The Nets Coaching Staff

by mytoemytoe on Sep 6, 2011 5:09 PM EDT

This post is inspired by a heated argument I'm currently having with a NetsDaily poster about the Nets coaching staff, specifically the departing Jon Loyer.

This poster (RandyOreens, who I insulted but I really don't hold a grudge against. I just get heated in debate.) says that Jon Loyer was brought in to preach defense under Lawrence Frank and Avery Johnson, yet has failed to improve the defense. My argument is that the Nets have no defensive leaders, and without players who are willing to buy in, the ability of a coach doesn't mean too much.

So my question to you NetsDaily members is this: what do you think of our coaching staff? Avery Johnson, Sam Mitchell, Popeye Jones, Jon Loyer, I want to know what you think of these guys individually.

I'll tell you what I think:

I think Avery Johnson is a great cheerleader, but a poor teacher and strategist. I think Sam Mitchell is along the same lines. I don't know what to make of Popeye Jones or Jon Loyer. It's important for me to say that its hard to judge a coaches performances when the players are not very talented. My opinions on Avery and Mitchell are inspired by their performances in Dallas (a few great seasons with Dirk but a collapse against Nelson and the Warriors) and Mitchell (one coach of the year with Toronto and then a few more mediocre seasons).

So, let's hear it. What do you think of the Nets coaches? And don't let me put words in your mouth, Randy, I'd like others to see your opinions from your own hand. I don't think anyone is right or wrong, but I do think it will be interesting to see how divided we are as a community about our own coaches.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

hey it was just a debate, I dont think of it as heated. I respect your opinion.

by RandyOreens on Sep 6, 2011 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

Lets see

Avery Johnson- Good Coach. Former COY, who is good at teaching Defense and keeps his players in check. A little too strict and suspect on offense, good leader. Grade – B+

Sam Mitchell- Decent Coach. Doesnt teach anything to well, but is consistent. Can be more outspoken. Grade – B

Popeye Jones- Specialty Coach. There to teach big men. Good at it (See Humphries).
Grade – C+

Jon Loyer- Average For Assistant. There to teach defense, hasnt had players to utilize his teachings. Experienced. Grade – C

As a whole- Grade – B

by nets14 on Sep 6, 2011 5:58 PM EDT reply actions

Avery is excellent at managing his players and as mentioned above, keeping his guys in check. He’s not the master of preparation like L-Frank was, but I think he’s adequate in terms of being ready for the opponents. He’s a solid, strict coach, who I think is perfect for the Nets young core right now.

As far as the assistants, Loyer has a great reputation as a defensive coach. And Mitchell is also a good defensive mind. Popeye is doing a decent job with the big men, although he could probably do a better job with Brook’s rebounding.

All in all, I’d give the coaching staff a B-grade as well.

by heyyoo on Sep 6, 2011 6:22 PM EDT reply actions

Not bad

Avery is pretty good defense coach.
He was COY, and is still young for coaching job. He’s alreay experienced the NBA final with Dallas as a coach.
But not a good offence coach. His offence move is pretty depended on jump shot. And he couldn’t find how the Nets made the shot easily. He didn’t find the way.
But managing the player is so much better than LFrank. But sometimes he is so strict.

I’m not sure about Mitchell. Loyer is great cheerleader on the coaches. Popeye was pretty good job to Humphries, but he couldn’t make Brook better. Overton was good teacher for CDR before, but I don’t know today.

In conclusion, I agree with nets14. Yes, grade B.
I hope we would get the offence and guards coaches.
But no Don Nelson.

1 - D. Williams / J. Farmar / S. Gaines / B. Uzoh
2 - A. Morrow / S. Graham / M. Brooks
3 - T. Outlaw / D.James
4 - K. Humpries / D. Gadzuric / B. Wright / J. Williams
5 - B. Lopez / J. Petro

by DKang on Sep 6, 2011 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

Avery is mediocre and wears on his players FAST and Smitch is just awful.

The other two are of no consequence but the sentimentalist in me feels bad to see Loyer go and his two pack a day Newport chain smoking delivery in interviews will be sorely missed.

by vincecarter4pres on Sep 6, 2011 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

hahaha two pack a day newport

by RandyOreens on Sep 6, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

No. Just No.

Avery is mediocre

Avery isnt mediocre, the team is. And Deron has said he loves Avery.

by nets14 on Sep 7, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Deron lies too much

by Nets 12-70 on Sep 7, 2011 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Exactly

What is he suppose to say? We suck balls and have no future?

"Most people on this board are like a broken clock, Only right two times a day"

by Shameer1016 on Sep 7, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

avery is a good coach, very professional, and has a great knowledge of the game, while also gaining his players respect.

He is definitely helping turn thhe nets into a professional organization, he just needs tthe right players around him, its like they say " Players win, coaches lose"

by Benl1 on Sep 7, 2011 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs