'15 NBA Draft/Offseason Thread

For the first time in a while the first couple of months of the NBA season will be interesting seeing how all the pieces fall into place, in addition to all of the studs who went down with injuries last year. I like the Warriors, Spurs, Rockets and the Thunder in the West. The Hawks, Cavs, Bucks and Wizards in the East. But I could be wrong.

 

Doc Rivers, whose taint is considered to be a Lourdes-like shrine for most NBA journalists, is realistically having the worst off season of any NBA GM. And while Rivers isn't on the Dungy level of living deity, he is deferred to by the biggest name talking heads that cover the NBA. Turns out, more players would rather sign up and play with Donald Sterling, than with Doc Rivers. Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce are the type of name acquisitions that fanboi losers make, not talented GMs who scout and prepare and have intimate knowledge of players. Rivers seems to be comfortable mainly with players in his peer range and shows no desire to grow.

Only coach to lose 2 series when up 3-1, looks like the ole boyz journalist network is alive and well and spewing nothing but rainbows and unicorns for Doc. But thats what its about, saying nice things about your friends

 

Other than that, how do you like him?

 

About the same as he likes any African-American executive, coach or player who seems a bit too rich and happy for Yab's liking. Heyabbot's bias has been made thoroughly clear over the years.

 

Despite all the signings, I don't see that many "game changing" signings outside of Aldridge. A lot of complementary parts, but no engines.

 

It wasn't necessarily criticism of Rivers as much as the constant sycophantic coverage he receives nationally. He's a good coach, over .500 career and has a championship in 15 years. But the accolades and deference he receives is out of proportion to his accomplishments. Just part of the partnership between national journalism/ public relations and sports.

 

I think that is a fair statement. I have never understood the love affair with Doc. Decent coach but not special.

 

I think this is a fair position to take. I think he's a pretty good coach, but his personnel decisions are horrible going back to Orlando. He did his best work in Boston, which came with a strong GM (Ainge), an incredible assistant coach in hindsight (Thibs) and getting great years out of three Hall of Fame players (Garnett, Pierce, Allen). I do think it's not just media members he gets along with though; he has a pretty good rep in the game itself.

 

I assume you haven't seen THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dallas Mavericks set sights on Jeremy Lin

 

A good example of the theory that if you're extremely good to the media, the media is extremely good to you.

 

Tell the truth, get fired.

NBA.com | Hang Time Blog with Sekou Smith

 

I think that the media has pretty consistently ripped Doc for his personnel/salary cap decisions since free agency began last year.