Bee: Coaching search hits next level

[VF21]

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/201974.html

Coaching search hits next level
By Scott Howard-Cooper and Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writers
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, June 1, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Kurt Rambis has mostly been sitting upstairs, beyond the baseline of the most prominent of the three courts, a perch shared with other Los Angeles Lakers assistant coaches and scouts that allows for a good vantage point of the other action inside Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Stan Van Gundy has been even more off to the side, so far off that he is believed to have been in Miami, some 230 miles to the south, rather than here with hundreds of team officials for the NBA predraft camp.

Both are in front of the Kings, though.

With eight candidates having interviewed in at least three locations, Rambis and Van Gundy have emerged as the leading figures for the Kings' head-coaching vacancy -- league sources confirmed that both will next meet with team co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof.

Sources would not comment on record because of the ongoing interview process.

While the schedule of interviews is unknown, Van Gundy is expected to arrive in Las Vegas today.

Van Gundy was rumored for the Orlando job before it was filled with Thursday's hiring of Billy Donovan.

"I had a strong interest in the Kings' job, anyway, and nothing has changed with them," said Van Gundy when reached by cell phone.

The two former head coaches and veteran assistants, Van Gundy with the Heat and Rambis with the Lakers, are not necessarily the absolute finalists. The plan all along called for Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie to head meetings with candidates and then cut that list to those who would take the next step and meet with the Maloofs. Rambis and Van Gundy are known to be the first to get the telling invitations.

The timing of the future interviews is uncertain. Contrary to previous reports that the Kings would wait for the Pistons' season to end to speak with Detroit assistant Terry Porter, the plan is to move forward with Rambis and Van Gundy, and perhaps later add Porter. Petrie also might arrange a Maloof session with one of the six other candidates.

Although the predraft camp concludes tonight, Petrie and others from the six-man contingent are expected to remain for a Tuesday workout with a couple dozen players, to be organized with other teams as part of the response to the draft schedule being tightened this year.

Petrie says there are no plans to meet with additional candidates before the Kings' group leaves Florida.

"We'll start bringing some people back in for second interviews at some point and go from there," he said.

And have some already been established as reaching the next level of the process?

"Yeah, there are some guys that we want to bring back when we talk to them," Petrie said. "And then we will. As we talk to them, we'll definitely let everybody know. How many there will be is still an open question."

Van Gundy and Rambis are among the field of candidates -- including former Kings assistant Elston Turner, current Kings assistant Scott Brooks, New Mexico State coach and former Kings player Reggie Theus, Houston Rockets assistant Tom Thibodeau, New Jersey Nets assistant Bill Cartwright and Lakers assistant Brian Shaw -- who have met with Petrie.

Rambis, a King in 1992-93 and a popular player in all four of his NBA stops, was an early candidate for the 1998 opening to replace Eddie Jordan. Only after the initial options of Scott Skiles, Rick Carlisle, Paul Silas and Rambis were rejected did Rick Adelman become a candidate.

About the writer: The Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper can be reached at showard-cooper@sacbee.com. Howard-Cooper reported from Florida and Sam Amick from Sacramento.

 

[gunks]

Go SVG Go!

 

[BMiller52]

Looks like Petrie's narrowed it down to SVG, Porter, and Rambis. I'm hoping for SVG but I'd be far from upset if we got Porter. But anyway GO STAN THE MAN!!!!!

 

[king07]

I'd have no problem with kings hiring Stan "Ron Jeremy" Van Gundy.

 

[Ryle]

I'm good with either one although I would be partial to either Porter or SVG simply because they have significant head coaching experience.

 

[Jerichoholic]

SVG would be great, I always thought that he had a behind the scenes verbal agreement to take back over in Miami when Riley "retired" again. SVG did a great job with that team which he made into a championship contender before Riley took over.

Porter or Rambis wouldn't be terrible either though, they both have had NBA experience and seem to relate to their players well. However SVG would be my first pick.

 

[KevinSalvadori]

I'd be happiest with SVG or Porter, but think Rambis would do fine as well. I just question his preparedness to understand what it is he's taking on, coming from that squad and locale. Porter and SVG have both weathered serious storms on their watches, and dealt with huge personalities that couldn't police themselves. While Rambis had his share, I think our dynamic might be a better match to the state MIL and MIA were in their tenures.

 

[Packt]

Rambis talked about his interview with Geoff on a radio show a week ago. If what he said is true it's not surprising he's getting a second one. The first interview Rambis had with Geoff they talked mainly x&o's and he pointed out things he felt the team was doing wrong offensively and defensively. He said Geoff agreed with him, they were the same issues that Geoff was seeing and was frustrated with. They later watched tapes and again it was things Rambis had already noted in the report he brought along with him. Rambis also touched on how nervous he was in interviewing with Geoff prior to the Adelman hire years ago, but how he's much more confident now.

