Last time I checked he was coach of the Mavs.

Lots of criticism going against Dirk. That of course is understandable he performed below par for sure.

1. Was he hurt? Not that I am aware of
2. Did he have a bad defeatist attitude during the series, which he expressed? Sure seemed like it.

Where is Johnson while this is going on? Isn't the coach responsible for for instilling the right attitude in their players so that they "Play The Right Way".

I am sure if the Pistons don't make it to the Finals this year, perish the thought, that Flip will get tons of criticism.

So why isn't Avery Johnson getting any criticism for the Dallas flame out in the first round? Or is he and I just haven't seen it.

:stirthepot:

I've seen some calls for his firing. He was totally outcoached in that series.

Avery Johnson escaped because he does not have the reputation of being a choke, he is an NBA Finals winner. Dirk is the one who has been criticized for not being a great leader, and people naturally will blame Dirk again for his team crumbling.

Same thing goes for Flip.

As skeptical as a lot of people are about Nowitzki under pressure, publicly throwing Dirk under the bus during the series was not a good move by AJ. I think it affected the rest of the team as much as it did Dirk. I have strong doubts as to whether the two of them can coexist next season.

There is a real question of leadership.

If Avery is the leader, he can't demand leadership from Dirk.

The Pistons thrived with Larry Brown calling the shots, and it has now taken them two seasons to establish internal leadership under the less front-and-centre Flip Saunders.

Part of developing leadership is putting people into a position to thrive and grow. It seems to me that Don Nelson is a much better manager of people than most folks give him credit for. Example, Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-24-11/Matt-Barnes--Mo-Cheeks-Almost-Ended-My-Career.html).

It's hard to expect Dirk to assert himself when AJ is clearly the single voice of authority on that team.

Isn't Dirk the leader for Team Germany?

It's hard to pick on someone who isn't your own size.
Everyone is saying AJ adjusted to Nelson and that was a mistake. Should've stuck to his guns.

Did Avery Johnson kill someone? Rape? Burglary? He's always had a reputation as a fine human being.

As for his coaching, that's really not for me to judge; NBA coaching is on a level that it's really not possible for any of us to comprehend. It looked like he made some bad decisions, but really, how can we know?

Interesting thread and insightful responses guys. :)

As for his coaching, that's really not for me to judge; NBA coaching is on a level that it's really not possible for any of us to comprehend.

Except when Flip Saunders is involved? :stirthepot:

Except when Flip Saunders is involved? :stirthepot:


:nod:


.............

Did Avery Johnson kill someone? Rape? Burglary? He's always had a reputation as a fine human being.

As for his coaching, that's really not for me to judge; NBA coaching is on a level that it's really not possible for any of us to comprehend. It looked like he made some bad decisions, but really, how can we know?

Wouldn`t the outcome have something to do with his decisions?

I am not saying this series was lost by decisions made by Avery Johnson alone, but are you saying you are not sure his decisions had anything to do with losing the series?

I think Johnson will be ok.

He was out coached by his mentor and will probably learn from it. I think he's the coach equivalent to the Bulls. Young, talented and still learning.

Avery did not move his pieces appropriately during the match. I wouldn't blame the chess pieces when somebody loses at chess. He had the talent to win, but did not. It's on Avery........................

Look for Flip Saunders to redeem himself this postseason...............
I'm ready to crown him an excellent coach.....................
At least good enough so most of us forget about the "madman"...LB..

:winner_first_h4h: :p_welldone: :victory: :greenapple:

At least good enough so most of us forget about the "madman"...LB..

LB? Ludwig van Beethoven?:confused:

Gee, I guess I've forgotten about him already...;)

but are you saying you are not sure his decisions had anything to do with losing the series?
That's what I've been told.

Avery did not move his pieces appropriately during the match. I wouldn't blame the chess pieces when somebody loses at chess. He had the talent to win, but did not. It's on Avery........................


I like the analogy, although in chess you can always count on your pieces to do certain things. In this series, the Mavs "pieces" didn't really perform up to expectations, especially Dirk.

I do agree that Avery made a huge mistake trying to go small with Nelson in Game 1 of that series, and that set the tone for the entire series. I think both he and Dirk have to share the blame somewhat equally for the Mavs' failure to a) win a title last year and b) get out of the first round this year. I know AJ did win a title at one point, but he was playing with Duncan and David Robinson, not to mention Sean Elliott.

I like the analogy, although in chess you can always count on your pieces to do certain things. In this series, the Mavs "pieces" didn't really perform up to expectations, especially Dirk.

I do agree that Avery made a huge mistake trying to go small with Nelson in Game 1 of that series, and that set the tone for the entire series. I think both he and Dirk have to share the blame somewhat equally for the Mavs' failure to a) win a title last year and b) get out of the first round this year. I know AJ did win a title at one point, but he was playing with Duncan and David Robinson, not to mention Sean Elliott.


I feel the same way for Dirk that I feel for Tracy. Both are good team players who didn't get it done when they could have............

Dirk Today.... >:frusty: Tracy Today....>:frusty: