Williams gets an interview
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- April
- 21
Donnie Walsh has indeed spoken with Herb Williams.
We don’t know yet whether it was a formal job interview or just a friendly postmortem all of the assistants will take part in this week. Probably both. And the Knicks actually confimed the conversation, which is a hopeful sign of change.
And there’s a 5 p.m. news conference … in Milwaukee.
Scott Skiles is taking over the Bucks, as expected. It was probably a smart move jumping in right away. Playoff upsets have a way of creating more job openings, so losing teams need to lock up the top candidates before a winning teams comes along with a job offer.
Williams ranks 23rd in franchise history with 17 coaching victories, which seems to be a concern to some readers. Ignore the record. He was an interim coach, and players don’t compete when they know another change is coming. We’ve seen that situation play out three years running.
Let’s put it this way …
I’m willing to bet a bucket of range balls the Knicks would’ve easily won more games over the last three seasons if Williams had been named head coach instead of Larry Brown. He’s impossible not to like, but Williams also has the ability to connect with verbal jabs when needed. The man is respected, which usually draws the proper response from players.
That’s not an endorsement, just an observation. Debate away.
This entry was posted
on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 2:49 pm by Mike Dougherty.
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sure thing.
I would be happy with Herb Williams as head coach. But that means a long turnaround. Will NY stand for that? Isnt the quick fix what got us in this trouble with Layden and Thomas? So yeah… it’s best to grow with a guy who has coaching experience, smarts and the same NY roots as Mark Jackson… but will it be ALLOWED? You cant do rebuild halfway.
People say that Mark Jackson has no coaching experience, but Walsh is not afraid to find new “diamonds” and give new coaches a shot. herb almost fits that description. Almost. He does have coaching experience, having sat on the bench for the past 5-6 years but still, it would be a “new” thing because he would be getting the nod from the outset. Walsh could very well be taking as much of a chance on herb as he would be with Mark. The players however, dont know Mark as well as they probably know Herb. Mark can set the bar and draw the line early. IN my opinion, I think all this stuff plays more to Herbs favor. Herb has had time to sit and think about what he would change if he were coach. First hand. Also, Herb would most likely not have to deal with the same exact cast of players that Isaiah assembled (which actually is a benefit to whatever coach takes over). Herb is a defensive minded player and I think he’s definitely paid his dues and shown his loyalty. The only reason he is not the man for the job is if he puts walsh to sleep in his interview. If Mark gets the job, I’m sure it will be because he impresses Walsh in the interview much more than Herb. Mark may very well have the advantage there. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top. My question is, why does everyone think patrick Ewing would make a good assistant? Is he really all that rersponsible for Yao’s steady improvement in houston?
Who’s to blame for the defense in NY? is it ultimately Isaiah? Which coaches in Ny were responsible for defensive coaching?
“I’m willing to bet a bucket of range balls the Knicks would’ve easily won more games over the last three seasons if Williams had been named head coach instead of Larry Brown. He’s impossible not to like, but Williams also has the ability to connect with verbal jabs when needed. The man is respected, which usually draws the proper response from players.
That’s not an endorsement, just an observation. Debate away.”
Mike,
This is based on what? I don’t get why these players would respect Isiah Thomas’ top assistant. It will be like no coaching change was even made. This franchise needs an entirely new face and voice.
Sergio,
Pick your favorite writer, get on that blog, ask the question. I bet they back me up. Herb doesn’t play games. He’s straightforward. You want to work, he’s there helping. Players like his personality and would play hard to make sure he succeeds. In the end, the familiarity might hurt Williams, but he’s got his own ideas.
shawn,
It always comes back to the head coach. If he doesn’t set a trend early on by parking players who don’t at least hustle on defense, he gets exploited.
I think this interview was more of a favor to Herb than him being a viable candidate. I’d rather have Thidobeau or Jackson than Herb. For me though, getting an experienced coach isn’t a priority. We wont be good for a while anyway.
There’s no concrete reason to give Herb a head coaching job.
But, as said above, Herb is likeable and straightforward. Mike Dougherty is right. But if Walsh does his job right many of the players now will be gone and therefore it won’t matter much if those former Knicks like Herb or not