Since Kevin McHale took over, it has taken time for us to get his system and philosophy but I think...

Since Kevin McHale took over, it has taken time for us to get his system and philosophy but I think that we are all finally starting to click. We are also building on the defensive principles and system that Randy Wittman put into place befor the coaching change.

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In fact, it was Al Jefferson's birthday party on Sunday night a few days ago! He had the entire team over to his house and an amazing catered dinner along with some relaxation time where players and teammates shot the breeze, played pool and ate appetizers. Al had kevin Love get up and sing him happy birthday in front of all 40 people. Kevin Love ate it up and had a great time with going back and forth with his post player friend and mentor, the Big Al.

McHale's coaching style reminds me a little bit of my first coach and NBA mentor, Phil Jackson. The one thing they both really have in common is that during practice they're both all over people and once the game starts they don't say a whole lot. It allows you as a player to relax, play loose, and just try to make a play without looking over your shoulder. They both cared a lot about effort an energy. Phil Jackson used to always talk about playing with energy.

Mad Dog Blog

5 months ago wyn Comment 11 comments 0 recs |

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You beat me to it...

…..I think this is a good example of the positive side of Big Al’s leadership. We make a lot about scowls on this club but a lot happens behind the scenes and it’s nice to see stuff like this.

The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
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by Stop-n-Pop on Jan 8, 2009 7:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

is vasty under valued. When teammates are friends it makes a lot of difference. I read a number of blogs by Hornets players last year talking about how they’ve never been on a team where everyone hangs out like they did with that team.

You have to imagine the players who get scowled at by Jefferson take it a lot differently based on how they feel about him personally.

by Pants_ on Jan 8, 2009 10:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is a big weak spot for our blog...

….we simply can’t get behind the scenes. This is where player blogs would really help out. All we can see is the scowls.

The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com

by Stop-n-Pop on Jan 8, 2009 10:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised they don't give you guys access

Isn’t that happening with more and more blogs now?

by plinytheelder on Jan 9, 2009 12:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kevin McHale reminds me a lot of Phil Jackson

In that they are both tall.

by PoorDick on Jan 8, 2009 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

McHale's coaching style reminds me a little bit of my first coach and NBA mentor, Phil Jackson.

That is the Most Preposterous Statement i ever heard.

by Tony_O on Jan 8, 2009 11:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

lol

at both Tony and Poor Dick…hehe

by plinytheelder on Jan 9, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kevin McHale v. Phil Jackson -- eerily similar

Phil Jackson played for an NBA champion and so did Kevin McHale.
Phil Jackson to college in North Dakota, Kevin McHale went to college in nearby Minnesota.
Phil Jackson has 11 letters in his name, so does Kevin McHale.
Phil Jackson coached Michael Jordan, Kevin McHale played against Michael Jordan.
Phil Jackson played 12 seasons in the NBA and was never the best player on his team. Kevin McHale played 13 seasons and never was the best player on his team.
Phil Jackson was at best mediocre player but one of the all-time greats as a coach. Kevin McHale was one of the all-time great power forwards, but at best he’s a mediocre basketball executive.
Phil Jackson was born after Labor Day, so was Kevin McHale.
Phil has a ranch in Montana where he may engage in hunting and/or fishing. McHale likes to do those things, too.
Phil coached three of the greatest players of all time. McHale knows three of the greatest players of all time.
Phil Jackson was Mark Madsen’s coach when he embarrassed himself with his awkward victory dance. Kevin McHale was Mark Madsen’s coach when he embarrassed himself with his awkward play on the basketball court.

by SBG on Jan 9, 2009 12:27 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Nice :)

….I wonder if the Wolves will have reading assignments by the end of the year.

The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com

by Stop-n-Pop on Jan 9, 2009 7:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to read the birthday stuff. That’s why we put together young guys, so they would have time to grow and so they would know that we are trying to keep them (because a lot of players don’t bond a lot because you never know when you’re gonna get traded).

The comparison is funny as h*ll. I can understand that they both have the same way of handling players (which is obviously what has our team playing better) but on x’s en o’s they’re a world apart.

Beater of the early Thabeet drum

by Wim (Belgium) on Jan 9, 2009 5:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs