Quote:
Originally Posted by dalger
We've heard many times that Haywood's not the type of guy who needs the occasional punishment to get better. He's the type of guy who needs a hug as a vote of confidence instead. Leaving him on the court after two missed free throws is a symbolic hug by Carlisle to show Haywood that he trusts him. No reason to immediately take him out after missing two free throws and hurting his confidence from the line even more in the process when you're up by 15 points or something.
Eventually, Carlisle did the right thing by taking him out. But he also did the right thing by not immediately punishing him after his first attempts. Coach is not as dumb as you think he is. Or you're not as smart as you think you are.  |
Or you're about as smart as Gentry pulling hack-a-Ian.
Like you said, Haywood is a mentally fragile player that needs to be protected, not exposed. By allowing Haywood to go 1-6 from the FT line, with no one to save him the ridicule, all that did was shatter his confidence, not help it. I assure you that Haywood would have preferred to be pulled after his first two misses in order to save him from the embarrassment he endured, and will continue to be subject to. His look on the bench said it all.