Thoughts on Nash so far?

[Prokorov]

It’s a ton of talent on offense, and our offense is great. We have no legit talent on defense, which is why we get killed on a nightly basis. Not sure what Nash is supposed to do when you have a bunch of garbage defensive players.

being bad defensively is one thing. being the worst defensive team in the league is one thing. this is statistically the worst defense of all time. i get we lack defensive talent, but i mean the jarret jack, deron williams, johan petro nets werent this bad.

What does Nash need to beat the Pistons? He needs guys to give appropriate effort on the defensive side of the ball, since we essentially erased a 20 point deficit when that happened. He also needs Harden to realize he’s one of the best 5 or 6 players in the league and he doesn’t need to defer to TLC or Shamet or Green or even an injured Kyrie when we need somebody to score points.

a big part of effort is the coaches responsibility to motivate his players and find guys to spark energy. putting your players in a position to maximize their greatness is the coaches responsibility. you cant put these guys in positions that exploit their weakness and hide their strength and then be like "he isnt playing like an mvp"

These aren’t Nash’s problems, these are player problems. And Kyrie is the one that said they don’t really need a coach, so even if Nash isn’t coaching, that’s what the players wanted. They wanted to do their own thing and Nash was supposed to manage the egos.

you can have a player coach who actually coaches too. Tyronne lue for instance.

I really don’t think the coach has anywhere close to the impact as the players on the floor do. If they’re loafing and giving poor effort night in and night out, I’m sorry, that’s not the coach’s issue. [/quote[

its 99% a coaching issue... either he isnt motivating them or they hate him/dont respect him enough to go to bat for him. either way, he is the issue. these guys have all won before. they have all been parts of great teams before.

At this point, trading Kyrie makes the most sense to me. Not because I don’t like him or think he doesn’t fit...but because we badly need some defensive players on the team, and he’s the best trade-able piece we have. Then gotta hope Harden turns into Houston Harden, Durant doesn’t sit out with COVID for the 14th time, and we turn into a much better defensive team.

Nash isnt going to play a defensive piece. its part of the problem. he drastically over plays offense. and even if he does play him, 1 defender, even an elite one, wont make a difference. the system needs to maximize that defender. we just switch everything even lazy weak screens. 1 ball screen and that elite defender is switched onto a scrub in the corner while their all-star cuts up DJ or Harden or Harris.

we would need to surround our core with 2-3 defenders at all times. which is what we should do. as i advocated in todays game thread. give me Kyrie/Harden + 3 of Brown, Vonleh, Green, Pelle, TLC.

[dcstanley]

I agree with those who view we have more then 1 problem. But I think you really can not even begin to effectively correct or address those other areas with the coaching situation as it stands.

We all know we need defense. You don't give up 122 points to the Pistons if you are even an average defensive team. But what exactly do we need? It is hard to say since the defensive sets we run don't maximize our skillset or mask our weaknesses. Conventional wisdom says we need a big man who can protect the rim and rebound. But even the best shot blockers will struggle if they constantly have to over help or we are constantly going over on screens forcing a ball handler down hill and putting them in a hedge situation. Further even if you are getting effective help from your improved rim protector, he can not really help rebounding once he is out of position helping. which leads to open threes and second chances which both do alot of damage against us.

Honestly, I don't see any combination of roster moves that makes us substantially better and closer to league average defensively without a major philosophical change when it comes to defensive scheme. you could put the best defender in the league on this team but if we just automatically switch everything all it takes is one ball screen and their star now has harden or DJ defending him with that all-star defender sitting in the opposite corner.

As a longtime Nets fan, I'm a big fan of RHJ. I'd love to see him added. As Jersey guy i'm a big fan of MKG. I'd love to see him added. But I really think we will be disappointed with whatever defensive option Marks can bring in because our staff has shown hesitation playing more then 1 weak offensive player at a time and even seems hesitant to play someone like Brown when we are getting gashed defensively. I think either Nash and his staff need to be pressured into making some big defensive changes or Marks needs to start dealing some of our offense and for his hands. Like trading Joe Harris for Covington or something along those lines.

I think this team is a lock for a top 4 seed and appearance in the conference finals. The east despite upgrades is still thin and shaky. And a focused Durant/Kyrie/Harden is tough for non-elite teams to beat 4 times. But I don't love our shot at a title with Nash leading this team. I'd feel alot better if he was an assistant with Vaughn or someone else calling the shots

I've watched Harden pretty closely for years now and switching is requisite for any team he is on. He refuses to fight over screens.

[Prokorov]

Great to see Nash get this team to respond and play motivated after a loss like the pistons game. I was pretty concerned going into that game he had lost the team. Having a blowout win helps morale. Would still like to see us do that against bad teams... pacers are dealing with some injuries but they are still a playoff squad with some talent.

Nash needs some help with timeouts. it didnt matter cause we were up 32, but when a team is on a 16-0 run you need to call a timeout before it gets to that point. if that was a 20 point lead, we'd have been in trouble. Maybe delegate that to someone to point out to you? coaching as a whole needs to get together to fix that. its egregious and its an easy fix.

[gigantes]

In any case-- what kind of person gets mad about the performance of the rookie-est of rookie coaches without examining how he got there in the first place?

[Prokorov]

In any case-- what kind of person gets mad about the performance of the rookie-est of rookie coaches without examining how he got there in the first place?

he is a rookie nba coach. be he coaches like a rookie kindergarden gym teacher

[gigantes]

In any case-- what kind of person gets mad about the performance of the rookie-est of rookie coaches without examining how he got there in the first place?

he is a rookie nba coach. be he coaches like a rookie kindergarden gym teacher

And would he be able to say the same about you, as a poster?

[ecuhus1981]

I give Nash credit for readying the troops for this long road battle. Starting out strong is as important as anything, and we played hard all game last night.

To Prok's point, we don't get any bonus points for having a rookie head coach, or one with no previous coaching experience. This is not a sliding scale, the wins and losses count the same whether you're Auerbach or Joe Schmo. We knew this going into the season, and so did Steve. Of course we have to allow some growing pains, but we can call a spade a spade whenever he has a bad performance and still recognise that he has the potential to grow.

[ecuhus1981]

In any case-- what kind of person gets mad about the performance of the rookie-est of rookie coaches without examining how he got there in the first place?

he is a rookie nba coach. be he coaches like a rookie kindergarden gym teacher

It's true, Nash has had some alarmingly tone deaf sequences as a head coach. I know he's got to learn, but this season counts, and for my taste, he needs to pick up the pace and learn his craft ASAP.

It wouldn't be so bad, IF he didn't sidestep every opportunity to take personal accountability for his errors. That is the iniquity that makes it inexcusable for me.

[MrDollarBills]

Starting Brown last night was an excellent move, and also the inclusion now of Tyler Johnson in the rotation is paying dividends as Tyler has been attacking defensively and hitting threes. If he can become a reliable rotation piece that will be huge

[GTR11]

I give Nash credit for readying the troops for this long road battle. Starting out strong is as important as anything, and we played hard all game last night.

To Prok's point, we don't get any bonus points for having a rookie head coach, or one with no previous coaching experience. This is not a sliding scale, the wins and losses count the same whether you're Auerbach or Joe Schmo. We knew this going into the season, and so did Steve. Of course we have to allow some growing pains, but we can call a spade a spade whenever he has a bad performance and still recognise that he has the potential to grow.

He has one of the best if not the best assistant group out there. Three of our assistants can be HC right now if they choose so.

We went into this season as one of the deepest teams in the league. Just go see what most talking heads and play by play guys had to say. All of them thought we're most talented team in NBA.

Coaching three superstars is not an easy job especially when you have someone like Kyrie. Managing egos and getting them to buy in been ok this far.

This is not finished product we see right now. He'll have to show us some flexibility again. Going small ball to close out game might be OK and right move, however we suck on defense regularly because we play half azz too.

All in all I'm still holding my judgment. My question is, when it'll come to money time, how's he going to look.

[gigantes]

I give Nash credit for readying the troops for this long road battle. Starting out strong is as important as anything, and we played hard all game last night.

To Prok's point, we don't get any bonus points for having a rookie head coach, or one with no previous coaching experience. This is not a sliding scale, the wins and losses count the same whether you're Auerbach or Joe Schmo. We knew this going into the season, and so did Steve Sean. Of course we have to allow some growing pains, but we can call a spade a spade whenever he has a bad performance and still recognise that he has the potential to grow.

Prok doesn't have an effective point IMO, because he keeps crossing lines that someone like you knows far better than to ever approach.

He doesn't do that 'well I'm pretty P.O.'d indeed about this person, but I'm hoping for the best, and leaving room for growth' thing. It's moreso 'everything is 100% WRONG about this person and/or this situation, and I'm going to keep blasting that all over Boston and this subforums.'

Yeah, sod that, mate.

[gigantes]

Oh well, multi-millionaire problems, amirite?

[MrDollarBills]

Welp, I think the team has hit a turning point and the guys have responded well. The defensive intensity is much better, even with the lack of interior presence i thought we did a hell of a job against Golden State.

[Prokorov]

Welp, I think the team has hit a turning point and the guys have responded well. The defensive intensity is much better, even with the lack of interior presence i thought we did a hell of a job against Golden State.

we responded well the pacers game. GSW we could have started me and you next to the big 3 and won that game. Without KD, this team needs to rely more on coaching and in-game adjustments. the next 4 games without KD will tell us alot more about nash then the last game did.

that said, the pacer game was a real positive. i dont expect us to beat LA/LA on the road back to back without KD, but I do certainly expect high effort these next 4 games, a 2-2 split, and not falling into stupid old habits (35 minutes of switch everything small ball)

[gigantes]

Welp, I think the team has hit a turning point and the guys have responded well. The defensive intensity is much better, even with the lack of interior presence i thought we did a hell of a job against Golden State.

we responded well the pacers game. GSW we could have started me and you next to the big 3 and won that game. Without KD, this team needs to rely more on coaching and in-game adjustments. the next 4 games without KD will tell us alot more about nash then the last game did.

that said, the pacer game was a real positive. i dont expect us to beat LA/LA on the road back to back without KD, but I do certainly expect high effort these next 4 games, a 2-2 split, and not falling into stupid old habits (35 minutes of switch everything small ball)

Take THAT, muvvlefluffles!