 

[KevinSalvadori]

Rambis talked about his interview with Geoff on a radio show a week ago. If what he said is true it's not surprising he's getting a second one. The first interview Rambis had with Geoff they talked mainly x&o's and he pointed out things he felt the team was doing wrong offensively and defensively. He said Geoff agreed with him, they were the same issues that Geoff was seeing and was frustrated with. They later watched tapes and again it was things Rambis had already noted in the report he brought along with him. Rambis also touched on how nervous he was in interviewing with Geoff prior to the Adelman hire years ago, but how he's much more confident now.

The thing about that is, I remember a certain coach named Eric making a very good impression based on his "technical repertoire", and we know where that got us. And then there is the additional component to keep in mind, which is we need someone that can manage personalities. If Rambis can do that (and I have no doubt he can buy street cred through what was a very solid, long career), then I see no problem in his hire. And just a hunch here, I have a very strong feeling he'll easily wow the Maloofs, being a mix of LA, NBA, and championship experience.

 

[TheRaven]

The thing about that is, I remember a certain coach named Eric making a very good impression based on his "technical repertoire", and we know where that got us. And then there is the additional component to keep in mind, which is we need someone that can manage personalities. If Rambis can do that (and I have no doubt he can buy street cred through what was a very solid, long career), then I see no problem in his hire. And just a hunch here, I have a very strong feeling he'll easily wow the Maloofs, being a mix of LA, NBA, and championship experience.

The thing your not remembering is that it was the Maloof's that Musselman wowed with his presentation and preparation. I can say with absolute certainty that Petrie is not so easy to impress when it comes to X's and O's.

In any case, I am confident that with Petrie leading the search this time around, we will find a good coach. He is the one that took Adelman in the first place, after all.

 

[HndsmCelt]

SVJ is the SAFE choice and we can asume whoever ges the gig will know it's a rebuild job. I am sure SVJ and probably Kurt would it understoood that they do not expect the team to flourish next season right up front. Porter might be under a little more presure to perform, much like Muss was but with out the same level of expectations from the previous season.

I'd lean towrd SVJ but I have never been over joyed by his style of coaching. He sort of a Don Nelson with less creativity and less obnoxious personality... he does get results and has worked with young players but most of what he brings is a respectable reputation, experience and stablity.

Porter has been a top assistant and Knows what Geoff likes... that is both good AND bad. If Geoff keebs brining in tweenrs who shoot and pass then the only hope to make it work is to run some kind of high post passing game (call it the triangle, Princton or what ever you like) Porter KNOWS that game.

Kurt is much more of a wild card and to be honest that COULD be a good thing. His abreviated job with the Lakers is probably not a very good indicator of his ablities. He inherated a tallen laden train wreck full of egos with not only no real coaching rep to back him up but a general understanding that he was only taking the helm temporarily; so given the substitute teacher effect I just don't think anyone knows what he can do. We know he is smart. He knows defense, rebounding, hard nose play and both traditional offense and the triangle. Id say of the three the one with the most potential is Kurt but then again the kid that never does anything is full of potential.

 

[kennadog]

Looks like Petrie's narrowed it down to SVG, Porter, and Rambis. I'm hoping for SVG but I'd be far from upset if we got Porter. But anyway GO STAN THE MAN!!!!!

Actually, the article says others in the first 8 could still go to the next level. Altho, I do agree it seems teeling that these two are the first to be interviewed by the Maloofs.

 

[kupman]

How can any of you decide which candidate would be best man for the job when you haven't even seen their PowerPoint presentations?

 

[Kingzrool]

SVG!

nuff said

 

[Rockmeister]

SVG!

nuff said

Ditto!

 

[SacKings384]

I'd like SVG to have the job as long as he isn't a lame duck coach. I hope nobody is expecting him to come in and make this team a significant team in the West at least for 2 more seasons.

 

[Rockmeister]

I'd like SVG to have the job as long as he isn't a lame duck coach. I hope nobody is expecting him to come in and make this team a significant team in the West at least for 2 more seasons.

Ummm....SVG is not a lame duck coach.

 

[SacKings384]

Ummm....SVG is not a lame duck coach.

He was at the end in Miami... They waited for Miami to go for a small little skid, and then he got the boot by Pat Riley so he could step in. Sounds pretty lame duck to me.

 

[KevinSalvadori]

The thing your not remembering is that it was the Maloof's that Musselman wowed with his presentation and preparation. I can say with absolute certainty that Petrie is not so easy to impress when it comes to X's and O's.

In any case, I am confident that with Petrie leading the search this time around, we will find a good coach. He is the one that took Adelman in the first place, after all.

And the one, in reality, that thought Eddie Jordan was a more than competent coach. I think Wizard fans, some not all, would agree that he had a good read on that one too....

 

[Kingster]

Rambis talked about his interview with Geoff on a radio show a week ago. If what he said is true it's not surprising he's getting a second one. The first interview Rambis had with Geoff they talked mainly x&o's and he pointed out things he felt the team was doing wrong offensively and defensively. He said Geoff agreed with him, they were the same issues that Geoff was seeing and was frustrated with. They later watched tapes and again it was things Rambis had already noted in the report he brought along with him. Rambis also touched on how nervous he was in interviewing with Geoff prior to the Adelman hire years ago, but how he's much more confident now.

