<< I think the real question is, how much failure do we, as fans, allow Nelson. What teams are acceptable to lose to in the playoffs and at what point in the playoffs? I get the impression that there is NO losing allowed by some people. I get the impression that it doesn't matter what Nelson does, or has done, if the Mavs don't win the championship, he ought to be fired. I don't agree with that. There are too many variables to give a yes or no answer. >>
David, I haven't heard ANYONE say that Nelson has to win the title this year in order to justify being given an extension. Also, how long is it going to take you to realize that Nellie's coaching contract expires at the end of the year? He can't be fired at the end of the season, unless Cuban wants a new GM.
The first year, getting into the playoffs was an accomplishment, anything was fine in the playoffs. Last year, more was expected. The Kings were the best team in the league last year, IMO. I didn't think so going in to the series but the Kings made a believer out of me. This year, who are the Mavs playing in the 2nd round? Mavs/Spurs? Tossup. Mavs/Lakers? Tossup. Mavs/Kings? The Mavs are underdogs.
4-1 exit by the Mavs? How did the Mavs play? Did they play hard and leave it all out on the court and get beat 1,2,3 points in the losses? It depends. Did the Mavs just miss their shots or did the Mavs get grossly out-coached? You say 4-1 exit, automatic firing for Nellie. It's not that simple.
Barring injury, if the Mavs go out 4-1 in the second round, I really think it is that simple, regardless of the opponent. Dallas should be able to go further than they did last year. Period.
<< The Lakers have won the championship THREE YEARS IN A ROW. They have to be considered a favorite, should they make the playoffs. Also two words: Shaq, Kobe.
The Spurs have Duncan and a point guard that Nash and NVE make look like an all-star every time they play the Mavs. The Spurs are a hurdle team for the Mavs. >>
You and I both agree that Dallas would be favored against these teams. You have always argued that Nellie didn't win in the past because he didn't have the favored team. Well, for once he will, and that excuse won't be present any more. I'll be disappointed if they lose to either of these teams in the playoffs.
<< The Kings have the best overall talent in the NBA, according to me. The Kings blew the championship last year by hitting only 50% of their free throws in the 7th game of the WCF. >>
We also agree that the Kings are the best overall team. The Mavericks should meet them in the WCF.
I'm going to say the Mavs should be favored against any of the other teams.
I agree.
Refs? Did you see the 76ers game the other day? Bradley was standing behind the 76ers center, not pushing or anything. Iverson was being guarded by a Mav, I forget who. This other Mav and the 76er's center were between Bradley and Iverson. The whistle blows. Foul, Shawn Bradley. This type of thing is not an isolated incident. Bradley is the key to the Mavs new and improved defense and he gets the respect of a 1st year free agent with the refs. Don't say that the refs can't or won't affect the playoffs.
I agree with you that refs can affect the playoffs, but I don't think that should even come up when discussing Nellie's ability to coach in the playoffs. Whether the Mavericks lose or win, you can't blame the refs. Nellie wouldn't stoop so low as to blame the refs if he does lose in the playoffs, and neither should we.
<< Surely you're not saying that just by firing Nellie that the next guy will do a better job are you? >>
Haven't we been over this? If the best job Nellie can do is get the team to the second round, I'm willing to take a chance on another coach to see if he can get them further, even if he doesn't.
<< Who says if Nelson is the coach that the Mavs are doomed to only be a contender but never the champion? There are currently 29 NBA teams. That means every year 28 coaches fail to win the championship. The best players tend to win. Shaq/Kobe three years in a row. Duncan one year. MJ and friends most of the last few years. None of those guys are on the Mavs. Our hope is Dirk with Nash and Fin helping out. I don't see Nelson's coaching as causing the Mavs to lose in the playoffs. On the contrary, Nelson is an asset, not to be thrown away lightly. >>
David, stop being a blind apologist. Nelson can't hide behind this excuse any more. He has as much talent (or more) than any team in the league.
<< Great players make great teams. I don't think some of you guys realize just how good a coach Nelson is. There are only a handful, in the world, that are better, IMO. It's a short list. >>
Nelson now HAS great players. It's time for him to make a great team out of them. In the playoffs.
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