Would Geoff Petrie Do What Kevin McHale Did

[Purple Reign]

The whole McHale/Flip Saunders/Minnesota Timberwolves situation got me to thinking.

Would Petrie ever fire his close friend Rick Adelman if the Kings were underacheiving the same way Kevin McHale fired his close friend Flip Saunders. I mean the simularities are very striking:
Saunders was in Minny ten years
Adelman seven.
Saunders has a MVP franchise player.
Adelman has a roster of All Stars and 3 max contract players
The Wolves have one WCF apperance only to lose to the Lakers
The Kings have one WCF appearance only to lose to the Lakers
The Wolves have had major problems this season
The Kings have had their share of issues
They have lost 8 home games already and this is middle of February
They have allowed 112 ppg in the month of February
Their defensive FG% is .505 in their last eight
And most importantly a star in Stojakovic that is creating in my opinion chemistry issues.

The only element missing is that according to reports Minnesota owner Glen Taylor made the ultimate decision. I don't think the Maloofs would ever ask Petrie to clip Adelman? Would they?

I mean what if this past four game losing streak stretched to say ten.
What if there was player discord on the Kings?
What if the players showed visible signs that they were tuning out the coach?
What if the Kings do not advance past the second round this season?

All of these are valid reasons to show Rick Adelman the door as far as I am concerned. I think Adelman is doing a sensational job this REGULAR SEASON. But if the Kings do not have an impressive playoff run, would Petrie be professional enough to dismiss his friend in order to make a change. Because if the Kings bow out early in the post season in my view some changes have to be made.

Just Mesaage Board conversation to get us through until tommorrow night's game.

 

[Bricklayer]

Would Petrie ever fire Adelman if the team completely collapsed, there was rampant infighting, and they turned into franchise embarrasment as the new Portland? Of course he would.

The beauty of Rick Adelman though is he never allows any of that stuff to happen.


BTW, let's nto get overly sentimental about what McHale did. I strongly suspect he was saving his own ***. He was the guy who brought in all of those malcontents as a GM, and with it all falling apart if Flip didn't take the fall, Kevin proabbly would have.

 

[iheartBrad]

i think he would fire RA if he had to...but i don't think he would turn into the kings head coach

 

[Crackerman]

I think the main thing that this is a business. I am sure that GP would do everything he could to help out his freind whether that be trading players, or getting new assistant coaches, but when it comes down to it, if they lose say 18 out of 20 games I think he would let him go. I think that GP would talk to RA ahead of time and do it in a professional manner but in the end I think it would be a decision of the Maloofs.

There is a lot of ifs though.

You don't think that RA would ever bench Bibby, but if he produced absolutely nothing in 15 games I think he would do whats best for the team.

Bottom line is: It is a business......

 

[Folsom Al]

I Don't Think So ....

Cassell - Sprewell - Saunders

One of these things just ain't like the other ....

To seriously answer your question ... it's a shame PERSONALITIES get in the way of PRINCIPALS.

As a result .... like Bricklayer stated:

BTW, let's not get overly sentimental about what McHale did. I strongly suspect he was saving his own ***. He was the guy who brought in all of those malcontents as a GM, and with it all falling apart, if Flip didn't take the fall, Kevin probably would have.

But, since Flip was fired .... I doubt very much he voluntarily stepped-down. Would've loved to have been a "fly on the wall" ... the PLAYERS ARE RUNNING THIS THING !!!

 

[quick dog]

Would Petrie ever fire Adelman if the team completely collapsed, there was rampant infighting, and they turned into franchise embarrasment as the new Portland? Of course he would.

The beauty of Rick Adelman though is he never allows any of that stuff to happen.


BTW, let's nto get overly sentimental about what McHale did. I strongly suspect he was saving his own ***. He was the guy who brought in all of those malcontents as a GM, and with it all falling apart if Flip didn't take the fall, Kevin proabbly would have.

Listen to the Legal Counselor.

 

[LPKingsFan]

The question posed in the poll and the topic of the thread are entirely different. Would Petrie do what McHale did and coach the team himself? No, never.

Would Petrie ever in some scenario fire Adelman? Yes, under very extenuating circumstances. At first it's easy to think that Petrie would never fire Adelman because they've worked together before. But Petrie was here before Rick, and if an outstanding candidate came up while the team was collapsing I think he'd do it. I think the Maloofs have likely put some pressure on at some point to consider a coaching change, but at the end of the day listened to Petrie's wisdom. Should the collective **** hit the fan at some point, the Maloof pressure could be too much to bear on Geoff, but it's highly unlikely.

But to answer your question, yes, it could happen, but the chances are very slim.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Also, for some reason I see Rick resigning before the Maloofs/Petrie ever firing him.

 

[quick dog]

I very seriously doubt that the Maloofs have ever requested Adelman's head on a platter.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Maybe not as much, but I have no doubt in my mind that they've made some very angry phone calls after a loss. Of course they eventually calm down, listen to Petrie, and don't ask him to do anything irrational.

 

[Ryle]

Adelman has a roster of All Stars and 3 max contract players

3???

Only guy on this team with a Max contract is C-Webb.

