I've been thinking lately about the New Orleans situation, and the more I think about it, I think their organization just took a major hit. Paul Silas was a good coach for them, he seemed well-respected and liked throughout the league. They fired him with no hesitation. Ok, fine... but I think that's going to cause them a whole lot more problems in the near future then they thought: 1. ESPN reported the story of how Silas went to the owner's house, demanding an explantion of his firing. Talk about a HUGE knock on the organization. From Sila's/ESPN's side, the only side that was told, the Hornet's owner was avoiding Silas and refused to answer his door. Yikes. Strike 1. 2. JVG flat out told him he was not interested, as a result to #1. IMHO, I think that might have set the standard for any other candidates they might have had. After JVG said how they weren't a very classy organization for the approach they took on the firing of Silas, I wouldn't want to be the next coach to be "Sure I'll take the job!" I could be wrong, but I think JVG's comments might've killed any big name coach they had a chance at. Strike 2. 3. From now on, this is just my speculation With all the racism in the world today, here's what I see happening: The Hornet's just fired a black coach with a winning record, everyone was a little shocked they fired him like that. Now, say they bring in a white coach and he has a losing season or fairs the same/worse as Silas. I have a feeling a few black leaders are going to start some controversy about this, and it could get messy. Of course, nothing could happen at all from it. Who knows Strike 3? Those are just some random opinions of mine, any other thoughts/disagreements?
The owner's a major league a-hole, as the President would say. But it's still an attractive coaching job, what with talented guys like Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn to work with. I really don't see Al Sharpton or Johnnie Cochran jumping all over the Hornets, especially if they offer the job to a black guy (say, Doc Rivers) and he passes on it.
Hey <b>LongTImeFan</b>, the further irony of this is that Silas and Shinn (Hornets owner) were next door neighbors. Maybe Silas should have just thrown a can of soup through the kitchen window.
How screwed is New Orleans? cmon theyre not all that bad off. baron davis is awesome, mashburn is finally playing like he couldve all these years. i mean, theyre not the perfect job out there for a coach but theyre no wizards. i think theyd be ok if they had better PR with the whole silas thing but then again, whats worse? hornets firing silas, or the pistons firing carslile?
I was speaking more of the organization, than the team. I know the Hornet's have talent, but I don't think they're are going to be noted an attractive organization to go to with all the bad PR they're getting. ktheintz: IF they offer it to Doc, I guess we'll see. hey giddyup, I wonder if Silas' kids played with Shinn's. This could cause some bloody noses.
It is my understanding that Silas was one of the lowest paid NBA head coaches. As near as I can figure, Fratello would be taking a pay cut to go coach there rather than continue with TNT. Even though they will probably low ball the next coach, because they have talent (Davis, Mashburn, Magliore, etc.), the Hornets will probably be attractive to a current assistant. If I were them, I'd target NJ's Eddie Jordan. And if I were him, I wouldn't plan on staying very long.
