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Musselman Fired

Sam Amick from The Sacramento Bee cites an anonymous source saying Eric Musselman got his pink slip.

Far from a surprise. Be interesting to hear both Muss' and Geoff Petrie's comments. Stay tuned.

Update [2007-4-20 15:48:29 by TZ]: Plan on seeing a column about Muss' mistakes and the future outlook this afternoon. But here's a quick comparison of Sacramento in 2006 and Sacramento in 2007:

Year   ORtg  Rk   DRtg  Rk   Margin  Wins
2006  106.6  12  105.2  13     +1.5    44
2007  103.6  16  105.2  21     -1.6    33

The defense remained the same, even though Musselman was brought in for defensive purposes. The offense got worse by three points. A lot of the blame should go to Geoff Petrie, who couldn't find an answer in the middle before the season or after it was clear Brad Miller would struggle with plantar fascitis all year. Part of the blame should go to Mike Bibby and Miller, who decided to have their worst seasons in a long time, and Kenny Thomas, who hoodwinked himself into a starting role and crapped the bed repeatedly.

But this team has talent, and Musselman proved incapable of getting a majority of that talent out on the floor in terms of execution. He changed his mind about 20 times this year about what this team should be. Remember all that "42%" nonsense? Remember the "open offense?" None of it happened, all strategies abandoned on seeming whims. That's why Musselman is without employment today. Because he could not come close to leading this team. That DUI? It has a lot to do with that lack of respect.

As I wrote below, the Kings lost the tiebreak. We're due for some good karma, right?

Update [2007-4-20 15:55:55 by TZ]: Geoff Petrie released a statement. Not online yet, but Amick quotes it: "I want to thank Eric for his engery and effort. I wish him the best of luck in the future. There is no particular joy in making this decision. However, I feel it is in the best interest of everyone going forward."

Press conference has been called for 2 p.m. News10.net typically streams these things.

Update [2007-4-20 16:18:51 by TZ]: The press release is here. It does answer one question: the status of Musselman's assistants will be resolved after Petrie's two-week scouting trip to Europe. I actually assume their status will be resolved when a new coach takes over, which I would imagine won't happen until at least a week after Petrie returns, which means no sooner than May 15. Muss was hired in June, for perspective's sake, some four weeks after Adelman was let go. For anyone thinking about assistants currently in the playoffs... the conference finals will end by June 5th and the Finals will end no later than June 21st.

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Re: Musselman Fired
Can't say this is a surprise, but I think it's a mistake, depending on who turns up as the next coach.

This is a perfect time for Petrie and the Maloofs to become very public, and let the fans know in what direction this franchise is heading. I'd love to see some passion out of our executive group - their lack of commentary on this woeful season can easily be mistaken for ambivalence.

I'm sure they will come out fired up - gotta give those season ticket holders a reason to renew!

by otis29 on Apr 20, 2007 12:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
The biggest thing otis I disagree with you on musselman is this: I dont think he has the imagination to use his talent in ways to get the most out of it. Agree or Disagree but I think that's probably the best criteria of a good coach vs a bad coach.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
if i may disagree.  there are many criteria for making a good coach.  one of them being getting the most out of what you have from your players.  say what you want, but for the most part, the players didn't quit on the coach, and that was very apparent coming down the stretch when the were out of it.  there have been teams where the teams quit on the coach and this wasn't one of them.  

not only that, but there weren't his players.  he inherited this bunch of crap and had to deal with what was given to him.  muss only had a three year deal, at the very least make some offseason moves and let muss work with a fresh squad.  if it didn't work out after next year, then fine get rid of him, but one year?  come on.  how can anyone succeed with the little bit of time?  besides, he would have had one year left and then it would be so bad.

now, who are you going to get that will get more out of this team?

by Cynema the Band on Apr 20, 2007 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I said the best criteria not only (read it again please lol) and you are right there are many criteria that makes up a good head coach.

First let me make this clear: I didnt expect Musselman to do better than Adelman. I knew adelman was a superior coach to musselman. I didnt expect Musselman to do this bad. His lack of imagination using different lineups was the hardest thing i think for me to accept. His players didnt respect him because i think again, he lacks imagination. What is imagination? Finding the most creative way to get the best out of the players he has. I just dont think musselman has the 'creative juice' if you will to convince his players that his idea's work.

Last but not least it's annoying he's fired. It doesnt exactly show strong decision making on why he was hired in the first place if the best move was to fire him after a season. Normally (this isnt a normal situation)I would say firing him is abrupt & short sighted. Unfortunately for the kings (they're paying him 5 mil) he didnt work out. It would be alot easier if they won 45 games and this happened next season or the year after.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I'm sure glad they didn't get rid of Kevin after his first year...or Cisco for that matter.

However, maybe Musselman-Petrie is just a bad fit philosophy-wise. So if you have to choose between Petrie's philosophy and Musselman's philosophy, Petrie is the obvious choice.

by otis29 on Apr 20, 2007 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Hmmm. Well i guess it comes down to this I suppose. Players take more time to develop than coaches?
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
i am as big a petrie fan as anyone, i mean he convinced the 76ers to take webber, that was magic.  but a lot of his decisions the last couple of years hasn't exactly been great.  need i remind anyone of jason hart?  also, as nice as salmons is, he was a later signing and he really hasn't fit that well.  his drafts have been good, garcia and martin, but we still lack that big man we have been talking about since vlade left.  and even vlade wasn't that great at shot blocking and rebounding.  he was just big, so he got in the way.  and being a veteran he knew how to do as little as possible, but still get the most out of it, if that makes sense.  and i love vlade.  

yes, i would take petrie over muss as well, but petrie does deserve some of this.

by Cynema the Band on Apr 20, 2007 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Yeah, Petrie didn't build a world-beater roster this year.

On Hart: the Kings traded for him with their 2006 second-round pick. Charlotte used it to pick Ryan Hollins. He played 185 minutes this year on a very thin frontline (due to injuries).

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Excellent statement dude. I agree about salmons especially. And didnt he trade this year's 2nd round pick in that hart deal as well? If there is 1 criticism I have of petrie it's that he's very (it seems this way) of trying to shoot the moon for talent in the 2nd round.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
The Kings still have their 2007 2nd-rounder, which will now be the #38 pick.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Thanks TZ (as always). I'm curious to see if the kings can perhaps (assuming they draft a big man 10th if they dont get lucky to get a top 3 pick) draft a paul millsap type (thats looking backwards..hardly a useful thing @ this point but ill do it anyway)with that pick. Geoff has a great chance to remake this team with a deep draft. This is as important to the kings as firing musselman is.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I honestly hope they can do whatever they can to get Stan Van Gundy.  This team honestly needs a top level coach if we're keeping Artest & Bibby.

Either way, the team needs an identity, and that will start with the coach.  It doesn't matter where the Kings up drafting or who they draft.  Kings management needs to establish an identity for this ballclub.  Whomever is chosen to be the next coach will speak volumes about what direction they're going in.

by bballblog on Apr 20, 2007 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I'm not sold that Stan Van Gundy is an upper echelon coach. His career record is nice, but he's coached one team which had a considerable level of talent.

I wouldn't cry if he was hired, but I'm not sure the franchise couldn't do better.

by otis29 on Apr 20, 2007 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
What about that 1st season with Miami? That wasnt exactly a barn burning record (42-40 for the year but Riles did coach the first 4 games) but at the same time he had to integrate wade (a rookie), Odom (new), butler & grant together. He made it work as well as he could. That team was very good and better than anybody remembers now. It's why i think he can get the job done. Maybe im wrong. I was on musselman  too. I thought @ the time he was a good hire.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
The problem with Ron Jeremy is that he lost players respect.  Once its gone, its gone.  

That was a huge problem here.

by Chris The Greek on Apr 20, 2007 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Other than shaq's respect whom else did he lose?
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Shaq is the guy everyone in the league looks up to (except Kobe).  Players will follow the big aristotle's lead.

by Chris The Greek on Apr 20, 2007 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Shaq is the guy who also responds to losses : Get me the ball more.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
So is Kobe.

by bballblog on Apr 21, 2007 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
This is a good idea. Hopefully they hire a good coach.

What happens to his assistants???

