Nine first-time head coaches were hired less than two years ago. Where are they now?
In the summer of 2013, a stunning nine first-time NBA head coaches were hired. Let's check in on them!
ALREADY FIRED
Michael Malone, Kings
Brian Shaw, Nuggets
Malone and Shaw were perhaps the most sought-after career assistants available in 2013 and they both lasted less than two seasons. Everyone who didn't actually fire him insists Malone didn't deserve to lose his job. The feelings about Shaw are more mixed. At the very least, both will be lead assistants by next season. Malone might have another head job by then.
DEPARTED UNDER STRIFE
Jason Kidd, Nets
Kidd famously tried to wrangle more control in Brooklyn after turning around the Nets' season and getting the team a playoff series win. It famously backfired. He ended up with a better gig in Milwaukee and he's a Coach Of The Year candidate there. What a world!
ALMOST FIRED
Dave Joerger, Grizzlies
Memphis has had a great season and is one of the top title contenders. But remember that back in June, enigmatic Grizzlies controlling partner Robert Pera almost fired Joerger, or at the very least considered trading the coach to Minnesota. Instead, Pera and Joerger listened to some Kanye together*, fired a few guys in the front office and laughed their way to the No. 2 seed. What a world!
* May not be true.
CURSED TO REMAIN EMPLOYED
Brett Brown, Sixers
Brown knew what he was getting himself into when he signed on with Philadelphia. But STILL. He has the second worst winning percentage among all NBA head coaches in history with at least 100 games. (Brian Winters went 36-148!) He's done well to establish a defensive identity on a team destined to lose four out of every five games, but the resumé is just taking a beating. He might be a little jealous of Shaw and Malone.
STILL GAINFULLY EMPLOYED
Jeff Hornacek, Suns
Brad Stevens, Celtics
Steve Clifford, Hornets
None of these three guys will be fired in the offseason in all likelihood, even though Charlotte's been underwhelming and there's been some drama in Phoenix. Stevens is still considered a savant, and Hornacek and Clifford are still riding honeymoons from brilliant rookie seasons. Everything is peachy here.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Mike Budenholzer, Hawks
Who could possibly have guessed that a man who was Gregg Popovich's right arm for about two decades would make for an excellent coach? I am shocked -- SHOCKED -- that this turned out well for Atlanta.
Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1FWyWoj
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