....mainly a 'default head coach' whose main claim to fame centers around price--as in reasonable. Avery is guaranteed $8M by the Mavs next season,and gets plenty of face time on ESPN. With all of that going, it would take a hefty raise to get him. However, the default Piston owner, Karen Davidson--like her late-spouse---is keeping 'tight purse strings'. Joe, you're going to have to do it the "old-fashion way". Maybe a little 'elbow grease'?
Quick, what does prospective Piston head coach, Joh Kuester, have in common with one-time Piston head coach Larry Brown? They are former UNC Tar Heels and basketball coaching barnstormers. Kuester has been an assistant with six pro teams (Nets; 76 'ers (2); Magic, Det; and Cavs). He's also offensive-minded, putting Joe's 'defensive-oriented team' legacy in danger. A luxury the team feels it can no afford. But the Pistons--as a team--will score. A perrenial all-star game without stars. They just won't defend, or can't defend. Then again, sports is all about entertainment. Who needs defense? The bottom line? Keep the Palace filled to capacity. The fans don't really care about personalities, or defense, for that matter. Highlights, highlights, highlights! Expect Detroit to be also-rans for a long time, and will find their niche carved in the number 8-position in the East Conference. For some teams that's enough. That and a paycheck. It will be sometime before they'll be considered a bonefide contender.
In a local poll Bill Laimbeer was voted as most favorite, followed closely by Avery Johnson. Kuester was voted least favorite--mainly because nobody ever heard of him. But he did have a rather prolific college career. So did Laimbeer. Who hasn't?
Maybe Kuester's selection will be a 'stop-gap'. Remember Joe, it's hard to get an "experienced" and seasoned head coach for 'apprentice rates', which is why Doug Collins backed out, and talks with Avery Johnson never got off the ground. Hell, even Laimbeer would have demanded 'big bucks'. And these guys had Championships or near Championships on their resumes. The only viable choice you had was to get an assistant. Sad.
Quick, what does prospective Piston head coach, Joh Kuester, have in common with one-time Piston head coach Larry Brown? They are former UNC Tar Heels and basketball coaching barnstormers. Kuester has been an assistant with six pro teams (Nets; 76 'ers (2); Magic, Det; and Cavs). He's also offensive-minded, putting Joe's 'defensive-oriented team' legacy in danger. A luxury the team feels it can no afford. But the Pistons--as a team--will score. A perrenial all-star game without stars. They just won't defend, or can't defend. Then again, sports is all about entertainment. Who needs defense? The bottom line? Keep the Palace filled to capacity. The fans don't really care about personalities, or defense, for that matter. Highlights, highlights, highlights! Expect Detroit to be also-rans for a long time, and will find their niche carved in the number 8-position in the East Conference. For some teams that's enough. That and a paycheck. It will be sometime before they'll be considered a bonefide contender.
In a local poll Bill Laimbeer was voted as most favorite, followed closely by Avery Johnson. Kuester was voted least favorite--mainly because nobody ever heard of him. But he did have a rather prolific college career. So did Laimbeer. Who hasn't?
Maybe Kuester's selection will be a 'stop-gap'. Remember Joe, it's hard to get an "experienced" and seasoned head coach for 'apprentice rates', which is why Doug Collins backed out, and talks with Avery Johnson never got off the ground. Hell, even Laimbeer would have demanded 'big bucks'. And these guys had Championships or near Championships on their resumes. The only viable choice you had was to get an assistant. Sad.
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