I wonder if Petrie has some of these candidates watch some non-Kings games, say a playoff game for example. Then it's unpredictable for the candidate. He hasn't prepared himself to talk about the San Antonio - Utah teams or the Cleveland - Detroit teams. Total surprise and totally different dynamics. Also, if Rambis is talking about a Kings tape, how do you know that he hasn't "pilfered" those views from Phil Jackson, or one of the other assistants in the Lakers group preparation for the Kings? If he's watching two entirely different teams and giving an opinion it's quite different, more demanding, and maybe more revealing.

 

[BMiller52]

I wonder if Petrie has some of these candidates watch some non-Kings games, say a playoff game for example. Then it's unpredictable for the candidate. He hasn't prepared himself to talk about the San Antonio - Utah teams or the Cleveland - Detroit teams. Total surprise and totally different dynamics. Also, if Rambis is talking about a Kings tape, how do you know that he hasn't "pilfered" those views from Phil Jackson, or one of the other assistants in the Lakers group preparation for the Kings? If he's watching two entirely different teams and giving an opinion it's quite different, more demanding, and maybe more revealing.

What are you talking about? I'm confused...

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

What are you talking about? I'm confused...

I think what he's saying is as a part of the interview, Petrie should make the candidate break down some game tape of some other team. It would be unexpected and show the candidate's ability to think on their feet.

 

[Bricklayer]

I think what he's saying is as a part of the interview, Petrie should make the candidate break down some game tape of some other team. It would be unexpected and show the candidate's ability to think on their feet.

Mayhap, but much more appropriate for a first year intern than a 10yr assistant coach who played in the league for a decade before that. All these guys know basketball -- that is, or should be assumed. But can they lead? Communicate? What are their plans for our team? What sort of personnel do they want/need?

 

[Kingster]

What are you talking about? I'm confused...

Don't have the candidate just break down a King's tape. THAT'S EASY. Without warning, watch a current playoff game (no rehersal is possible) and ask the candidate for his observations. What is each coach doing? What would you do? What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong? Did he call the TO when he should? That way you get to see what the candidate can do under the immediate circumstances, not reviewing history. And it's two entirely different teams, making it impossible to prepare. The candidate just has to WING IT, just like in real life. Also, the candidate is not preparing himself to talk about Cleveland-Detroit, he's prepared to talk about the Kings. Throw him a monkey wrench. Then see how his wheels turn. Now do you understand?

Also, how do you know the candidate's views on the Kings are the ones he arrived at through his own observations and analysis or whether through the head coach (or assistant coach for that matter) that he is working with. He could come up with some brilliant analysis on what the Kings should and should not do. So how do you know HE came up with the analysis rather than just plagarize it from a co-worker. That is important. You want someone who is an excellent observer and who can connect the dots on his own to come up with coaching strategies.

 

[Kingster]

Mayhap, but much more appropriate for a first year intern than a 10yr assistant coach who played in the league for a decade before that. All these guys know basketball -- that is, or should be assumed. But can they lead? Communicate? What are their plans for our team? What sort of personnel do they want/need?

More to the point, you ask the candidate,

"So, you have a starter in your lineup who doesn't go in front of screens and he doesn't put the effort in the D like you want him to. You tell him to do it, but he still doesn't. What do you do then?"

The candidate gives you an answer, and you say, "Well, he still doesn't do it. So what do you do then?"

He gives you another answer, and you say, well, he still doesn't do it, and now he's complaining to his teamates and the newspaper about how he's getting treated. Now you have fans say you don't know how to manage your players (it happens to be a popular player on the team). Now you have newspaper articles from Marty McNeil expressing doubts about your about your abilities. SO WHAT DO YOU DO THEN?

That's the kind of interview I hope is going on. That puts the candidate squarely on the spot, just like he's going to be when he gets the job. You find out if the guy has backbone or not real quick. To me, it's a lot better than asking, "What is your philosophy on dealing with players?"

 

[BMiller52]

Don't have the candidate just break down a King's tape. THAT'S EASY. Without warning, watch a current playoff game (no rehersal is possible) and ask the candidate for his observations. What is each coach doing? What would you do? What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong? Did he call the TO when he should? That way you get to see what the candidate can do under the immediate circumstances, not reviewing history. And it's two entirely different teams, making it impossible to prepare. The candidate just has to WING IT, just like in real life. Also, the candidate is not preparing himself to talk about Cleveland-Detroit, he's prepared to talk about the Kings. Throw him a monkey wrench. Then see how his wheels turn. Now do you understand?

Also, how do you know the candidate's views on the Kings are the ones he arrived at through his own observations and analysis or whether through the head coach (or assistant coach for that matter) that he is working with. He could come up with some brilliant analysis on what the Kings should and should not do. So how do you know HE came up with the analysis rather than just plagarize it from a co-worker. That is important. You want someone who is an excellent observer and who can connect the dots on his own to come up with coaching strategies.

Haha yeah I see what you mean and that is a decent idea. Not sure it's perfect because guys like SVG, Rambis, Porter have been around basketball their whole lives like Brick said but then again there are plenty of guys like Muss who do everything wrong despite looking good in an interview. So I dunno.