skywalker33 wrote:I’m on record as saying I’m not a fan of Malone as a coach but do give him credit for developing some players, his forte IMO. I thought he out-coached Snyder as well as a talent-deprived Popovich-led SA team last year but is got smacked around by POR and LAC this year.
Question is, can Malone get us past the 2nd round, is that his limit ? Can he get over his own ego with rookies to see beyond his schemes and give us a fighting chance or are we just on his timeline ?
Also, who could we get that’s better ? Popovich ? Chauncey ? Buds been mentioned too but would the Nuggets FO pay to get one of those ?
Sorry but Malone was clearly outcoached by Pop, we had a clear advantage on talent, there is no reason that series should have went to 7 games other than Pop exploited every weakness we had while we struggled to take advantage of their weaknesses at all and just used our superior talent to win games.
For that matter I think he got out coached by Snyder as well. The huge adjustment that Malone made was to stop calling the same play over and over again, and of course Harris getting healthy, but he did not come up with any adjustments on defense that worked.
I like the idea of all 3 of those, although Budinger is probably my last choice of the 3, he has the same issue as Malone as sticking with his system and refusing to make adjustments off of it. The difference is that Budinger does seem to get every bit of talent out of his guys while I cannot say the same for Malone.
The Kroenke's have always said that they would pay for a contender, but I also remember there was an insider that used to post here that flat said Stan does not think the coach makes a huge difference and did not want the coach to be the star of the team. So I doubt he would get Pop or Chauncey, because if we are realistic both of those guys have bigger names than anybody associated with the Nuggets right now.
Fact is despite his idiot statements at his press conference, MPJ along with Jokic and Murray should make this team a true contender. With the right pieces around them we can win a championhsip, but those pieces include the right coach.
I actually think Popovich would be the perfect hire, he knows how to adjust his schemes to his roster, he knows how to get every bit of talent out of guys, and he loves Jokic and murray. I don't think Stan should give a crap what it cost as I think Pop could make this team a contender. A championship means a lot of money now and in the future for a franchise.
I would settle for Chauncey as he proved during his career that he knows how to play different ways and I am sure he understands different systems that would work for our team. Plus he has worked with Murray and Morris both in the past and has played a part in their growth.
My 3rd choice would be Becky Hammond, she has worked her way up Pop's staff to being a top assistant, and has a hell of a career as a player. I think it would be an interesting choice, but I would give her a chance.
I would also still give Melvin Hunt a chance, he got a team with nothing to play for to give everything they had and win games despite being forced to sit 3 rotation players every night. He understood how to help them succeed, plus he has been a top assistant with some very good coaches.
That being said, I just do not see them firing Malone. He met expectations this year, and with the injuries and MPJ being so young he will likely get another year. I think the Shawful mess scared the hell out of Connelly and Josh Kroenke, I think they are okay with 2nd round exits right now as opposed to another mess with a bad coach.