Change is constant
Let's hope that college basketball never gets into the wackiness that the NBA coaching world has encountered lately. Talk about Scrooge coming early during the holiday season. Less than 25 games into the season, six NBA coaches have been handed pink slips. The latest firing came on Monday when the Sacramento Kings gave the ziggy to Reggie Theus. Assistant Kenny Natt was named as Theus' replacement. Another coach let go less than 25 games into the season.
The Theus dismissal came just a few days after the 76ers decided to make a change, getting rid of Mo Cheeks.
Cheeks was bounced because it is all about the Ws and Ls and the expectations. The Sixers signed Elton Brand during the off-season to go along with young stars like Andre Iguodala. Well, it did not work out as planned as the team was below .500, and they couldn't cut all the players. Farewell Mr. Cheeks ... My friends, the NBA is all about today-today-today. The Sixers made the playoffs last season, but that didn't matter in this instance. That's the life in the pro game. P.J. Carlesimo was the first coach to get fired this season, let go by the Oklahoma City Thunder. When you look at that roster and the line-up on the floor night in and night out, how could you expect to win? Randy Wittman of the Minnesota Timberwolves was told bye-bye. In Toronto, Sam Mitchell was let go despite being just under .500. Eddie Jordan was given the ziggy after a poor start this season with the Wizards. Jordan had taken Washington to the playoffs four straight seasons. That didn't matter. As I said, it is about now and 'what have you done for me lately?' I guess guys forget how to coach? Life in the NBA pays big bucks, but it is all about instant production. If you don't win immediately, it is time to pack the bags. There are those that dominate on the top of the standings like the Celtics and Lakers, and they are certainly outstanding. The leadership of coaches Doc Rivers and Phil Jackson is certainly one factor. Then when you look down the list, winning consistently in the pros is almost impossible. That is why Jerry Sloan's 20-year run in Utah is absolutely amazing. You could put the Wizard of Westwood, John Wooden ... or Coach K, Robert Montgomery Knight and all the great minds. They are superstars who know the game inside and out. You have to have players to succeed, it is that simple. If you don't have the talent on the roster, you end up in the television booth. Let me tell you, I know as I experienced that in 1979 when I was given the ziggy by the Pistons. You can be the Coach of the Year one season, and gone the next. That's life in the NBA.
