I'm inclined to think that someone high up (maybe PDA) really didn't like Malone's coaching for a while now and has pounced on the opportunity to rid him. If that person is indeed PDA, I also like to think he already has a replacement coach in mind. Someone that he thinks can take this team to another level. So I am at a wait-and-see mode.
I don't see the Cousins/Gay angle here. I don't see why they'd be too broken up about it. If Malone had taken this team deep into the playoff and had developed some gravitas then I can see the franchise players may not be too thrilled about the firing; but at the end of the day, Malone is still a young coach trying to establish himself. He has done a great job imo, probably the best coach since Adelman; but I just don't think he is at that level of respect yet. Although I would not be surprised if someday Malone does become a great coach. I think the FO can easily sell their new coach to Cousins/Gay. I see no problem with the two stars buying into the new coach's philosophy as long as it makes sense.
Lastly, PDA has made some unpopular choices in the past - letting Reke go, letting IT go, signing Casspi, signing Collison. Btw, I do concurred with almost all of his decisions so far. This is the first time that I am not exactly sure he is doing the right thing. But I am going to wait and see what transpire. Coach Karl, Coach Sloan, Coach Webber? We will soon find out.
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