Simple question

by Mike Prada on Apr 10, 2009 12:10 AM EDT in Coaching

In light of the discussion in the last post, here's a simple poll.

Poll

Who should be the next Wizards coach?

Avery Johnson

47 votes

Flip Saunders

100 votes

Someone else (say who)

14 votes

161 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Honestly

I know this wont happen, but Eddie Jordan is the best coach for this team. But if not EJ, Flip has my vote.

by zeke5123 on Apr 10, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions

Flip is the man baby

by eltacoman on Apr 10, 2009 2:28 AM EDT reply actions

I want a coach with a proven record of not allowing freak injuries.

by MR on Apr 10, 2009 6:27 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I've been back and forth on this and my final choice is

Mark Jackson. He is tough-minded, understands that you need a balance of offense and defense to win games, and his PG experience would be invaluable to both Javaris and Gilbert.

by Pryme on Apr 10, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Good call...

He is my sleeper pick and I’ve been meaning to write something about him, but have been relatively resigned to Flip.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.

by Kyle Weidie on Apr 10, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Wonder what his relationship/history is like with ex-Knick GM Grunfeld.

by MR on Apr 10, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Hmm...not sure

Just know that Gruns and JVG are tumultuous….purportedly.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.

by Kyle Weidie on Apr 10, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Everyone really should read Just Ballin

By Mike Wise and Frank Isola. Gives insight into the EG/JVG fight.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Apr 10, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he’ll be such a sick coach in the league. Dude is clearly a basketball genius, watching him dominate all areas of the court at the point and hearing his spot-on analysis at the broadcasters table.

Dear Diary, JACKPOT!!!!!!!!!!

by Evander holyfield on Apr 10, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I vote Flip

Just makes more sense than Avery Johnson.

Krem's Sports Blog

by Matt K. on Apr 10, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

Let the key players have a role in interviewing...

prospective coaches. If Avery Johnson can sell the 2009 version of himself to Gil, Antawn and Caron… as well as to management… he is the better man for the job IMO.

If he can’t convince key players and management that he has learned from his mistakes in Dallas, then Flip is the likely better choice.

I wish we could take a shot at Mark Jackson, Pryme, because he does know the game and he has a very nice presence. But as Caron said in his Washington Post interview today, he and his key teammates are in their primes now… If we can’t draft Griffin then trade for experience. The same goes for a coach. This is NOT a rehearsal.

by khrabb on Apr 10, 2009 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

Those are all excellent points

by MR on Apr 10, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Flip, he experience, can handle players, good defensive minded approach. Sounds like a perfect fit

by Fundefined on Apr 10, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

From Michael Lee:

(via Wiz Insider)

The reason that Saunders’ name keeps coming up is pretty obvious. He has a proven track record as a coach. He has a solid reputation as an offensive play caller (He drew up some plays for Michigan State’s Tom Izzo during the Final Four). You also cannot forget that Saunders attended training camp this October in Richmond and went over defensive schemes with the players. Saunders is more noted for his offense than his defense, since he loves to push the zone.

And this caveat:

But the main issue with any hire is money. The Wizards’ financial situation is pretty bleak, with the team owing almost $76 million in salary next season before adding a potential high draft pick. They also still have Eddie Jordan’s salary, which the Wizards will have to pay in full if he doesn’t land somewhere else next season, such as Sacramento. And as one rival NBA general manager told me recently, “Flip’s not coming cheap.”

by se7en on Apr 10, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions