Like you, I firmly believe that this team should be better than it is, and there are a lot of reasons why it's not. The simplistic answer is that replace the head coach with any coach that's competent, and we make the playoffs. Maybe, maybe not. Vlade was put in the tough position of trying to please a head coach that he didn't hire, and a star, who didn't much care for his head coach. I'm not sure just how you accomplish that without god stepping in and working a miracle, which almost seemed to happen with our five game winning streak.
Personally, I think there's a lot of blame to go around. Cousins agent poisoned the well before the season even started. You had your best player, and your Hall of fame head coach going out of their way to avoid each other at summer league. Sorry folks, but that's not a good way to start the season. The Cousins/Karl relationship had a lot going against it without all the drama being thrown in. Karl's style of play certainly didn't compliment Cousins abilities. Add in, that Karl, known for his somewhat violatile personality, seemed to be nothing but a mere shell of his former self.
Rudy Gay hasn't been the same player this season either, and at times, he looks like he just wants the season to be over. You have three ball dominate players in Rondo, Gay, and Cousins, and it appears there just aren't enough touches to go around. For whatever reason, Gay seldom seems like he's in the flow of the game. McLemore has been a ghost on the floor for the most part, which with three other players demanding the ball on a regular basis, isn't unusual. If he had an aggressive personality, he'd probably be OK, but he doesn't. He spends too much time trying to fit in, and if he makes a mistake, he finds himself on the bench. I'd love to see what someone like Scott Skiles could do with McLemore.
What we have once again is a bunch of ill fitting parts. I don't think Gay, Cousins, and Rondo fit well together. They don't compliment each other. Instead of blending, it's more like they wait their turn, particularly Gay. Rondo is a terrible defender, and the defensive system, and I'm being kind calling it that, is confusing not only to me, but apparently the players as well.. There are some bright spots. Willie is everything and more than most thought he would be. Casspi has played extremely well, and always seems to find a way to make himself relevant during a game. I think Collison has had a very consistent year despite being jerked around and having to play SG a high percentage of the time. And Cousins is having a career year.
So, I think we let Rondo walk. He'll want far too much money, and a longer contract than I'd be willing to give him. I'd trade McLemore, get what I can, and try and clear a little more cap space in the process. I'd try and find a head coach that can utilize Cousins abilities, and who'll emphasize defense. I'm reluctant to trade Gay, but if the right deal comes along, I would. Especially if I can acquire a top tier SG. If not, I'm certainly looking at SG's in the draft, of which are are quite a few. If I can move Belinelli I would, but if not, I'd hope the old Belinelli shows up next season. I'm fine with Koufos. I like the energy that Acy brings, but I won't cry if he's not here next year. What I do know, is that Acy isn't a starting PF in the NBA.