New Jerry Z Blog Post
by MNPhatz on Sep 9, 2011 12:16 PM CDT
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PrintFrom: http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/129537318.html
Waiting: Adelman still looks like the favorite, but...
Another week has passed with no new Wolves coach named, and no immediate end to the search in sight.
Here’s a smattering of things I’ve heard from people around the league about that search:
· * As of now, I don’t believe the Wolves’ brass – David Kahn, Glen Taylor and CEO Rob Moor at least -- has yet gathered formally to decide where they’re headed now that all first interviews have been completed. Maybe that will happen sometime this weekend.
· * Rick Adelman still looks like the favorite, but here’s the tricky part: I hear he wants at least $5 million a year, and five years -- not four -- guaranteed. Do the math and that’s at least $25 million, sports fans.
Weeks ago I was told Glen Taylor paid Flip Saunders big money -- $5 million a year in his final years – and is willing to do so again with a young group he thinks the franchise can grow with. But…$25 million or more?
· * I hear Kahn has told others in the league that the next coach will be either Adelman or Don Nelson.
That goes with what I heard six weeks ago, that he told other GMs he isn’t hiring another relatively unproven coach after the failed Kurt Rambis experiment. And that means choosing one of the proven four 60- or 70-something coaches – Bernie Bickerstaff and Larry Brown are the others -- they interviewed.
Nelson, 71, probably would sign a three-year deal at $10 million total (excluding incentives) or less.
· * But…
The big question here is whether Kahn still has enough of Taylor’s confidence to make that call. Don’t count Sam Mitchell out. He still could be the next coach. But if he is, it’s Taylor who made the decision and it’ll tell you, with one year left on his contract, something about Kahn’s future with the franchise.
· * You probably can gauge the progress of the league’s labor negotiations by how the Wolves proceed from here. Taylor is in the middle of those negotiations and if this search continues to drag out, it’ll tell you a resolution isn’t fast approaching, as reports this week have suggested. Likewise, if a new coach is named shortly, that very well could mean a full season is near.
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If Darko and Pek are worth 5 mil per year, Adelman should be worth a lot more.
What, is Glen Taylor senile? Why worry about paying a hall of fame coach the same amount of money as you pay awful European centers?
by MNPhatz on Sep 9, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree in that Adelman would likely have a far greatly impact than Darko/Pek
But to be fair the Wolves have lost money a lot of years in a row. I think Glen’s minority partners probably want nothing to do with pay top dollar to a guy to coach the worst team in the league on top of paying Rambis big bucks to sit on the beach in California.
Will require a long view (better coach == better team == more butts in seats == more gate $$) plus perhaps the right outcome in the CBA stuff (such as more robust revenue sharing).
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Sep 9, 2011 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
yes
I'm Trill, I'm running w/ the WOLVES
by running with Twolves (and scissors) on Sep 9, 2011 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Aggregation and analysis
are original content derived from linked content.
I only use Fanshots for simple links or pictures. If I have something to say, it goes here.
And if a post goes in the wrong column, big whoop.
Basketball is basketball. – Oscar Robertson
yep.
"Pinch-bunters don't have a ton of value, even with the Twins"
by Steven Ellingson on Sep 9, 2011 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
de facto v. de jure
Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
They're called the Ghostbusters and they're in control
I think I saw that fight
on pay-per-view.
This account is to be used solely for proving feral wrong.
by PoorDick on Sep 9, 2011 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not as big of a deal during a lockout with slow news cycles
The idea is not to crowd the fanpost section with non-original content that should be fanshots. The idea makes sense because those who create original content should be rewarded by having their content appear on the fancy sidebar to the right of your screen as long as possible, versus others crowding that original content space with a cut and paste from a Jerry Z article.
Like for instance, during the draft, some people took the time to write up long, detailed, thoughtful pieces on prospects, directions, trades, etc. Then others would post things like this post with hourly trade rumors bumping down the original content in favor of something that was just a cut and paste.
Ultimately, their are two different sections on every SBNation blog site for just this very reason. Is the world going to end when people continually fail to follow the rules, No, but it’s a pet peeve and my attempts to publicly shame those who don’t follow the rules will continue.
Derrick Williams was going to Bust...but then he was selected by the Timberwolves!
by Ebomb on Sep 9, 2011 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
I agree and adhere
But it still pisses me off that the fanshot section is so much more difficult to find. As soon as you go into any ‘post or ’shot, there aren’t any fanshot links on the sidebar. WHY IS THAT?
Hrm. Yeah, we are listing 20 fanposts, and no "shots," here.
SBNation sets up this nav behavior, right?
Wait, what?
"Of what use is a philosopher who does not hurt anybody's feelings?" -Diogenes of Sinope
by Cynical Jason on Sep 10, 2011 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I would take a guess
That SB Nation wants to highlight original content posted on its site versus links to other sites that may not drive revenue. This is only a guess though.
Derrick Williams was going to Bust...but then he was selected by the Timberwolves!
I missed the part in there
where Sam wasn’t an asshole anymore – or more importantly wasn’t an awful coach anymore.
I’d rather Glen hire a different friend than one we already know is a bad coach and a jerk. Maybe his daughter – she’s looking for a job right?
Sam has coached quite a few years since his first year when he got the reputation.
