05-20-2026, 10:08 AM
Obviously, the new management wants "their guys" in key positions. I can't fault that and have seen it happen in the non-sports business world as well.
My question is who would be considered "their type of guy" as a head coach? The old mantra of "defense wins championships" isn't wrong, but it's not complete either. You still need an efficient offense regardless of how good your defense is, otherwise you only have half of the answer. This focus has hurt DAL before, when Cuban was pissed at Nash after the playoffs and was trying to lowball his offer. Then PHX came in with a "sign now" offer and he was suddenly gone.
Luka's documented defensive lapses are enough to even get LBJ PO'ed, but what he brings on the other end is magical. IDK if you could ever win a Finals with him, but trading him for magic beans and a new "defense first" philosophy gutted everything about DAL. So the team and it's fanbase have spent the last 18 months wandering in the tankathon wasteland.
I said all that, to ask: "what coach is going to embody the philosophy to embed a new culture and grow it to contender status?" I see references to some hardass college types like Hurley, but could he be effective at the pro level dealing with millionaire rookies? Do you need someone who is more in tune with the player development? Do you need more of an Xs and Os strategist? More of a game manager than a game planner?
I like Kidd and thought he did some good things and some not-so-good things, but now the page has turned and it's time for a new chapter. Who's going to write it?
My question is who would be considered "their type of guy" as a head coach? The old mantra of "defense wins championships" isn't wrong, but it's not complete either. You still need an efficient offense regardless of how good your defense is, otherwise you only have half of the answer. This focus has hurt DAL before, when Cuban was pissed at Nash after the playoffs and was trying to lowball his offer. Then PHX came in with a "sign now" offer and he was suddenly gone.
Luka's documented defensive lapses are enough to even get LBJ PO'ed, but what he brings on the other end is magical. IDK if you could ever win a Finals with him, but trading him for magic beans and a new "defense first" philosophy gutted everything about DAL. So the team and it's fanbase have spent the last 18 months wandering in the tankathon wasteland.
I said all that, to ask: "what coach is going to embody the philosophy to embed a new culture and grow it to contender status?" I see references to some hardass college types like Hurley, but could he be effective at the pro level dealing with millionaire rookies? Do you need someone who is more in tune with the player development? Do you need more of an Xs and Os strategist? More of a game manager than a game planner?
I like Kidd and thought he did some good things and some not-so-good things, but now the page has turned and it's time for a new chapter. Who's going to write it?