Will JOB survive the year?

[chube]

I know this is a slump for the team (as well as a couple players in particular) but we were I think as much as 2 or 3 games above .500 at one point. Now we're 13-17 with some bad losses since the wins over Miami and LA.

If the season were to end today, we'd still have a 2-game cushion in terms of falling out of a playoff seed but still. This is the best talent we've had post-brawl and we're starting to look no better than the team we were pre-Darren and pre-Roy's turn.

It seems fairly safe to say that JOB may not return next year, but anybody legitimately thinking he might not survive the season? We saw what happened last year during JOB's one-game absence. It gave the team a shot in the arm under Lester Conner.

[colts2004]

Are we a better team than 2 or 3 years ago? Yeah, we have potential to be good, add a few more players and we will be a good legit playoff team again

As for JOB, He has to go. No ifs, ands or butts. His rotations are terrible. He plays TJ in crunch time instead of Darren. Who knows from night to night who will start at SG, I like Mike but Brandon Rush has to start. Posey is a SF not a PF. I can go on but he has to go

[Starkiller]

What I don't understand, is why did we make the big deal to go out and Darren Collison if we aren't going to play him majority of the minutes? Why is he sharing time w/ TJ Ford? That was supposed to be our "first big move" and it's like we aren't doing anything with it for no reason. That was the final piece of our "Big 3" but we don't use him? So what happens if we make a big trade at the deadline for a PF? (Hypothetical, say Josh Smith) Does he split time with Posey at 4? Just because that's what JOB wants? Certain players are supposed to play, period. I think he tries to play (in his f'd up mind) matchups or game plans too much, when really it comes down to just playing the best players period.

[chube]

I agree 100%, Starkiller. Picking up Darren was a good move, I don't care what anybody says (especially considering the lousy production of Murph over in New Jersey now.) It's just how he's being used that's wrong.

Collison didn't average what he did as a rookie starter last year by accident. And you could even argue that he had worse offensive weapons around him in New Orleans than he does in Indy. David West trumps any of our PFs, but Roy trumps Okafor most of the time and I'll take Danny, B-Rush, and Duns over Peja, then-Hornet Posey and the 2009-2010 version of Marcus Thornton.

The same thing happened to TJ Ford when he came over from Toronto. His statistical production dipped because of JOB's screwy system. And then he was splitting time with Jarrett Jack. Now the same thing is happening now, but TJ is the new Jarrett and Darren is the new TJ. JOB doesn't understand that it's his system that is throttling the players, not the players talents/work ethic/fit/whatever.

Once we get a coach who knows what the hell to do with his roster and now be so friggin' stubborn, our players will really have a chance to shine. Our ideal current starting 5 of Hibb, Danny, DC, B-Rush, and McBob, with the respective backups of Foster (?), Paul George, A.J., Duns, and Psycho T, in addition to having T.J., Dahntay, and Posey as insurance (not to mention Lance and, I feel obliged, Solo), that's a roster that should compete for the 6th seed currently in the East with an even mediocre coach.

Again, I truly feel this is the best talent post-brawl, but you wouldn't know it by watching games from the past couple weeks. But what do you expect from JOB - a guy who walked out on the Celtics because Danny Ainge parted with two of JOB's favorites - Eric Williams and Tony Battie. I REPEAT...ERIC F. WILLIAMS AND TONY F. BATTIE!!!

[Wizop]

I don't think many of us care about finishing 7th or 8th but would like to be able to catch Chicago. I don't know when in the season you decide that is unrealistic. Then again, I understand that making the playoffs for even one round with a quick exit does produce a major revenue surge for the team which they would be loath to pass up. My reading of the situation is that Bird perhaps with the approval of Herb is in favor of trying to win as many games as possible which is what JOB is doing. Playing Posey does give us the best chance in the short run even though it is bad for Hansbrough's development in the long run. Personally I have no problem with TJ's minutes though as the 24 or so minutes DC is getting seems about right for a second year player.

If Bird wants to place a greater emphasis on player development than winning, I think he has three choices. 1) fire JOB and hire someone to a long term contract making clear that he has time to develop a winner. hiring a temporary coach for the balance of the season will not do that. 2) give JOB an extension and tell him that he'll be back next year regardless of this year's record and order him to play the young guys. this probably only works if Herb first gives Bird an extension. 3) trade away the guys you don't want JOB playing so that he has no choice left but to play who you want him to play.

my guess is that we'll play out January and then see how far we've slid and what kind of offers might be out there from contenders willing to deal prospects for expiring veterans.

[kdawg531]

It is hard to believe JOB will be fired before the season ends, but I am praying that is what happens. Larry Bird signed him to an extension for this current season, and doesn't want to look like a fool for doing so. Also, Herb Simon doesn't want to lose anymore money than he already is, so a mid season firing just becomes less and less likely.

If JOB is back next year, not only will I be extremely pissed, but the Pacers may just lose a life long fan.

[zigster]

how about bringing back larry brown to coach although im not so sure he would be willing to come to such a young team but i could see it work since we will have a ton of flexibility coming soon so he could shape the roster the way he likes it would be a last ditch effort by bird to concede that much power so prob not realistic

[chube]

I hear what you mean, Kdawg about Simon not wanting to lose money and bring in a new coach. However, if they were to promote an interim coach from within, he won't lose much. JOB's contract is up after this year so you're not committed to paying him past April if they don't want to. So the loss wouldn't be as bad as firing JOB with time still left on his contract.

[kdawg531]

I hear what you mean, Kdawg about Simon not wanting to lose money and bring in a new coach. However, if they were to promote an interim coach from within, he won't lose much. JOB's contract is up after this year so you're not committed to paying him past April if they don't want to. So the loss wouldn't be as bad as firing JOB with time still left on his contract.

Good point. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that JOB is gone within a month.

[jcodbf2]

I hope not..

I think the Pacers have the talent to win 45 games with the right system and the correct players playing.

[captaincrunk]

What I don't understand, is why did we make the big deal to go out and Darren Collison if we aren't going to play him majority of the minutes? Why is he sharing time w/ TJ Ford? That was supposed to be our "first big move" and it's like we aren't doing anything with it for no reason. That was the final piece of our "Big 3" but we don't use him? So what happens if we make a big trade at the deadline for a PF? (Hypothetical, say Josh Smith) Does he split time with Posey at 4? Just because that's what JOB wants? Certain players are supposed to play, period. I think he tries to play (in his f'd up mind) matchups or game plans too much, when really it comes down to just playing the best players period.

If you get Josh Smith, he kills the need for the defensive Posey to play the 4.

[PR07]

If the team keeps faltering, I could see the team making a move near the deadline. However, I think the team fully intends to stick it out with O'Brien, at least for this year.

[Crossova21]

I think it depends on how much Bird values his job. Getting Collison was a step forward, but missing the playoffs again would be taking two steps back imo. If JOB isn't getting the job done then Larry should probably take over.

[jnzook]

JOB needs to find a new job...his philosophy and crazy ass ways do not fit in pacerland..not with the roster we have...he has inconsistent lineups..he doesnt mold the offense around the talent on the team, he tries to force the talent into his mold...hibbert is struggling so badly because we chuck 3's all day, and we arent making them, so teams are constantly collapsing on hibbert...we dont run pick and roll/pop's...even though that is clearly when dc plays his best..we play an aged sf at pf, who is shooting terrible from behind the arc..JOB, it doesnt help to have a sf playing pf to stretch the court with his 3pt shot to make room down low for hibbert, when posey isnt making the shots...granger looks disgusted and as if he has already given up due to coaching philosophy, JOB is a fool...everyone seems to realize this except for bird...and as much as i like what bird has done with this team, the talent he has aquired, and the bad blood he has gotten rid of...if he doesnt get rid of JOB..and god forbid if he should sign him to an extension...it makes me sick to think of it...but if bird doesnt get rid of JOB, then sadly bird needs to hit the trails back to french lick as well..because this play the past 2-3 weeks will not suffice to pacer fans with the talent level this team has..point, blank, period

[Solid]

JOB should be replaced when ever a strong upgrade becomes available.
I would make overtures to Larry Brown to start with. Rick Carlisle, Mike Brown, Van Gundy, and Brad Stevens would get a phone call too.

I think Larry however, out of a sense of honoring his extension,will keep the bum throughout the season.

I hope we trade TJ and/or Dun for draft picks and just tank.
Give us maybe three first rounders, at least one of those a lotto pick, or two firsts and a David West or Nene!
I said all along it would take us one more year.
Winning in this one, I don't see as a priority.

[Wizop]

he doesn't mold the offense around the talent on the team, he tries to force the talent into his mold

normally I'd agree with that. I'm a huge Tom Moore fan and there is no question he molded the Colts offense to maximize the players' talents. however, with the Pacers Bird and O'B are on the same page. Bird has a style in mind and has been trying to assemble a group of players suited to this system. yes, he missed on Dahntay but that's an exception.

[Starkiller]

What I don't understand, is why did we make the big deal to go out and Darren Collison if we aren't going to play him majority of the minutes? Why is he sharing time w/ TJ Ford? That was supposed to be our "first big move" and it's like we aren't doing anything with it for no reason. That was the final piece of our "Big 3" but we don't use him? So what happens if we make a big trade at the deadline for a PF? (Hypothetical, say Josh Smith) Does he split time with Posey at 4? Just because that's what JOB wants? Certain players are supposed to play, period. I think he tries to play (in his f'd up mind) matchups or game plans too much, when really it comes down to just playing the best players period.

If you get Josh Smith, he kills the need for the defensive Posey to play the 4.

You think Posey plays the 4 for his defense?

[Solid]

OH my!
I have here-to-fore given total (dis)credit for our "system" to JOB. if it's true as,Wizop said, that this revolting, sloppy, weak azzed mess is Larry's plan then sign me up for the squad that runs him outta here as well. ASAP
I can forgive...no, understand - Larry, more than anyone else for this buffoonery because he could imagine a group of lights out 3 shooters that make mortal concerns like off nights and porous D acceptable. But Really?? More threes that free throws? No post ups? Play your 3s as 4s? Undersized as a plan? 5'10' guys checking 6'5' guys because the smaller one chucks 4 % better? YUK. I've had it with this clearly ridiculous enterprise.

[8305]

I have to think if this stretch of bad play doesn't stop soon something will happen. Right now its so bad its hard to imagine O'Brien's replacement (even if its a current assistant) getting a worse result. If the playoffs appear to be slipping away I think you would have to change something.

Reading Bob Kravit's column earlier this week it sounds like the players are mystified by the player rotations.

All that said, Danny Granger and Roy HIbbert have been terrible for the better part of the last month. Who do you blame when your team loses while your two best players are largely ineffective. How do you explain this team struggling to run the offense when Dunleavy, Granger and Foster have been running it for four years, Hibbert, Rush, McRoberts and Ford three years? Orlando just turned over half its team and it took them 2 games to hit stride.

[FortWayneFlash]

Boys and girls, JOB is going nowhere until the season is over; right or wrong, JOB is at the end of his contract this year; as is the balance of his staff. Pacers are not goint to pay for two coaching stafffs to coach this team and then pay a new coaching staff during the lockout to not coach the team.

Sit back and enjoy the ride, or not enjoy the ride; the current jockey will remain in the saddle, win or lose,