Both Bibby and Miller have big contracts but not the max they could have been paid.

 

[Purple Reign]

Would Petrie ever fire Adelman if the team completely collapsed, there was rampant infighting, and they turned into franchise embarrasment as the new Portland? Of course he would.

The beauty of Rick Adelman though is he never allows any of that stuff to happen.


BTW, let's nto get overly sentimental about what McHale did. I strongly suspect he was saving his own ***. He was the guy who brought in all of those malcontents as a GM, and with it all falling apart if Flip didn't take the fall, Kevin proabbly would have.

I don't think the Kings would ever be like Portland. But at the same time wouldn't you say not making it out of the first round would be a complete team collapse.

If the Kings had a full healthy roster and not make it out of the first round is not far fetched. To me that would be devestating. That would be enough for some heads to roll. But I think Petrie, Adelman and the Maloofs would tell Rick "Look you resign, we pay you and we part ways". Instead of a straight up kicking him to the curb.

 

[zeke04]

I don't think GP would fire RA like that. Especially when it would be him that brought in these bad character guys.

The Maloofs could force GP to do it but that's the only way. Isn't that one of the reason GP left Portland. Ownership made him fire RA. Could be wrong on that.

 

[uolj]

I think Petrie would definitely fire Adelman if he wasn't helping the team or if he thought the team was better off without him. Petrie just seems like the kind of guy who would be willing to do the right thing for his team if it was clear that it was the best decision, even if it was a bad thing for his friend.

Add to that the possibility that the Maloofs might pressure Petrie to make a change if they wanted to see the team go in another direction, and it is definitely possible. There is a reason Petrie got three more years and Adelman simply got his one-year option picked up.

 

[bigbadred00]

Question is who is better than Adelman that's available. The only guy I possibly see if Phil Jackson but could he really run the Kings with this personnel, I don't know.

 

[uolj]

Question is who is better than Adelman that's available. The only guy I possibly see if Phil Jackson but could he really run the Kings with this personnel, I don't know.

I don't really think that is the question. Adelman won't be fired to get somebody "better". If it happens, he will be removed to get somebody "different".

 

[Purple Reign]

I don't really think that is the question. Adelman won't be fired to get somebody "better". If it happens, he will be removed to get somebody "different".

Here, here. Flip Saunders is available

 

[VF21]

I simply cannot conceive of anything like what happened in Minnesota happening here.

I also have to wonder how the Big Ticket has escaped any kind of blame for anything that's gone wrong with that team. Isn't he the main guy? The one who is supposed to be the glue holding everything together? "HIS TEAM" is in totally and utter chaos and he comes out smelling like a rose?

Whatever...

Flip Saunders was the sacrificial lamb.

 

[iheartBrad]

KG definetly has not lived up to his hype this year

 

[Padrino]

I simply cannot conceive of anything like what happened in Minnesota happening here.

I also have to wonder how the Big Ticket has escaped any kind of blame for anything that's gone wrong with that team. Isn't he the main guy? The one who is supposed to be the glue holding everything together? "HIS TEAM" is in totally and utter chaos and he comes out smelling like a rose?

Whatever...

Flip Saunders was the sacrificial lamb.

his team sucks, but he is playing well. it is interesting, expecially if ya consider how people blame webber, for every kings problem, and we're still a winning team. minny's below .500, and garnett receives no criticisms. i know i find it hard to criticize a guy like KG, who unquestionably plays hard every night. kevin garnett has gotta be one of the most intense players in the nba. he's a leader, and he's tryin to lead a dysfunctional team, and people recognize his efforts. thats my answer to your question, i guess.

 

[Purple Reign]

I simply cannot conceive of anything like what happened in Minnesota happening here.

I also have to wonder how the Big Ticket has escaped any kind of blame for anything that's gone wrong with that team. Isn't he the main guy? The one who is supposed to be the glue holding everything together? "HIS TEAM" is in totally and utter chaos and he comes out smelling like a rose?

Whatever...

Flip Saunders was the sacrificial lamb.

What more can "The Big Ticket" do. Dude has been carrying that team on his back for a decade now. He looks absolutely exhausted. He makes every big shot, every big play, every big rebound and every big pass. He is vocal in the locker room. He has already said he found out about Saunders after the fact. They did not consult him at all. What is he supposed to do b**** slap Cassell and Sprewell and Hassell and.... Olawokandi and.... the whole entire organization.

I think Garnett is the least of their worries. He has done all he could in my opinion.

 

[VF21]

What more can "The Big Ticket" do. Dude has been carrying that team on his back for a decade now. He looks absolutely exhausted. He makes every big shot, every big play, every big rebound and every big pass. He is vocal in the locker room. He has already said he found out about Saunders after the fact. They did not consult him at all. What is he supposed to do b**** slap Cassell and Sprewell and Hassell and.... Olawokandi and.... the whole entire organization.

I think Garnett is the least of their worries. He has done all he could in my opinion.

That's where we disagree.

IF - and I made it a big IF on purpose - he is indeed the undisputed team leader, why hasn't he done more to get his teammates to play FOR the team instead of against each other? Maybe instead of doing EVERYTHING he could have gotten the other players more involved? For the record, he hasn't done everything. While he's had 44 double-doubles this year, he has NOT had a single one that involved assists and he HASN'T had a triple double.

