Westphal vs. Jordan

[Smills91]

So these seem to be the top two candidates and the Bee had a nice piece on Westphal today. It's interesting, Ive always thought EJ was the front runner, but after reading that piece it seems the Bee is placing a lot of emphasis on Paul Westphal...the KJ connection is intriguing as well.

So how does the hiring of one over the other affect the Kings?

I think Westphal brings some interesting dynamics that seem awfully similar to Rick Adelman. Both were VERY successful with the initial teams, then had a rough ride on the 2nd ship (GS and Seattle). The Kings have a nice nucleus moving forward, just as they did in '99 when Adelman took over. Both are known as 'player coaches'.

It's VERY intriguing. While Thompson is no C-Webb and Hawes is no Vlade(YET). I do think Martin can be better than Peja and it's just SOOOOO damn intriguing if we land Rubio because that team has some distinct similarities to that 98-99 team. But Rubio SHOULD be BETTER at PG.

Westphal probably runs some different sets other than the Princeton and will push the ball a lot more IMO.

Eddie, seems like a safe pick. He'll try to re-live the glory days with that same roster.

I'm perfectly fine with either as our choice. But Westphal is starting to intrigue me more and more.

[KingInExile]

I am far more intrigued by Westphal than I am for Jordan. While some may want to try to hold the Seattle tenure against him, there were enough extenuating circumstances to easily say that his time in Seattle was not a good indicator (had too many stubborn veterans too ingrained in their own agendas and a GM in Wally Walker who refused to support him).

With Jordan, I think we all know what we're going to get. He will have some level of success (far more than the last 3 coaches) and the Kings will be a team that will again routinely contend for playoff spots. As I've said before, I would be OK with him. But choosing him would disappoint me a bit because it would seem like the "conservative" or "safe" pick.

What Westphal represents to me is an attempt to take a risk on a coach who has proven to be successful with a slightly different type of system. To me, rebuilding doesn't just mean retool with new players who fit in with the same type of system you had in the past. Rebuilding must also include changing the system. You don't have to throw out everything...but there needs to be enough tweaking to fix things that didn't necessarily work before. Hiring Westphal sends the signal to me that EVERYTHING is being rebuilt.

[darkadun]

Agreed. Thats funny too because I wasn't that interested in Westie untill I read that article this morning. I too felt like he might be a "Adelman" type coach, which is in no way bad. KJ's praise was very positive as well.

With the fact that EJ seems to want the east coast more, I'm coming around too Westphal.

[Smills91]

Agreed. Thats funny too because I wasn't that interested in Westie untill I read that article this morning. I too felt like he might be a "Adelman" type coach, which is in no way bad. KJ's praise was very positive as well.

With the fact that EJ seems to want the east coast more, I'm coming around too Westphal.

Yeah, its looking more and more likely that Westphal may be the frontrunner for coach by default. Time will tell. I have a love/hate relationship with the month of May. Glad finals are over in school, but pissed off that my Kings have to wait a MONTH just to find out lotto results and improve summer speculation.

[cdt3]

JT, Hawes, and Martin scream princeton and Theus refused to listen which is why he was removed. This is the system Petrie has spent the last 4 years rebuilding and Westphal will bend to it or won't be around. Jordan will go with and is a playoff contender (4 out of 5 last years which doesn't sound safe to me). Jordan's team hung with the Cavs the first time they played them and lost 4-2 (same as the Flip Saunders Detroit Pistons who were the toughest team in the league that year but lost to Lebron 4-2) but Arenas got crushed by the failure and has never even won a game against Lebron in playoffs since. Is that Jordan's fault? Add a Rubio or Curry with KMart, and we have twin assassins on the perimeter, a legit PG, and JT and Hawes can dominate the paint. Throw in good coach, a lockdown SF, and some bench depth (maybe a Chandler for Kenny Thomas) and look out. I am telling you this team will be very competitive again.

[kmart23]

Tom Thibodeau of the Celtics?? I think he's ripe for a head coaching job, and he would bring a defensive mentality that is much needed in Sacramento.

[SacKingZZZ]

The first team I really got behind what that Suns team with KJ, Ainge, Thunder Dan, Barkley, etc. I always liked Westphal. He always seemed like a really good motivator and a players coach which is what I think the Kings need. I honestly don't think they can go too wrong with either. The only part that scares me is whether or not the lines are fully and clearly drawn in terms of where this team is at right now. If the Kings go out and sign a few vets, like the Maloofs have mentioned that they could look to do, what happens to the youth movement? I don't want to see another coach play a Calvin Booth in front of an Ike Diogu or Cedric Simmons again so there's a "veteran" on the court.

[Nicky Nix Nook]

Im ok with either. Jordan is the safe pick, but after Theus/Musselman experiment isnt that what we want? A safe pick?

[KingInExile]

Im ok with either. Jordan is the safe pick, but after Theus/Musselman experiment isnt that what we want? A safe pick?

I don't necessarily think we need a "safe" pick. And by "safe", I mean a pick that is done by Petrie while he's firmly in his comfort zone. I'm not saying that Petrie and the Maloofs need to make a reckless choice...Theus/Mussellman were reckless choices. What I am saying is that Petrie needs to get outside of his comfort zone to bring in a very competent guy who will bring new (to the team) ideas and new perspective...ideas and perspectives that both differ and complement Petire's.

[JSrose115]

just watched space jam, and it was pretty funny to see westphal in there when he coached the suns......

[KF10]

I like what Westphal brings to the table moreso than Jordan IMO.

[BMiller52]

The first team I really got behind what that Suns team with KJ, Ainge, Thunder Dan, Barkley, etc. I always liked Westphal. He always seemed like a really good motivator and a players coach which is what I think the Kings need. I honestly don't think they can go too wrong with either. The only part that scares me is whether or not the lines are fully and clearly drawn in terms of where this team is at right now. If the Kings go out and sign a few vets, like the Maloofs have mentioned that they could look to do, what happens to the youth movement? I don't want to see another coach play a Calvin Booth in front of an Ike Diogu or Cedric Simmons again so there's a "veteran" on the court.

I don't think that last part you said will happen. I mean Booth flat out sucked. So it's like if the players ahead of Ike or whomever are good and not a fossil, I have no problem with it. But I think Ike proved himself enough that if he's back here he'll get some PT for sure.

Westphal is way better of a coach than EJ. More succesful, more upside.

[King Baller]

I like that Westphal was a NBA player and a pretty good one. He is from the same era as Adelman and Petrie.

Jordan or Westphal both have been SUCCESSFUL as NBA head coaches. That can't be said about the King's coach since Adelman. These guys have been there and done it. I like either one, but like many of you I would lean towards Westphal. Westphal coached that Suns team that battled MJ's Bull's and that means A LOT.

KB

[Nicky Nix Nook]

Can we just pick one already??!

[Smills91]

Can we just pick one already??!

In due time....

[SacKingZZZ]

I figure when the lotto is over we'll probably hear the announcement that one or the other is the head coach. I'm still leaning towards Jordan as the guy but if Westphal is asked back for a 2nd interview that could be interesting.

[Smills91]

I fine with either, but for some odd reason I hope Westphal gets the job.

[BMiller52]

I fine with either, but for some odd reason I hope Westphal gets the job.

This is how I've felt ever since I heard Westphal wanted the job.

[Smills91]

I fine with either, but for some odd reason I hope Westphal gets the job.

This is how I've felt ever since I heard Westphal wanted the job.

But you're not fine with EJ. I am perfectly comfortable with either at the helm.

[RIPskaterdude]

My prediction: Westphal will be offered, and take the job after we get the 3rd pick in the draft. His hiring will be announced either on Friday or next Monday.