Don’t expect Jason Kidd or Tyronn Lue to replace Darvin Ham as the Lakers’ head coach, Marc Stein reports in his latest Stein Line notes package.
Kidd, who has one year left on his contract with the Mavericks, will likely receive a contract extension in the near future after the team advanced to the Western Conference semifinals, according to Stein’s sources. Kidd was a top Lakers assistant coach under Frank Vogel.
As previously reported by ESPN, the Clippers are expected to pursue an extension with Lue, who also has one year remaining on his deal. Lue has stated he’s eager to sign an extension with their organization.
That would block not only the Lakers but the Suns from making a run at Lue. It’s also believed that the Cavaliers would be interested in a Lue reunion if they decide to change coaches. However, J.B. Bickerstaff strengthened his resume as the Cavs rallied to win Game 7 against Orlando on Sunday and advanced to the second round.
That’s why it’s not a far-fetched notion that J.J. Redick has a shot to replace Ham, Stein adds, despite Redick’s lack of coaching experience. Redick, who is also a candidate for the Hornets’ opening, is currently an ESPN analyst and podcaster after a long NBA career.
Like Kidd, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison is also on course for a contract extension from new Mavericks majority owner Patrick Dumont, Stein says.
Harrison’s trade-deadline acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford helped the team win 50 games again during the regular season and claim the No. 5 seed in the West. His risky acquisition of Kyrie Irving last season has worked out even better than most NBA observers anticipated.
Don’t hire another former player. Hire an actual coach. Lakers do have an Agent with no previous front office experience running things – the results are about what you expect from someone with no clue what their doing
Steve Kerr was a former player and that’s been working out.
Redick puts in the work and knows how to communicate. He is a lot closer to being the next Kerr than he is a Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups or Derek Fisher, who were all hired for name/relationships.
Plenty of “actual coaches” have not been working out. Darvin Ham was an Assistant for 11 years. Adrian Griffin was an Assistant for 15 years. Frank Vogel is possibly getting cycled out. Doc Rivers and Monty Williams did not coat themselves in glory this season.
Name checks out
Look at the players he had. Luke Walton went 39-0 with Kerr’s roster. That’s not coaching. It’s having the highest payroll year after year.
When Kerr took over coaching the Warriors they won 16 more games than they did in the prior season. He installed his offense and let Curry cook. He put them over the top. Luke Walton went 39-4 because they were already a well coached team and he had the boys play Kerr’s offense.
Who coached the team prior to him? Oh, that’s right a former player named Mark Jackson.
Most coaches are former players at some level. Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, former players. Even Spoelstra played some time in Europe. Coach Bud, who the Lakers are also going after, was a four-year starter in college and played in Denmark. You have to have played the game in order to understand it. Do you mean don’t get a former NBA player?
Obviously, Lakers, because Luke Walton, Byron Scott, and Darvin Ham have worked out so well recently. For historical perspective (this is like 10 year old data)-
Elgin Baylor 86-135 (.389)
Butch Carter 73-92 (.442)
Wilt Chamberlain 37-47 (.440)
Don Chaney 337-494 (.406)
Jim Cleamons 28-70 (.286)
Michael Cooper 4-10 (.286)
Adrian Dantley 11-8 (.579)
Larry Drew 143-169 (.458)
Derek Fisher 2-7 (.222)*
Lindsey Hunter 12-29 (.293)
Magic Johnson 5-11 (.313)
Eddie Jordan 257-343 (.428)
Larry Krystkowiak 31-69 (.310)
Kurt Rambis 56-145 (.279)
Pat Riley 1210-694 (.636)
Byron Scott 417-527 (.422)*
Brian Shaw 37-52 (.416)*
Jerry West 145-101 (.589)
Brian Winters 36-148 (.196)
None of the candidates are better than what they had in the past. Change for the sake of change. They will end up with Mike Budenholzwr (sp) and call it a day. These next few years will be rough for LA.
Mavs traded Thunder First and Holmes for Gafford
My grade
Mavs get A
Wizards get F
For selfish reasons mixed with my personal amusement, please hire Reddick and bring in Harden at the point.
Heck, if Reddick gets a shot, why not Legler.
Legz would make for a great assistant
For the love of God just hire LeBron James to be the head coach and then when he gets fed up with the coaching he can fire himself. All kinds of problems solved.