Think about it - this is a perfect fit for the Magic. In my opinion, two of the major problems in Orlando are Doc Rivers and John Gabriel. Now, don't think I am saying either are not any good. They are both good in their position - but I do not believe they are on the same page nor do they agree on a daily basis. Doc is a great coach - I just don't think he is the right coach for Orlando.
What does Orlando lack that Pat Riley can bring? Defense and focus. Pat Riley is the perfect fit as a coach and general manager. He is best known for his defensive minded teams and the mental toughness his teams have shown every year. To have him as a coach would be a great move for our soft, often out-rebounded, team. Then, give him the general manager position to allow some freedom with the roster. Pat Riley as coach with T-Mac, Howard and Gooden - we are in prime position to land a few other top name players.
It's just a thought - but not an outrageous one. If it happens - you heard it here first.
5 Comments on "Pat Riley to Orlando?"
While the prospect may be inticing, it ain't gonna happen. Riles in the President of operations for the Heat, so it's not like he's exactly looking for a job. Too, I think the reason he quit on coaching was due to loss of desire, not specifically lack of desire for the Heat. Although it's always fun to dream. Who would have thought the Lakers would have landed Payton and Malone this off-season? Not I.
The loss of desire could be the situation in Miami. I would think there are a lot of coached that would love to have a player like Tracy McGrady on their team. That would ignite the desire for one last coaching position. I'll keep dreaming for a big man and a coach.
You seriously want Riley to come to town? Sure he had some success in New York and Miami but he made those teams so slow and boring that I'm happy he's gone. Plus, don't you think you're giving up on Doc Rivers rather quickly? He was the coach of the year just a few years ago, and it's not his fault Grant Hill's ankle is a mess.
I'm not giving up on Doc - I think Doc is a good coach, but not a great coach - yet. He definitely has a job in the NBA - but I think he is the wrong coach for the current Magic team. I will gladly take slow and boring along as they play defense and have a chance to win a championship. Offense has never won a championship - look at the Mavs. And - the Lakers were boring? They played some of the greatest basketball of all time. In 21 seasons, he has had only 4 in which his teams won less than 50 games. Doc has never won 50 games in a season. Grant Hill has not lost us the last 4 games, the coaching staff has.
The no-hustle, non-aggressive talent that Orlando Magic fans have witnessed the past few games (excepting the reserve players), and are now reading about in quotes attributed to both the 'T-Man' and 'Doc'; that they are somewhat in agreement the 'zone' is the root cause of their confusion or ineptness; maybe by this spring John Gabriel will have figured out what to do about this dilemma! Whoa - wait just a minute; aren't there a 'few' teams that have already mastered that talent; or maybe they (management and coaches) should do as 'the-man-without-a-clue' suggests - "I don't know too much about zones, because I didn't go to college... so I don't know how to beat zones... I'm going to have to watch college tapes of a great coach who knows how to beat a zone... because right now I'm clueless"! Wow - I couldn't have said it better myself! Bottom line – If Glen “Doc” Rivers, the T-Man and starters don’t get their act together before the Timberwolves and Rockets games – they’ll be in deep ‘dooky’ – and further for what he is being paid, the T-Man should quit whining and produce, or shut-up! Beyond that, and with the normal tenure for non-producers in the NBA being three to four years at best, I believe its time for John ‘Cool-Hand’ Gabriel and Glen ‘Doc’ Rivers to find other employment.