Only Coach Pop is untouchable

Because of the quality of competition, teams always look for ways to improve and be a step or two ahead of their rivals and if conditions go the other way, then one, and only one must go, no matter the accomplishments done, be it short term or long term.

With the mandatory statement of appreciation and the “very hard decision” they had to make, some NBA teams this off season already had several head coaches getting the boot on the butt and it looks like a few more will be given the pink slip.  

BRETT BROWN – After seven years with Philadelphia, the team parted ways with Brown and perhaps ending The Process permanently.   For the last three seasons, he piloted the Sixers to the playoffs.   Had the front office provided enough support for Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, maybe things would have turned out different.

JIM BOYLEN – More than a year and a dismal 39-84 record, Boylen was fired by the Chicago Bulls.  As of this writing, the team is still in the process of looking for his replacement.   As per reports, Spurs assistant Becky Hammon is on the short list and she could be the first-ever female head coach of the NBA.  Reportedly also on the Bulls’ radar is the recently fired Brown.

MIKE MILLER – Named as interim head coach of the New York Knicks in December 2019 in lieu of David Fizdale, Miller led the team to a 17-27 record, placing them last in the Atlantic Division.   He was replaced by Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks hope to improve with the former head coach of Chicago and Minnesota.   With a strong emphasis on defense, Thibodeau could form a young but guard-heavy core of RJ Barrett, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith, Jr, Damyean Dotson and promising big Mitchell Robinson.   This could be the right move by the Knicks with Thib’s proven track record.

ALVIN GENTRY – After five seasons and one trip to the playoffs, New Orleans cut connections Gentry after a disappointing bubble performance.  He left the Pelicans with the second most wins in team history behind Byron Scott and was their only coach with a winning post season record.  Jason Kidd and Tyronn Lue are rumored to be prime candidates for the position.

NATE MCMILLAN – Serving as an assistant with Indiana in 2013, McMillan was promoted to Pacers head coach in 2016 when Frank Vogel’s contract was not renewed.   With Indiana getting swept in the first round for the second consecutive year and the team’s third in four seasons, management decided it is time to part ways with McMillan.  Curiously, two weeks prior to the firing, he and the team agreed to a contract extension.

In the NBA, unless you’re a Gregg Popovich, you always become the fall guy.  Even Phil Jackson was sacked.   We’ll have another piece on Steve Nash becoming Brooklyn’s head coach.