I wish for the Greg Oden Era.

by kingme18 on Apr 20, 2007 12:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Typically, they are also let go. TR Dunn was brought back after being relieved along with Adelman's staff, though. Teams generally like to have one assistant return.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Okay who do you think they will bring back? Brooks, Dunn or somebody else?
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Good question, but I have no idea.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
The truth is that this team, TZ, is in serious transistion. We all know it now. There are about 20 serious questions (im thinking or in that range) around this team. The best i think any of us can do is come up with that list and be patient to see what can be done about it.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
On the poll, I think you forgot one possibility:  Elston Turner

by jacquetbg on Apr 20, 2007 12:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Like Adelman, he vented on his way out and pretty called the Maloofs fools.

"We did everything we could, defensively," Turner said. "(The Maloofs) put the smoke-screen out there that they want better defense. I don't take too kindly to that."

Too bad he said that, he might be a smart replacement. I'm not even sure he worked at all this year. His kid is the #11 shooting guard prospect in the high school class of 2008, though.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Outta curiosity, do you think Geoff would rather try to segue Elston into the job? Seeing that Rick had limited time with the organization (from both sides im thinking...rick has always said he likes the west coast too much to leave it) could you see Geoff's preference (in last summer?) being to have rick for 1 more season then move Elston into the head man's role?
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Who knows. Adelman wasn't staying regardless of what Geoff wanted unless he beat the Spurs. I'm not sure Petrie and Elston had any sort of meaningful relationship.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I'm glad musselman got fired now. At least this didnt drag out.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 12:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Just for laughs... how about Rick Adelman??

Or Rick Carlisle if he get the ax in Indiana.

I wish for the Greg Oden Era.

by kingme18 on Apr 20, 2007 1:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I think the Maloofs-Adelman relationship is irreparable.

I think Carlisle cannot think of being named coach until Artest is literally on a plane out. Even so, he's not a match for this team. His offense is more mechanical than even Musselman's, which is saying something.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Unlike musselman though, Carlisle has proven he can win with certain kinds of players. Also whether indy fires him or not will be interesting to watch. Donnie Walsh (in a daily dish podcast which is what it is) didnt sound particularily interested in placing blame @ the feet of carlisle for this awful season.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Yes, Carlisle can win with certain players. But I don't think the Kings have one of those players, do they? No Jermaine O'Neal or Ben Wallace here...

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
If this season proves to teach the maloofs a lesson on their evaluation of coaches & nets the kings an excellent lottery pick, I can live with that.

Also if carlisle is fired, that often talked about relationship with Lenny Wilkens will come into play. His ties to seattle will come into handy to him getting a job there more than sac.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Apr 20, 2007 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
We do have a Richard Hamilton/Reggie Miller type (although Martin's game is less like Rip's) in Kevin Martin.  And Bibby on his best days can play like Billups.  

But, I digress.  I'm pissed that you don't think Kenny Thomas' game doesn't compare to Jermaine's.  

Chris Bosh, KG, Boozer, Jermaine O'Neal, Kenny Thomas deserves to be mentioned amongst those names.  

by bballblog on Apr 20, 2007 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
is gary st. jean still apart of the warriors? ha.

by dun on Apr 20, 2007 2:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Listening to Petrie now...I'm waiting to hear Marty Mac giggling in the background.

by otis29 on Apr 20, 2007 2:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Here is the audio of the press conf.  Sorry I missed the opening comments.  Thought about recording it partway in.

http://www.wsconline.biz/media/Eric_Fired.mp3

by idjpg85 on Apr 20, 2007 2:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Great, I'm going to put that on the front. I can host it here if you don't want to use the bandwidth.

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
Either way, doesn't matter to me, I just changed my account to 5gb of bandwidth just in case you want use it where it is.

by idjpg85 on Apr 20, 2007 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I'll just leave it on your space then. Thanks!

by Ziller on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Musselman Fired
I think the Maloofs loved how prepared Muss was for his interview but more importantly how big of an ass kisser he is. Muss is the anti-Adelman and in the end money talks and bullshit walks. I wouldn't doubt that Larry Brown gets a serious look and they would probably keep the support staff mostly intact because Brendan O'Conner is a Brown guy and the rest of the assistants have some promise.

By the end of the season I was pretty convinced that Bibby would stay and  

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 on Apr 20, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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