Have We Improved?

[FreeRon]

The only thing annoying me is this argument on a Pacers forum. Seriously, though, I don't see how Jim O'Brien can be considered among the top coaches in the NBA. I would actually put him towards the lower end right now. I'm not trying to hate at all, either. If you look at all of the coaches you say teams were built around, which I honestly don't believe they were to the extent that you suggest, they are coaches that everyone would love to have and they win pretty much wherever they go. I will say that players are drafted around their coaching style, but would they ever trade Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant if they didn't fit Phil's style? And before you think Shaq let's remember that he was traded because of Kobe and not because of Phil.

[JarrettJackSG]

Are we sure? Do you think Jackson would be winning titles right now if he kept Shaq over Kobe? It was a savvy move by Phil to build to the future. A lot of players bad mouth Sloan, Riles, and especially Brown after they leave. And we are talking about stars too, not just journeymen. Also, Brown couldn't pull off what D'Antoni is pulling off in NY, Phil has never coached a team where he didn't have a top 3 player in the league. Larry Brown couldn't coexist with David Robinson (one of the more coachable superstars), AI, and a few others. I really don't understand why people think that these are all likeable, infallible coaches, when it's clear that they aren't.

Coaches are brought in because they fit the players, and then if the coaches have control of the drafting, they will draft players they want. It's obvious that Obie doesn't have control of drafting, only minimal input. How well would Duncan and Phil existed? How well would Kobe and Popovich exist? (hint, not well)

[Miller4ever]

So what you're saying is, O'Brien isn't a good coach, Bird knows it and makes sure that he's as temporary as possible by making moves towards a future without him?

[JarrettJackSG]

So what you're saying is, O'Brien isn't a good coach, Bird knows it and makes sure that he's as temporary as possible by making moves towards a future without him?

If you are referring to me, no. I think O'Brien is a great coach, he doesn't mind deferring to Bird (I bet he really would have loved to have Bayless and wish they drafted a shotblocking center), and Bird is making moves to win now to give the franchise a boost (and to try to regain the fans, and thus, revenue), and have a proper rebuilding session later.

[Miller4ever]

Pacer's alternate motto:

When life gives you lemons, you beat the Celtics with them.