But yeah, I'm pretty dang happy about the team tightening up various issues and being more cohesive, lately, across any number of measurables. As I've said earlier (perhaps embarrassingly), Prok, I can absolutely blow my top about you going all-in on things, but IMO you're always in the vicinity of reality and common sense. Usually!

But one thing I'm *still* trying to wrap mi cabeza around is what a phenomenal passer the Beard is, plus what a stout defender around the paint. It's borderline hilarious to me how sometimes these confident bigs get matched up against Harden, and just assume they can bully him all the way to the rim.

Yeah... nah.

[gigantes]

Do you still want the guy gone, though? (Nash)

I wasn't with you on that in the beginning, and I'm still not.

[Prokorov]

Welp, I think the team has hit a turning point and the guys have responded well. The defensive intensity is much better, even with the lack of interior presence i thought we did a hell of a job against Golden State.

we responded well the pacers game. GSW we could have started me and you next to the big 3 and won that game. Without KD, this team needs to rely more on coaching and in-game adjustments. the next 4 games without KD will tell us alot more about nash then the last game did.

that said, the pacer game was a real positive. i dont expect us to beat LA/LA on the road back to back without KD, but I do certainly expect high effort these next 4 games, a 2-2 split, and not falling into stupid old habits (35 minutes of switch everything small ball)

Take THAT, muvvlefluffles!

But yeah, I'm pretty dang happy about the team tightening up various issues and being more cohesive, lately, across any number of measurables. As I've said earlier (perhaps embarrassingly), Prok, I can absolutely blow my top about you going all-in on things, but IMO you're always in the vicinity of reality and common sense. Usually!

But one thing I'm *still* trying to wrap mi cabeza around is what a phenomenal passer the Beard is, plus what a stout defender around the paint. It's borderline hilarious to me how sometimes these confident bigs get matched up against Harden, and just assume they can bully him all the way to the rim.

Yeah... nah.

Coaching has been a plus of late. obviously. they have embraced zone and weve seen more DJ (in crunch time). things are looking up. still frustrated by the kindergarden mistakes with timeouts and challenges and stuff but its clearly improving

[Prokorov]

Do you still want the guy gone, though? (Nash)

I wasn't with you on that in the beginning, and I'm still not.

the more the season goes on the less id want to do it. if you told me i had to decide now id fire him so by playoffs we would have adjusted and moved on to vaughn or dantoni. i think nash or no nash this is a finals team. i think nash is more likely then the alternative to cost us with coaching

[ecuhus1981]

I'm a fan of Nash's adjustments, I'll give him his due. I never brought out my pitchfork for him, but I did voice my displeasure at his lack of adjustments. I knew there was a chance that he was playing the long game, and in coaching, you never want to make the mistake of over-tinkering. He refused to mask the team's effort issues with defensive adjustments, they rose to the challenge, and now we're seeing the nuances and wrinkles he has intimated were part of training camp.

I will say, even as good as he's been lately, I'm glad he's not the EC All-Star coach. Doc has out-performed him, and it may have given Steve less incentive (and less pressure from players and management) to improve. He's not a very extrinsically motivated dude to begin with, but I was concerned. Keep your nose to the grindstone, Nash, you'll turn out just fine!

[ecuhus1981]

Welp, I think the team has hit a turning point and the guys have responded well. The defensive intensity is much better, even with the lack of interior presence i thought we did a hell of a job against Golden State.

we responded well the pacers game. GSW we could have started me and you next to the big 3 and won that game. Without KD, this team needs to rely more on coaching and in-game adjustments. the next 4 games without KD will tell us alot more about nash then the last game did.

that said, the pacer game was a real positive. i dont expect us to beat LA/LA on the road back to back without KD, but I do certainly expect high effort these next 4 games, a 2-2 split, and not falling into stupid old habits (35 minutes of switch everything small ball)

Take THAT, muvvlefluffles!

But yeah, I'm pretty dang happy about the team tightening up various issues and being more cohesive, lately, across any number of measurables. As I've said earlier (perhaps embarrassingly), Prok, I can absolutely blow my top about you going all-in on things, but IMO you're always in the vicinity of reality and common sense. Usually!

But one thing I'm *still* trying to wrap mi cabeza around is what a phenomenal passer the Beard is, plus what a stout defender around the paint. It's borderline hilarious to me how sometimes these confident bigs get matched up against Harden, and just assume they can bully him all the way to the rim.

Yeah... nah.

History has proven you right, mon frere.

And yes, James is a freaking wizard with the ball! He doesn't need 40% usage rate to play puppet master over the entire court, it's beautiful to behold.