Is Keith Smart Still the Best Choice?
By Marcus
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
It's been widely understood, and more than intimated by head coach Don
Nelson, that Keith Smart will be the Warriors next head coach. But
Nelson's
possible departure and the recent shake-up in the coaching ranks has
brought
up an interesting question.
Should the Warriors stick to their plans of annointing Smart as the
successor? Or should they go out and get one of the names that are
available?
Honestly, it's a tough call. The names are enticing. Avery Johnson, who
was
introduced as coach of the year just two years ago. Mike D'Antonio, who is
re****tedly but unofficially out in Phoenix, has mastered the system
similar
to the one the Warriors play. Sam Mitchell, who may get fired in Toronto,
was last season's coach of the year and one of the young talents in the
league. Flip Saunders may be on his way out, too.
These are all winning coaches. Avery and D'Antoni (if he becomes
available)
Playoff coaches. Avery has been to the Finals. D'Antoni has been to the
West
Finals. They couldn't get their team to a champion****p, which is why they
are (likely) out, but they have gotten their team to the playoffs
regularly,
which is the next step for the Warriors.
If you are Chris Mullin, do you go out and get a proven coach who can take
this team to the next level? Or do you stick with the groomed assistant
who
knows the system, the organization and COULD be one of the next young
coaching talents?
As tempting as it is to go nab one of those vets, it may be more
beneficial
to go with the guy who is familiar to the franchise. A new guy would have
to
a spend a year or two getting accustomed to the team, to the franchise, to
the media, to the fans. There's a whole feeling out period that needs to
go
on, which could cost the Warriors a season of progress. True, it may be a
necessary price to get to the ultimate goal, but that may not be the best
thing coming off missing the postseason. True, it may take Smart as much
or
more time to get used to being the head man. But he may just be able to
smoothly step in, as did Avery.
Another reason I'd say go with Smart is the cost. Smart is cheaper than
Avery or D'Antoni (should he become available), and could turn out to be
just as good. Remember, Avery and D'Antoni were young, unknown commodities
when they first took over. They stepped into to great situations and
thrived. If Smart can do the same, and it's set up for him to do so, they
Warriors will get the same results for much cheaper. That money is better
served going towards the luxury tax they'll have to pay to bring in some
help.
As tempting as it is to get the proven commodity, I'd say stick to the
plan.
Stick with Smart.
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