly.

I think SVG has a fairly good idea of how to use him correctly.

[Puff]

Posters that suggest that MDA did not use him correctly in LA have no clue. I do not think there is a coach on the planet that is capable of using him correctly.

I think SVG has a fairly good idea of how to use him correctly.

That certainly is where Howard had the most success but as I remember it was a strained relationship at best.

Just not a fan of Howard. He has all the physical tools but seems to not work on his weaknesses. I do not like his attitude or game in general. JMO.

[Jarlaxle0204]

I don't like him either. I was just pointing out that there is a coach out there that knew what to do with him.

[Two Time]

I would take any coach that has real NBA experience at a high level over a college coach. Give me one of Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson, Luke Walton, George Karl, Vinny Del Negro, P.J. Carlesimo, Earl Watson, even Mike D'antoni. It is not even that I like any of those guys. I just do not believe in bringing in a coach from college because how many times has a team won a championship doing it. One time. It was Larry Brown and it took practically 100 years for him to finally do it. This song and dance has happened so many times and these college coaches always end up getting fired and people say see, there is a big difference between coaching college and the NBA. And there is. If the Suns do this then it is further proof how incompetent Sarver and his staff truly are.

LMAO "I'd take P.J. Carlesimo over Jay Wright."
All those names suck except Thibodeau, maybe Mike D & Luke Walton..
I'm sure most fans, media and nba execs are holding Jay Wright previous to the Villanova 'ship even, to a higher regard then George Karl, Mark Jackson, and f'in Venny Del Negro.
Thx tho I literally laughed out loud when I first read this post. I love fan forums.

[letsgosuns]

I would take any coach that has real NBA experience at a high level over a college coach. Give me one of Tom Thibodeau, Mark Jackson, Luke Walton, George Karl, Vinny Del Negro, P.J. Carlesimo, Earl Watson, even Mike D'antoni. It is not even that I like any of those guys. I just do not believe in bringing in a coach from college because how many times has a team won a championship doing it. One time. It was Larry Brown and it took practically 100 years for him to finally do it. This song and dance has happened so many times and these college coaches always end up getting fired and people say see, there is a big difference between coaching college and the NBA. And there is. If the Suns do this then it is further proof how incompetent Sarver and his staff truly are.

LMAO "I'd take P.J. Carlesimo over Jay Wright."
All those names suck except Thibodeau, maybe Mike D & Luke Walton..
I'm sure most fans, media and nba execs are holding Jay Wright previous to the Villanova 'ship even, to a higher regard then George Karl, Mark Jackson, and f'in Venny Del Negro.
Thx tho I literally laughed out loud when I first read this post. I love fan forums.

Uhh did you not read my line that I wrote where I said "It is not even that I like any of those guys." Obviously you missed my point entirely. I flat out do not want a college coach under any circumstances regardless of who it is because I do not believe it is the right way to go.

[rsavaj]

In an alternate universe where Sarver actually spends money on a coaching staff, we go after the Thibs/D'Antoni combo that Kerr dreamed about in 07. MDA gets the offense, Thibs gets the defense

[saintEscaton]

Wright had no recruiting base or prospective draftees to work with and yet accomplished what he did. However his simplistic help oriented zone defense may not translate well to the NBA. For every Stevens you get a Hoiberg

[TeamTragic]

In an alternate universe where Sarver actually spends money on a coaching staff, we go after the Thibs/D'Antoni combo that Kerr dreamed about in 07. MDA gets the offense, Thibs gets the defense

That ship has sailed and we need to stop living in the past.

[rsavaj]

In an alternate universe where Sarver actually spends money on a coaching staff, we go after the Thibs/D'Antoni combo that Kerr dreamed about in 07. MDA gets the offense, Thibs gets the defense

That ship has sailed and we need to stop living in the past.

I don't think either one is completely out of the realm of possibility, but yeah, they'll never share a coaching staff.

[bwgood77]

Wright had no recruiting base or prospective draftees to work with and yet accomplished what he did. However his simplistic help oriented zone defense may not translate well to the NBA. For every Stevens you get a Hoiberg

He's got a lot more experience than Hoiberg and I imagine he is smart enough to adapt and have a pretty good idea of what would work in the NBA. I doubt he will come even if we ask him though. I was looking for Hinkie articles in the Philly newspaper and ran across one about him first talking about how much he loved Villanova....he is from there..of course they always say that stuff so who knows, but I don't think it would be a bad hire. But, you never know.

I like how you always say some good things and some bad things yet leave it open to interpretation so your bases are covered regardless of what may transpire.

[saintEscaton]

Wright had no recruiting base or prospective draftees to work with and yet accomplished what he did. However his simplistic help oriented zone defense may not translate well to the NBA. For every Stevens you get a Hoiberg

He's got a lot more experience than Hoiberg and I imagine he is smart enough to adapt and have a pretty good idea of what would work in the NBA. I doubt he will come even if we ask him though. I was looking for Hinkie articles in the Philly newspaper and ran across one about him first talking about how much he loved Villanova....he is from there..of course they always say that stuff so who knows, but I don't think it would be a bad hire. But, you never know.

I like how you always say some good things and some bad things yet leave it open to interpretation so your bases are covered regardless of what may transpire.

I like Wright also, just have my reservation. Any one is better than Watson who is basically a symbolic mouthpiece/camp counselor

[NavLDO]

Wright had no recruiting base or prospective draftees to work with and yet accomplished what he did. However his simplistic help oriented zone defense may not translate well to the NBA. For every Stevens you get a Hoiberg

He's got a lot more experience than Hoiberg and I imagine he is smart enough to adapt and have a pretty good idea of what would work in the NBA. I doubt he will come even if we ask him though. I was looking for Hinkie articles in the Philly newspaper and ran across one about him first talking about how much he loved Villanova....he is from there..of course they always say that stuff so who knows, but I don't think it would be a bad hire. But, you never know.

I like how you always say some good things and some bad things yet leave it open to interpretation so your bases are covered regardless of what may transpire.

No, he's fairly clear: Len sucks and Gobert is a God in a Jazz uniform.

But back on topic; specifically D'Antoni/Thibs combo. I agree that you can't have two head coaches, but hiring Thibs to be the HC, and D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator" could work...or oh, even better, Watson as the HC, D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator", and Thibs as the "Defensive Coordinator." Then we could hire Charles Woodson as the DB Coach, and recently retired D'Brick Ferguson as the OL Coach. Boom! Instant winner! Oh, wrong sport, never mind...

But seriously, is there any way D'Antoni and Thibs would accept some type of roles with the Suns? Maybe McD can play on some sort of emotion, or some sense of interest in trying something different.

Ultimately, if McD and Sarver could formulate a strategy on how to broach the topic, and come up with a plan on how it could almost not fail, maybe they would buy in?? IDK, seems far-fetched, but it's not like McD hasn't used unusual tactics in attempt to get what he wants (signing Chandler to lure LMA). With 4 picks in the top 33, the unbelievable rookie season Booker has had, and a decent amount of Cap Space--all that and a very decent young crop of players (Booker, Len, Warren, Bogdanovic, Bledsoe, and Knight *cough* hereallystinksbutwe'llglossoverthat *cough*)--maybe there's a plan in there somewhere???

But back to Wright; I have no problem bringing him in. He's obviously been successful and has gotten more out of a non-top20ish, at best, squad. I was kind of hoping that Watson had earned himself a HC job with us, but apparently not. And if not, I'm fine with Wright being the choice.

[SC923]

As well as being a Suns fan I also root for Nova, and hope Jay stays. I am not sure how well his style fits with the Suns current roster and believe theyre better options for the Suns out there.

[bwgood77]

Wright had no recruiting base or prospective draftees to work with and yet accomplished what he did. However his simplistic help oriented zone defense may not translate well to the NBA. For every Stevens you get a Hoiberg

He's got a lot more experience than Hoiberg and I imagine he is smart enough to adapt and have a pretty good idea of what would work in the NBA. I doubt he will come even if we ask him though. I was looking for Hinkie articles in the Philly newspaper and ran across one about him first talking about how much he loved Villanova....he is from there..of course they always say that stuff so who knows, but I don't think it would be a bad hire. But, you never know.

I like how you always say some good things and some bad things yet leave it open to interpretation so your bases are covered regardless of what may transpire.

