Kings Coaching Search Power Rankings

by Tom Ziller on Apr 23, 2009 5:16 PM PDT in Commentary

POWER RANKINGS! YEAH! ARRGH! Hugh Jackman Smash! Random display of masculinity and strength! ARRGH!

1. Eddie Jordan. Maybe E.J. doesn't have the best NBA coaching record (44%), but he has been to the playoffs four times in six full seasons, and made it to the second round in 2005. He has ties to Sacramento, Geoff Petrie and Pete Carril. He is owed $4 million in 2009-10 by Washington; if Jordan gets a job which pays him less than $4 million in 2009-10, the Wizards will pay him the difference. Jordan is the overwhelming favorite for the job.

2. Lawrence Frank. Nets boss Rod Thorn has been candid in suggesting Frank's return to New Jersey is no sure thing. Frank has taken the Nets to the second round three times in four playoff appearances, all in 5-1/2 years. He's the rare young, experienced, good head coach who won't cost Van Gundy dollars.

3. Del Harris. For whatever reason, Harris has gotten a bad rap. The Bulls pried him away from Dallas to help out Vinny Del Negro. Harris has had good talent on his teams, and critics will note that the Shaq-Kobe won nothing until Phil Jackson took over. Nothing but ... 65% of their games, that is. Harris is renowned as a teacher and would be a great catch for the Kings.

4. Mike Fratello. We're getting into unlikely territory here -- I can't see Petrie turning over the team to a complete control freak like Fratello -- but the Czar fits the requirements (success, experience, price) to a tee.

5. Avery Johnson. Johnson has the strengths (success, experience) and weaknesses (control freak) as Fratello. But he'll probably cost an arm and a leg. So long as there are legitimate options cheaper, I don't see the Kings pulling it off.

Others:

Jeff Van Gundy. He apparently doesn't want to coach right now, this job isn't terribly attractive, and he'll cost a ton.

Paul Silas. He is old and wasn't a terribly successful head coach.

George Karl and Byron Scott. These dudes ain't getting fired.

Kurt Rambis. I don't think the scope of Rambis' head coaching experience meets the traditional sense of Petrie's desire.

Terry Porter. Phoenix ended so poorly that T.P. is going to have to rebuild his career before getting another top job.

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I think you do Avery a disservice

painting him with the same brush as Fratello. Unlike Mike, who has burned out multiple teams multiple times, Avery is still a young up and comer. He’s only coached one team, and took it to the Finals (the Finals!). Yes, that team mentally collapsed, but while Fratello has a record of teams tiring of him, there’s always the hope that the experience was humbling to Avery and that he wont be such a control freak next time around. Yes, that’s a hope, but I’ll take that hope combined with his experience (and remember, he played under Pop for several years, those of you who were hyping Pop assistants) over the rather underwhelming and defensively deficient experience of Jordan.

That said, to borrow from a recent Fanpost, cash is King. I had forgotten that Jordan will be paid by the Wiz next year, and so would likely be open to a cheaper first year offer from the Kings. Given the way everything’s going financially wise for this franchise, with the cost factor, as well as familiarity with the organization, I understand why he’s the overwhelming favorite. I may not agree, but I understand.

by LPKingsFan on Apr 23, 2009 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

ugh, Avery Johnson

He lost a great Dallas team, and his matchup decisions against Golden State were so absurdly bad, I can’t imagine giving him another shot.

Avery Johnson was handed the keys of a Ferrari, proceeded to never use a gear above 2nd and still managed to wrap it around a tree. Why we’d want that guy driving our brand new Kia I’m not sure, other than he won’t crash it at 100mph because the car won’t go that fast anyway.

Not Avery or Whisenhunt, that’s all I ask.

The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give…Howard Cosell

by ForThree on Apr 24, 2009 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Kias are pretty good cars now

the Kings are currently more like a Suzuki, or a Tesla: a young company with a great future that wants to make an impact on the rest of the world before they go broke and have to sell to someone else.

I know my cars.

"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas

by submison on Apr 24, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Dark Horse - Rick Adelman?

If Houston can’t get out of the 1st round, does he maybe get fired?

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Apr 23, 2009 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

Doubt it.

Who is avaliable that is better than Adelman? Nobody. That’s why I thought it was really stupid when we fired Adelman.

by Aykis16 on Apr 23, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, but Scott and Karl are listed...

I’d put Adelman in a similar position with a 1st round exit. Probably not fired, but you never know.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Apr 23, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it goes without saying ...

