If you’re Mark Cuban, what is your logic behind the dismissal of the Little General? What, he didn’t win when it mattered most? He took the Mavs to the finals two years ago! Don Nelson couldn’t even get the guys to think of saying the word “Finals”! Is it because they lost games they were supposed to win? Don’t forget last year; the Warriors whipped Dallas during the regular season! This year, the Hornets were arguably the best team in the conference. The Mavs were the 7th seed. How many times has a 7 upset a 2? Four times since 1984; all of those were 5 game series. Don’t get me wrong, I think Mark Cuban is a great owner, a great businessman, and a passionate fan. There-in lies the problem. His “fandom” coupled + his position of influence = rash decisions. We’ve all wanted to see a coach from our favorite teams fired. But what separates us and Mr. Cuban is that he can actually do it!
With that, I expect to see the coaching carousel in full swing heading into the off-season. Some predictions:
Avery Johnson- Chicago Bulls –> Avery would be perfect at whipping those young gunners into shape. He also brings more experience to the table than most young coaches.
George Karl- Dallas Mavericks –> Karl is a guy that’s “been there before,” which is exactly what Mr. Cuban will be looking for this off-season.
Mark Jackson- Denver Nuggets –> He’ll give this team everything it’s never had; LEADERSHIP.
Mike D’Antoni- NY Knicks –> D’Antoni is a media darling, which helps in the country’s biggest market! And he’d do well, with the run n’ gun (no pun intended) roster already in place.
Rick Carlisle- Phoenix Suns –> He’ll give this team everything it’s never had; TOUGHNESS. He’s also a proven winner.
