Currently, the NBA is attracting all its viewers’ attention to the 2013 NBA Finals, between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Though, with only two team’s seasons remaining, every other NBA franchise is looking to the 2013-2014. Teams have been firing and hiring head coaches, while getting prepared for free agency and the NBA draft to improve rosters. A good fan and critic knows that coaching is essential to a championship franchise.
Here is a list of the top coaching spots available for teams looking to build dynasties and possible landing spots for potential coaches.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Courtesy: Washington Post
The Los Angeles Clippers appeared to have had all the pieces together during the 2012-2013 NBA season. They finished 4th place, 56-26, in the very competitive Western Conference. The Clippers were one of the best teams in efficiency, scoring and assisting. With the recent addition of Chris Paul, what was once a ‘dead team’, became a thriving squad, that made Sports Centers Top Ten almost every night they balled out.
The Clippers’ fell apart during the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs. With an injured Blake Griffin, the Clippers lost their 2-0 lead on the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzles won four straight games and eliminated the Clippers 4-2 to move onto the Western Conference semi-finals. After their first-round loss, they fired their head coach, Vinny Del Negro, all the while angering their superstar point guard and up coming free agent, Chris Paul. Who the Clippers choose as head coach could now have an effect on Chris Paul deciding to return.
The coaching vacancy in Los Angeles with a great job, solid roster and if Chris Paul re-signs with the franchise, the Clippers should remain a dominant team. Rumors are that the Jeff Van Gundy, George Karl, Lionel Hollins and Bryon Scott are all to be considered in the running. Byron Scott seems to be a good fit for what the Clippers are looking for. When playing with the Hornets, the firing of Byron Scott upset Chris Paul; Scott already has a standing relationship with the star guard and could ultimately get him to stay in Hollywood, long term (which would be the biggest plus to his hiring). A major downside, hiring a coach with a ‘not so good’ resume to a young and talented team can be a risky move. Byron Scott has won Coach of the Year, but his overall regular season coaching record is just 416-521.
A great candidate for this job would be former player and current associate head coach for the Indiana Pacers, Brian Shaw. Shaw is ready to become a head coach. Being on the bench with Frank Vogel and Phil Jackson, Shaw has learned a lot and can provide defensive insight to the Clippers, something they need to improve on. He also knows a lot about what it takes to win a championship and how to create team identity.
While very little is known about Doc River’s coaching plan, Boston Celtics fans are currently worried as their franchise could be taking a major turn. If Doc coaches a new team, it will most likely not be in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers would embrace Doc Rivers as their head coach, but that could be a stretch.
Denver Nuggets
In a not so shocking move, the Denver Nuggets parted ways with the most recent recipient of Coach of the Year Award, George Karl. The Nuggets had been taken to the playoffs nine times by George Karl. He also has a very solid all-time regular season record, 1131-756. Though after being eliminated in the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, the Nuggets decided it was time to part ways. Karl’s total playoff record with the Nuggets is 19-42. To me it seems the Denver is missing a super-star that can take them to the next level of competition, but President of the Denver Nuggets, Josh Kroenke, believes replacing Karl is what will bring a championship to Denver. Now the search for a new coach begins.
The Memphis Grizzles parted ways with Lionel Hollins and hecould be a good fit right in Denver. Hollins is a coach who does not take anything negative from players and could help this group gel into a cohesive unit, that will advance past the first round in the playoffs. Hollins molded the Grizzles to one of the most sound defenses in the league. Though, Lionel is a very outspoken coach and has previous issues dealing with team management, which is always a concern, he could fit in nicely in Denver.
Yet again, Brian Shaw would be a great fit for this team. Shaw has won championships in the Western Conference, as both a player and on Phil Jackson’s coaching staff. Shaw knows what it takes to win, whether playing or coaching in the Western Conference.
Josh Kroenke told the press “I’m not here to win awards. I’m here to win banners;” just one day after firing George Karl. A possible fit for coach, with an Eastern Conference and NBA Championship banner under his belt is Stan Van Gundy. But due to personal reasons, Stan has stated that he will not coach in the 2013 NBA season and may not coach again. So go with the next best thing, Jeff Van Gundy, Stan’s younger brother. Jeff is reported open to coaching again and is in the mix with a few teams. Jeff currently has an even playoff average, 44-44; along with one Eastern Conference banner.
If possible, the Nuggets should also reach out to Doc Rivers; a stretch but if you want to win an NBA Championship, you should call a coach who has one.
Memphis Grizzlies
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
Lionel Hollins was let go by the Grizzlies, shortly after the Nuggets parted ways with George Karl. Hollins was very outspoken during the Rudy Gay trade and ended up in a conflict with team management. During the situation, he did not want to play Ed Davis (who Memphis received in trade). Hollins kept it real when it came to coaching and took a small market team to the big stage. Now he is out of Memphis and the Grizzlies need a new head coach.
Out of all the options, this is where I would love to see Doc Rivers go. The Grizzlies have super-stars that can go far and with the help of Doc Rivers, the Grizzles could win a NBA title. Yet again, obtaining Doc Rivers would not be easy.
A realistic option is to promote assistant coach, David Joergner, to head coach, who already knows the Grizzlies’ system and has been credited for developing their defensive style. Another plus, the Grizzlies star players would be led by a familiar face and hold a familiar identity.
Surprisingly enough, George Karl could fit in Memphis. Karl could help the Grizzlies with his offensive style of basketball; which would go great with the already strong defense. Memphis could hold the key star players that Karl needs to advance his career deep in the playoffs.