No, he's fairly clear: Len sucks and Gobert is a God in a Jazz uniform.

But back on topic; specifically D'Antoni/Thibs combo. I agree that you can't have two head coaches, but hiring Thibs to be the HC, and D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator" could work...or oh, even better, Watson as the HC, D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator", and Thibs as the "Defensive Coordinator." Then we could hire Charles Woodson as the DB Coach, and recently retired D'Brick Ferguson as the OL Coach. Boom! Instant winner! Oh, wrong sport, never mind...

But seriously, is there any way D'Antoni and Thibs would accept some type of roles with the Suns? Maybe McD can play on some sort of emotion, or some sense of interest in trying something different.

Ultimately, if McD and Sarver could formulate a strategy on how to broach the topic, and come up with a plan on how it could almost not fail, maybe they would buy in?? IDK, seems far-fetched, but it's not like McD hasn't used unusual tactics in attempt to get what he wants (signing Chandler to lure LMA). With 4 picks in the top 33, the unbelievable rookie season Booker has had, and a decent amount of Cap Space--all that and a very decent young crop of players (Booker, Len, Warren, Bogdanovic, Bledsoe, and Knight *cough* hereallystinksbutwe'llglossoverthat *cough*)--maybe there's a plan in there somewhere???

But back to Wright; I have no problem bringing him in. He's obviously been successful and has gotten more out of a non-top20ish, at best, squad. I was kind of hoping that Watson had earned himself a HC job with us, but apparently not. And if not, I'm fine with Wright being the choice.

I'm a big D'Antoni fan, but I am guessing he probably wouldn't want to work for Sarver again, but maybe his biggest problem was with Kerr, and it seems that could be the case, and he does have the mindset that works in today's nba...heck, he created it, so I would have no problem if he was coach.

Thibs, wasn't a huge proponent for him, but watching the difference in Chicago with and without him, and heck, even Boston's demise, proves he makes a HUGE difference. I'd be a big proponent if your scenario was a possibility, but it's not. It just won't work. First, they both would want to make decisions...it would potentially work if it was possible IF they could buy in, but their systems are SO different, you can't change it...D'Antoni wants to run and outscore but that won't work against the Warriors with our talent, and Thibs wants to slow it down....some sort of combination would work potentially, but not gonna happen. I think you need a hybrid or an entirely different approach that throws people off, kind of like D'Antoni did.

That's why Jay Wright COULD be the guy...maybe...I don't know. I always want guys who appear to overachieve with given talent, and that is why I like people who have worked under Stevens and Carlisle.....they obviously have...with Butler and Boston, and the latter with Detroit, Indiana and Dallas.

I would be ok with Watson, and I think he gets a ton of respect from players and we play well, so I wouldn't mind giving him a shot, and with any of these guys, worst case scenario is that it fails and we get a good pick next year with some premier talent near the top. With Wright, or likely Larranaga, it would require a lot of money and contract, so you'd have to hope it works. With Watson, I wouldn't be comfortable giving him more than one year, maybe with a team option, because who knows what he can really do in the grand scheme, but on the other hand, if he has a chance to grow with the team and learn on his way like the young guys, maybe that works, so I am now contradicting myself, but maybe he relates well, and learns on the job, has connections his a good communicator, works hard, etc.

I will likely trust the decision made, but I hope we can stick with someone and have some continuity....changes every 3 years in coaches will NEVER work.

[Puff]

He's got a lot more experience than Hoiberg and I imagine he is smart enough to adapt and have a pretty good idea of what would work in the NBA. I doubt he will come even if we ask him though. I was looking for Hinkie articles in the Philly newspaper and ran across one about him first talking about how much he loved Villanova....he is from there..of course they always say that stuff so who knows, but I don't think it would be a bad hire. But, you never know.

I like how you always say some good things and some bad things yet leave it open to interpretation so your bases are covered regardless of what may transpire.

No, he's fairly clear: Len sucks and Gobert is a God in a Jazz uniform. :wink:

But back on topic; specifically D'Antoni/Thibs combo. I agree that you can't have two head coaches, but hiring Thibs to be the HC, and D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator" could work...or oh, even better, Watson as the HC, D'Antoni as the "Offensive Coordinator", and Thibs as the "Defensive Coordinator." Then we could hire Charles Woodson as the DB Coach, and recently retired D'Brick Ferguson as the OL Coach. Boom! Instant winner! Oh, wrong sport, never mind...