But your post is exactly the type of thing I was commenting about. His team is a train wreck and yet he is immune from criticism. Sorry, but that just doesn't sit right with me. He gets a free ride? I don't think he should.

But that's just my three cents on the matter.

 

[Purple Reign]

Somebody quick. How many assist is KG averaging this season. And has he had any double figure assist games this year. It sure seems like he has a triple double everytime he plays the Kings.

 

[Elise10]

What is he supposed to do b**** slap Cassell and Sprewell and Hassell and.... Olawokandi

That's a start, considering those four alone should be held the most accountable.

Why I believe KG is escaping the heat because it was already known that both Cassell and Sprewell were prima-donna's before they got there. For the sake of getting close to a championship, they put on their little happy faces and danced the KG shuffle. New season, back to being the prissy little me-first type people all over again.

Hassell isn't on the same level as Sam & Spree, but a complainer nevertheless.

Olowokandi.....well, let's just say, even being tasered can't help his game.

 

[Bricklayer]

That's where we disagree.

IF - and I made it a big IF on purpose - he is indeed the undisputed team leader, why hasn't he done more to get his teammates to play FOR the team instead of against each other? Maybe instead of doing EVERYTHING he could have gotten the other players more involved? For the record, he hasn't done everything. While he's had 44 double-doubles this year, he has NOT had a single one that involved assists and he HASN'T had a triple double.

But your post is exactly the type of thing I was commenting about. His team is a train wreck and yet he is immune from criticism. Sorry, but that just doesn't sit right with me. He gets a free ride? I don't think he should.

But that's just my three cents on the matter.

Mother Theresa couldn't get that group of punks to play together. That it worked for a year is a miracle. To blame KG for that mess is kind of like handing a soldier a squirtgun and complaining when he fails to take that next bunker. Sprewell, Cassel, Olowakandi, Griffin oh my! Each and every one of those guys has been cancerous wherever they've gone, + in fact that was the only reason Minnesota could get them on the cheap anyway. KG didn't start this mess, he was a victim of it. As was Flip for that matter. The culprit is playing coach right now.

But hey, if Minny wants to blame KG that's fine by me -- I'm sure we'd happily take him off their hands if they think he's the problem. Wet dream frontcourt -- Webb/KG.

 

[VF21]

I'm not saying he deserves all the blame. And I'm not even sure he deserves any if you get right down to it. All I was saying was that I found it amazing how he has been totally and completely absolved of any complicity. I was, in effect, playing devil's advocate. I guess I should have used an emoticon or something...

 

[1kingzfan]

Would Petrie ever in some scenario fire Adelman? Yes, under very extenuating circumstances. At first it's easy to think that Petrie would never fire Adelman because they've worked together before. But Petrie was here before Rick, and if an outstanding candidate came up while the team was collapsing I think he'd do it. I think the Maloofs have likely put some pressure on at some point to consider a coaching change, but at the end of the day listened to Petrie's wisdom. Should the collective **** hit the fan at some point, the Maloof pressure could be too much to bear on Geoff, but it's highly unlikely.

But to answer your question, yes, it could happen, but the chances are very slim.

Exacatory!

Remember, too, the Maloofs are business men FIRST. They JUST re-upped Rick's contract for next season. I don't think they want to pitch RA's several million dollar salary down the toilet unless something dramatically bad happened. So, instead of waiting to see what happend this season, and recognizing that the "really bad" was very unlikely, they forged ahead and invested in another year of Rick.

A first round playoff exit probably doesn't fit the bill to chunk those millions IMHO, but then again, it may depend on HOW it comes about. Certainly, if the Kings missed the playoffs, some re-thinking would take place.

 

[DeAtHrOw]

That's where we disagree.

IF - and I made it a big IF on purpose - he is indeed the undisputed team leader, why hasn't he done more to get his teammates to play FOR the team instead of against each other? Maybe instead of doing EVERYTHING he could have gotten the other players more involved? For the record, he hasn't done everything. While he's had 44 double-doubles this year, he has NOT had a single one that involved assists and he HASN'T had a triple double.

But your post is exactly the type of thing I was commenting about. His team is a train wreck and yet he is immune from criticism. Sorry, but that just doesn't sit right with me. He gets a free ride? I don't think he should.

But that's just my three cents on the matter.

KG is averaging 5.8 assists per game on top his 13 rebounds and 22 points per game...what more could you want? To blame him for Minnesota's problems is ridiculous. Someone has already said it, what is he supposed to do??? Wipe the floor with Cassell and Spree to get some sense in them?? They got lucky last year and somehow where able to "click" however any team with Spree cannot avoid chemistry problems.

I still can't get over the "I got family to feed" comment

 

[acisking]

KG definetly has not lived up to his hype this year

I wonder if KG would have actually made the All Star game had he not received the fan vote.

 

[DeAtHrOw]

I wonder if KG would have actually made the All Star game had he not received the fan vote.

Oh come on gimme a break....if he does not deserve to be in the All-Star game then who does???