S
Sam Amick has officially no more credit after this last article.
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/018707.html
Kenny Natt status report: Could he be next Scotty Brooks?
Kings Plus material: Midseason report card (with Jerry Reynolds lead-in), Week ahead (with weekly Fire and Ice feature)
Today's Game Notes
***
Could Kenny Natt become the next Scotty Brooks?
Absolutely.
While both are technically considered interim coaches for their respective teams (Kings and Oklahoma City, of course), the Oklahoman is reporting that Brooks' bosses are leaning toward keeping him beyond this season. After starting 3-29, the Thunder had won five of their last eight games before falling to Miami on Sunday. Yet as is the case here in town as well, it's not just about the record when it comes to these types of situations.
It's about the relationship between the coach's bench and the front office, about having a shared vision and solid communication that creates an environment in which the talent on hand is used to its maximum potential. And just as Thunder GM Sam Presti has praised Brooks in this department, I continue to hear nothing about good things about Natt in that area as well. From his personality to his approach and general philosophy, he has a good approval rating going.
That's not to say it's a done deal that he'll stick around. Not even close. There are 41 games left and the Kings haven't experienced even a mini-turnaround like lowly teams like the Thunder and Minnesota. Winning at an increased pace - however small - is a public relations necessity as far as Natt is concerned. It's hard to sell an already-furious fanbase on a relative unknown for a new coach when they haven't seen a change in the outcomes since he's been here. What's more, Natt has called for some puzzling matchups in a number of games and had a few hiccups in late-game situations.
But if Natt can finish the season with his good name in tact, he'll be ahead of the game on his own merits and because of the context around him. Remember the part about the Kings still paying two other coaches at the moment? That's no small thing in these economic times, as the Maloofs are among the masses taking a hit and they may not be eager to pay a bigger name coach $5 million a year (around the going rate). If the rebuilding had led to a roster that looked playoff ready by next season or even the season thereafter, then it's more of a possibility. But right now, they're taking this into consideration...
Eric Musselman: We knew his payoff was $5 million, but the way it was structured in his contract spread the amount out over four years ($1.25 million per year) with the hopes that he would get a new job and thereby lose out on most of the dough. So far, though, Musselman remains an inactive coach and active blogger/writer.
Reggie Theus: Theus' deal was for three years and approximately $6 million, with the final year a team option. So really, it's something close to a two-year, $4 million deal in which he was let go 24 games in. Lump sum owed Theus after he was gone: $1.36 million.
For the time being, this is all feel and speculation on my part based on what's being said around the team. There'
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/018707.html
Kenny Natt status report: Could he be next Scotty Brooks?
Kings Plus material: Midseason report card (with Jerry Reynolds lead-in), Week ahead (with weekly Fire and Ice feature)
Today's Game Notes
***
Could Kenny Natt become the next Scotty Brooks?
Absolutely.
While both are technically considered interim coaches for their respective teams (Kings and Oklahoma City, of course), the Oklahoman is reporting that Brooks' bosses are leaning toward keeping him beyond this season. After starting 3-29, the Thunder had won five of their last eight games before falling to Miami on Sunday. Yet as is the case here in town as well, it's not just about the record when it comes to these types of situations.
It's about the relationship between the coach's bench and the front office, about having a shared vision and solid communication that creates an environment in which the talent on hand is used to its maximum potential. And just as Thunder GM Sam Presti has praised Brooks in this department, I continue to hear nothing about good things about Natt in that area as well. From his personality to his approach and general philosophy, he has a good approval rating going.
That's not to say it's a done deal that he'll stick around. Not even close. There are 41 games left and the Kings haven't experienced even a mini-turnaround like lowly teams like the Thunder and Minnesota. Winning at an increased pace - however small - is a public relations necessity as far as Natt is concerned. It's hard to sell an already-furious fanbase on a relative unknown for a new coach when they haven't seen a change in the outcomes since he's been here. What's more, Natt has called for some puzzling matchups in a number of games and had a few hiccups in late-game situations.
But if Natt can finish the season with his good name in tact, he'll be ahead of the game on his own merits and because of the context around him. Remember the part about the Kings still paying two other coaches at the moment? That's no small thing in these economic times, as the Maloofs are among the masses taking a hit and they may not be eager to pay a bigger name coach $5 million a year (around the going rate). If the rebuilding had led to a roster that looked playoff ready by next season or even the season thereafter, then it's more of a possibility. But right now, they're taking this into consideration...
Eric Musselman: We knew his payoff was $5 million, but the way it was structured in his contract spread the amount out over four years ($1.25 million per year) with the hopes that he would get a new job and thereby lose out on most of the dough. So far, though, Musselman remains an inactive coach and active blogger/writer.
Reggie Theus: Theus' deal was for three years and approximately $6 million, with the final year a team option. So really, it's something close to a two-year, $4 million deal in which he was let go 24 games in. Lump sum owed Theus after he was gone: $1.36 million.
For the time being, this is all feel and speculation on my part based on what's being said around the team. There'