But seriously, is there any way D'Antoni and Thibs would accept some type of roles with the Suns? Maybe McD can play on some sort of emotion, or some sense of interest in trying something different.

Ultimately, if McD and Sarver could formulate a strategy on how to broach the topic, and come up with a plan on how it could almost not fail, maybe they would buy in?? IDK, seems far-fetched, but it's not like McD hasn't used unusual tactics in attempt to get what he wants (signing Chandler to lure LMA). With 4 picks in the top 33, the unbelievable rookie season Booker has had, and a decent amount of Cap Space--all that and a very decent young crop of players (Booker, Len, Warren, Bogdanovic, Bledsoe, and Knight *cough* hereallystinksbutwe'llglossoverthat *cough*)--maybe there's a plan in there somewhere???

But back to Wright; I have no problem bringing him in. He's obviously been successful and has gotten more out of a non-top20ish, at best, squad. I was kind of hoping that Watson had earned himself a HC job with us, but apparently not. And if not, I'm fine with Wright being the choice.

I'm a big D'Antoni fan, but I am guessing he probably wouldn't want to work for Sarver again, but maybe his biggest problem was with Kerr, and it seems that could be the case, and he does have the mindset that works in today's nba...heck, he created it, so I would have no problem if he was coach.

Thibs, wasn't a huge proponent for him, but watching the difference in Chicago with and without him, and heck, even Boston's demise, proves he makes a HUGE difference. I'd be a big proponent if your scenario was a possibility, but it's not. It just won't work. First, they both would want to make decisions...it would potentially work if it was possible IF they could buy in, but their systems are SO different, you can't change it...D'Antoni wants to run and outscore but that won't work against the Warriors with our talent, and Thibs wants to slow it down....some sort of combination would work potentially, but not gonna happen. I think you need a hybrid or an entirely different approach that throws people off, kind of like D'Antoni did.

That's why Jay Wright COULD be the guy...maybe...I don't know. I always want guys who appear to overachieve with given talent, and that is why I like people who have worked under Stevens and Carlisle.....they obviously have...with Butler and Boston, and the latter with Detroit, Indiana and Dallas.

I would be ok with Watson, and I think he gets a ton of respect from players and we play well, so I wouldn't mind giving him a shot, and with any of these guys, worst case scenario is that it fails and we get a good pick next year with some premier talent near the top. With Wright, or likely Larranaga, it would require a lot of money and contract, so you'd have to hope it works. With Watson, I wouldn't be comfortable giving him more than one year, maybe with a team option, because who knows what he can really do in the grand scheme, but on the other hand, if he has a chance to grow with the team and learn on his way like the young guys, maybe that works, so I am now contradicting myself, but maybe he relates well, and learns on the job, has connections his a good communicator, works hard, etc.

I will likely trust the decision made, but I hope we can stick with someone and have some continuity....changes every 3 years in coaches will NEVER work.

BW

I guess I have not been listening. I am glad I have someone else that is a big D'Antoni fan. I am probably the biggest. I also think his demise was more related to his relationship with Kerr than anything else. Kerr appeared to want to tell him how to coach rather than get him additional talent to make the team better and he would have none of it. I also respect Thibs and I am extremely happy the Bulls **** the bed after dumping him for Hoiberg. Nothing against Hoiberg but Thibs deserved better. I also doubt that they would have worked well together in the past or the future. They are so different it really makes no sense.

My dream, which probably has no chance of happening, has been and will be Steve Nash as HC with D'Antoni as his lead assistant. I really think those two guys like each other and respect each other. I do not think Mike's ego would be shattered at all. As you stated most of the league play the way Mike coached and Steve played why not them leading the parade. It is a guard oriented league and I think Steve has helped in both LA last year with some of their youngsters as well as GS youngsters this year. It is the best possible box office pairing you could hire for this franchise in this town.

The key would be McDonough to do his job and get players that Steve and Mike would need to play the way they want to play. If McDonough wants to be the head coach like Steve Kerr did, it will not work. The great thing is that McDonough appears to be able to get good talent but we have not had the leadership from the bench to maximize the talent.

Jay Wright might be the 2nd coming but all I know about him is his team played extremely well in THiS tournament and won the championship on a miracle shot at the buzzer.

I am OK with Watson but it does not move the needle IMO and unless we get the top pick or make a huge trade for a Superstar Sarver will have trouble selling tickets again next year. If he hires Nash/D'Antoni I expect season ticket sales will increase dramatically no matter what we do in the off season.

Hell I am sold - get er done

[saintEscaton]

I'm pretty much done with this Run n' Gun Suns BS tbh, if we are gunna revive it really hope its not just another promotional gimmick/yearning for yesteryear

[bwgood77]

BW

I guess I have not been listening. I am glad I have someone else that is a big D'Antoni fan. I am probably the biggest. I also think his demise was more related to his relationship with Kerr than anything else. Kerr appeared to want to tell him how to coach rather than get him additional talent to make the team better and he would have none of it. I also respect Thibs and I am extremely happy the Bulls **** the bed after dumping him for Hoiberg. Nothing against Hoiberg but Thibs deserved better. I also doubt that they would have worked well together in the past or the future. They are so different it really makes no sense.

My dream, which probably has no chance of happening, has been and will be Steve Nash as HC with D'Antoni as his lead assistant. I really think those two guys like each other and respect each other. I do not think Mike's ego would be shattered at all. As you stated most of the league play the way Mike coached and Steve played why not them leading the parade. It is a guard oriented league and I think Steve has helped in both LA last year with some of their youngsters as well as GS youngsters this year. It is the best possible box office pairing you could hire for this franchise in this town.

The key would be McDonough to do his job and get players that Steve and Mike would need to play the way they want to play. If McDonough wants to be the head coach like Steve Kerr did, it will not work. The great thing is that McDonough appears to be able to get good talent but we have not had the leadership from the bench to maximize the talent.

Jay Wright might be the 2nd coming but all I know about him is his team played extremely well in THiS tournament and won the championship on a miracle shot at the buzzer.

I am OK with Watson but it does not move the needle IMO and unless we get the top pick or make a huge trade for a Superstar Sarver will have trouble selling tickets again next year. If he hires Nash/D'Antoni I expect season ticket sales will increase dramatically no matter what we do in the off season.

Hell I am sold - get er done

I have stated during a couple of your arguments with D'Antoni haters that I think he was a damn good coach, but it was probably lost while you were focused on rebuttals from the arguers.

In your scenario it would have to be D'Antoni as head coach with Nash as assistant, and perhaps Nash takes over at some point. I don't think Nash wants to coach though. But yes, Kerr even has admitted he made mistakes and wishes he would have done things differently with D'Antoni and not told him how to coach...after getting rid of him and hiring Porter and then going back to Gentry probably shaped his coaching skills today into place. Gentry was just a D'Antoni clone....he mentioned calling him up for advice. Kerr's success was with those two guys, and now he has a guy who is Nash on steroids surrounded by premier players and a much deeper team than any of those Suns teams. I listed Kerr as among one of the top coaches earlier, but again, he is somewhat another D'Antoni clone..and that team and their experience seems on auto pilot...which is why I am unsure Walton is a guy that can take a team with lesser talent and make a huge difference.

The players are the main key. That is why I want a coach that can get the most out of the talent they have, and can mold people into team players. Jay Wright for example had FAR less talent than probably 15 teams in the tourney, but he got them to play together, play hard, play as a team and win. He gets them to the tourney every year. They probably actually have less talent than 30 or 40 teams but since they are not premier players, by the time they are juniors and seniors, they play together so well and are so methodical, they can break down any team.

I mean Arizona, one of the best teams in the PAC 12 got beat by Wichita St, and they looked TOUGH. Then Miami crushes them. Then Villanova crushes Miami. Then they knock out Kansas, ranked #1 much of the year, who many people picked to win it all. Then they take out the great Buddy Hield and Oklahoma by like 40, ranked #1 much of the year. Than they take out the last #1 seed standing in NC, also ranked #1. Their run wasn't a fluke, and they were ranked #1 a bit earlier as well, and I'm not even sure they were ranked early in the season. These guys were tough, and with no big name players.