So I’m not worried about that ( their is a good post on this in the recent archives). I just don’t see him as being quite as good as Adelman irrespective of Kevin Love and his association with Adelmans son.
Still hoping for Nellie
I know few of you are. If he somehow gets the gig, I’ll look forward to our future discussions.
plus
I still think, given identical rosters, Nelson outcoaches Adelman most days of the week (just my o of course).
Much of the decision has to be considered
on a cost/benefit basis. Especially in light of the questionable level of talent currently on the roster. If they thought that all the team needed was a better coach, then Adelman’s salary wouldn’t be that big of an issue. But since Adelman might (optimistically) win 30 games with the team as it stands, that won’t provide nearly enough fan interest and revenue to justify the cost.
So, then they have to decide if they’re going to trade for or sign overpaid, older starters to get to the playoffs (optimistically). If it works, and the team brings in another $10 million or so because of Adelman and the new players, it might be justified.
But if it doesn’t work, that’s another $25 million for Adleman, plus what the new players cost, for a team that is already pinching pennies as it is.
This account is to be used solely for proving feral wrong.
In the next 2-3 years your point is valid...
…but being known as a losing franchise, at the bottom of the league, has very detrimental long-term financial implications.
I think Adelman is easily worth $5 million a year, and that good head coaches in pro sports are one of the “moneyball-sian” values still available to sharp owners/GMs.
What is this "sharp owners/GMs"
of which you speak?
This account is to be used solely for proving feral wrong.
There is no logical concept
that would validate the Wolves not paying 5 million a year for Adelman. Some are trying to excuse it or rationalize it or whatever, but it is not conceiveable to let the top coach in the NBA walk away under any circumstances.
Have you all forgotten so quickly how we used to say that the Wolves would have a D-league coach forever? And that we would always be a bad team?
There is only one way out of the basement, and that is a competent coach. A horrible coach with a talented team can neuter that talent in a heartbeat. A talented coach with horrible players can elevate those players beyond their ability. No other position in an NBA franchise is as important as the head coach, and if for some reason we let the best coach the Wolves will ever have a shot at walk away because of a million or two, that is the biggest failing the Wolves have ever done. Forget about Flynn/Curry because if we don’t get Adelman it is the biggest Wolves Gaffe Ever.
I agree with most of that
Maybe the Joe Smith deal was worse, but yeah, it will be inexcusable if Adleman is willing to coach here and we fail to sign him.
It appears
that the team is now negotiating with him.
by Dr. Wolfenstein on Sep 11, 2011 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Adelman, out of those chosen
for an interview, has always been the one I thought to be the best fit. This team needs a coach that will give this team respectibility and Adelman does that immediately. This team needs a coach that will bring this team stability and a five year contract will do that. This team needs a coach that will teach offence and defence and Adelman will do that. This team needs a coach that
Sorry, I posted before I finished.
I was going to finish by saying that this team needs a coach that, as Django Z states, will be worth the investment as much as possible. Sure they could get Nellie cheaper but in the long term, can he do as much to change the losing franchise label as Adelman? Probably not, nor can he bring the long term stability so badly needed.
Okay I know Rick Adelman is getting up there in years,
But I haven’t really seen a falloff in his coaching ability. I’m excited he wants to be with the TWolves for 5 years (and maybe more), and I think the organization should be too. Even at 5 mill a year I think he will more than pay himself off in his ability influence the front office and hopefully get a lot of unqualified individuals out of jobs.
Had the same thought-
That is really saying something that Adelman wants to be here LONG-TERM. After considering retirement, that is really saying something (if confirmed).
Most excellent that they are talking negotiations now.
Boycotted buying gas when it went above $1 per gallon thinking the government needs to regulate the margins on this necessity. Lasted almost 2 weeks. :0)
by LoveLovesLove on Sep 12, 2011 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions
In my mind, it's gotta be Adelman.
I know it’s not my money, but I’d pay the $25 mil – this team has become one of the running jokes of the NBA. The culture/atmosphere around 600 N. First is noxious right now. Hiring Don Nelson says more of the same, “Come for the sideshow – crazy is fun!” The novelty wears off and we’re right back to square one. SamMitch says, “Being a member of the ‘family’ is important!” – how’s that working out with Rob Moor?? But hiring Adelman tells fans, the media and (importantly) current and future players that, “Things are changing here; it’s a whole new ball game! You’re gonna want to be part of this!”
"Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously."
— Hunter S. Thompson
I agree.
They badly need some legitimacy. Not my money either, but I don’t see how it’s not worth it. I just pray they don’t underestimate the need for a competent coach in this league.
Both winners... but
I think Adelman brings the tone of respect with him. Exactly the amount of seriousness, but fun style that the Timberwolves need.
Don Nelson seems awkward and like someone we could turn into a side-show joker- over emotional without the feel of being solid ground for our young team. A little more polarizing in my opinion, and far less respectable personality-wise.
Don would be OK. Rick would absolutely rock, and show long-term drive to get this car running on Hydrogen. Long term this is the right approach. Absolutely awesome that RA is looking for a contract length that is making the FO think twice. They better think twice, then hand the check over to him.
Boycotted buying gas when it went above $1 per gallon thinking the government needs to regulate the margins on this necessity. Lasted almost 2 weeks. :0)
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