… that neither Adelman nor the Maloofs would enter such an arrangement.

by Tom Ziller on Apr 23, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions

That would negate Amick's twitter

about the decision being GP’s wouldn’t it? If he’s available, I would guess he’d be GP’s guy. but, I agree it would probably take the Maloofs mowing Rick’s lawn to get him to come back, and a boat load of cash.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Apr 23, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm telling you

The decision can be Geoff’s all we want. But if Petrie phones Joe and Gavin and says, “Rick will come back,” they will burst into flames and take Tokyo. This isn’t feasible on Mars, let alone Earth.

by Tom Ziller on Apr 23, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions

haha

Be interesting to see how involved the Maloofs end up being in the interviews. If they’re just in the final interview and that guy doesn’t end up being the coach, I think that’ll say a lot and if they’re in the early interviews, I think that’ll say a lot too.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Apr 23, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions

We can all dream, can't we?

How hilarious would it be if Petrie pulled of the coup of the century and signed Adelman without consulting the Maloofs?

The entire Kings organization would probably be implode, but it’d still be kind of funny.

www.mancancook.net

by vfettke on Apr 23, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

If you haven't payed any attention to TZ (and I say that it in jest knowing you do)

He’s gone to great lengths to show that Petrie was never a full Adelman guy to begin with.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 24, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Scott and Karl are more likely to get fired than Adelman

of course, both scott and karl can’t lose in the first round since they’re playing each other….

by thashyt on Apr 23, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

That would be a really dark horse.

Black hole dark.

by Deleran on Apr 23, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions

If Scott gets fired

He automatically jumps to the top of my list. But like you said. He aint getting fired.

Of the 5, I’d probably like Lawrence Frank the most.

by Aykis16 on Apr 23, 2009 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah

I like Frank too.

I forgot about him but I hope the Nets fire Lawrence Frank.

BOOK IT!

by kingme18 on Apr 23, 2009 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd take Frank over Scott

by thashyt on Apr 23, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions

If those were our two choices

I’d be happier with Scott but wouldn’t mind getting Frank. I think I’m gonna have to join the Frank bandwagon for now though. Or if there isn’t one I’ll build it.

by Aykis16 on Apr 23, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I am wary of guys with two first names

Lawrence Frank, Byron Scott – heck even George Karl – dubious.

Give me your Budenholzer, Thibodeau, Bzdelik, your Laimbeer, Mattore, Rulands.

Oh and if GP is Adelman’s friend (and I think he is) he won’t insult the guy by offering and Adelman in no way would except if he did, not with the Maloofs in charge.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 23, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Mattore is like Mattone, a nice way to cook chicken under a brick

Ettore Messina is a coach, my apologies for ruining his name. I think he would be interesting btw, but a gamble and no gambling on coaches just now please

by betweentheeyes on Apr 23, 2009 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Ricky Bobby?

by Aykis16 on Apr 24, 2009 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Grant mentioned Byron Scott as on the hot seat.

Bill Simmons mentioned he thinks the Hornets have quit on him. He seems like he may burn out teams, but he would qualify.

by mayfieldcol on Apr 23, 2009 6:10 PM PDT reply actions

It does seem that way

His teams seem to quit on him easily

www.mancancook.net

by vfettke on Apr 23, 2009 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

they HAVE quit on him....

they have the talent, they SHOULD be a top 4 team in the West. There’s no other explanation. Yeah they had injuries, but who didn’t? The Spurs had much worse injuries and they’re #3. Their injuries didn’t effect their two best players. West and Paul had full seasons. Peja actually seemed like he played MORE this year than last. Rasual Butler seems like he’s playing better.

But Chandler’s quit on them. West is starting to look like a head case (especially right now with the other K-Mart getting in his head), no one passes to Peja or Butler, Posey isn’t doing all of those normal Posey-things, and they have NO bench behind Posey – mainly because Scott doesn’t trust those guys. So he’s wearing his top 6 down. I know they miss Pargo, but this is ridiculous.

I woudn’t want Scott. He’s great for a couple of years, but then things get ugly. He wears out his top guys, not developing the kids and doesnt trust his bench (if you remember, he had the same problems in Jersey. Wearing out K-Mart and Kidd, and having a 6-man rotation).

by thashyt on Apr 23, 2009 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Can you blame Chandler?

It must have been awkward after the trade got voided.

m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!

by JediLeroy on Apr 23, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder how the Hornets would look

if they kept Brandon Bass.

"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas

by submison on Apr 23, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

and j.R. Smith

by mayfieldcol on Apr 24, 2009 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Wasn't

Smith in Scott’s doghouse for the longest time? He was acting up in NO so I don’t blame them for letting him go.

"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas

by submison on Apr 24, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree shyt

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 23, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Scott

I agree, Scott would be a terrible fit for our young team. We need a coach that commands respect but will also take time to teach our young players. Scott has been terrible at player development.

by Nick the Quick on Apr 25, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions

TZ I think your ranking are accurate

Which is why I’m not really looking forward to this coaching search. I have long held out hope that Philly would take EJ away making some of Petrie’s criteria for an “ideal” head coach not work out, and look for a Messina/Budenholzer type. Seems I’m naive in that view.

No thanks on Del Harris. Too old. Too many issue’s with him as is. (He’s not as bad as people think. He’s also got NO upside.)

Lawrence Frank is an interesting guy here. I’m not sure I would really want him, but if the Nets do fire him, it’s for an upgrade.

I can’t make this any clearer: Hell fucking no to Fratello and AJ. Ditto with JVG.

I wouldn’t mind if the candidate ended up being Kurt Rambis or Brian Shaw. I would mind if it was Terry Porter because I’m not sure he could recover from his previous issue with Phoenix so quickly. But, I’ve been wrong before.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 23, 2009 10:12 PM PDT reply actions

I'll have to agree with you on wanting Philly to take Jordan

I really don’t see him being our “coach of the future”. Sure he might come and make us better, but I doubt he’ll put us over the top.

As for taking a Messina/Budenholzer/Thibodeau, I really doubt thats going to happen. Petrie’s requirements for the new coach, or at least what he prefers, is a Former/Current Head Coach who’s had some success. But I wouldn’t mind getting a Budenholzer type as an Assistant.

Frank’s at the top of my list right now (which means so much since my opinion supercedes everyones), but New Jersey has to fire him first. And I don’t know why they would.

by Aykis16 on Apr 24, 2009 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions

When I posted

on the CBS NBA forums many Nets fans were sick of him, even when he went with a dribble-drive style offense for Devin Harris. They were calling for his firing since last year.

"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas

by submison on Apr 24, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions

People wanting change for the sake of change

Look where that got us.

by Aykis16 on Apr 25, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Where does

Tom Thibbidou come in on this list?

He’s my dark horse. Him as our HC/D-Coordinator and Coach playing OC? I like it. I think he earns respect of the team having won a ring too.

Kings fan? A's Fan?! Al Davis Run Raiders Fan?!!?!! ANNNND you're sacrificing 2 years of your life because you're LDS?!!?!?!?!?! Yeah, Masochist is the new sexy.

by killerking on Apr 23, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions

Petire siad NBA "Head" Coaching experience.

So most assistant do not qualify.

by mayfieldcol on Apr 24, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Wouldn't mind grabbing an experienced Assistant like him though

for OUR Assistant staff.

by Aykis16 on Apr 24, 2009 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Thibodeau concerns me

because it’s been mentioned a few times that he has people issues. A significat portion of a head coaches job is managing personalities. Hiring a guy with a known lack of people skills sounds like a recipe for failure to me.

by hozr on Apr 24, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Harris?

Surely you must be kidding.

I never kid. And stop calling me Shirley.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Apr 23, 2009 10:37 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Del

by betweentheeyes on Apr 23, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

That line as dumb as it is

Always made me laugh. Good call 214.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 23, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Del Harris looks like a fun guy

but not fungi.

I like the idea of a teacher-coach. usually the best coaches teach well too. problem is, you’ve gotta be a “winner” coach too, and thats the combo thats hard to find.

by Citadel 29 on Apr 24, 2009 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions

For the next two seasons, we need more teaching than anything else...

…and if our next coach stays a full two seasons AND teaches our guys something, that’s awesome. Bring on Del!

Life is every mammal's journey from very very wet to very very dry.

by Holmdel on Apr 24, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

We don't need a teacher for next two seasons

We need a leader. We need our guys to know they have a long term coach. We need to bring in the coach thats going to eventually take us over the top.

by Aykis16 on Apr 24, 2009 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions

I can't eat Del Harris

Therefore he’s not a mushroom. Therefore, he’s not something, or somebody, I care about.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 25, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

What about Del Taco?

by Aykis16 on Apr 25, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Mmmmmmm

Nachos & Chili Cheese fries. Federal Way here I come!

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 25, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Hire me

I’ll take my 15 years of coaching experience and coach these guys. They don’t need a teacher, they need a leader. If they made it to the NBA they already know how to play ball, they just need someone to show them how to play as a team. Give up the selfishness inherent with so many NBA players, get back to playing defense, and act like you still love the game – problem solved and games won!

by gerard43 on Apr 24, 2009 11:37 AM PDT reply actions