The NBA has already seen two coaches fired since opening night, with Phoenix axing Earl Watson just days into the season and Memphis parting ways with David Fizdale after an eight-game losing streak. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders wonders who will be the next coach to be sent packing.
The Magic have gone just 3-11 since the calendar turned to November and they face a tough week ahead. Orlando gets matchups against the Oklahoma City and Golden State before a back-to-back against the overachieving Knicks and underachieving Hornets.
Kyler hears that the Magic remain committed to Frank Vogel, who has approximately $11MM remaining on his contract over the next two seasons. However, Kyler speculates that a 12-15 loss stretch, coupled with the possibility of Doc Rivers becoming available, could change Orlando’s position.
Rivers has one year at nearly $12MM left on his deal and while the Clippers are clearly under-performing, it’s not clear that a coaching change would help them in the win column. With Blake Griffin slated to miss somewhere in the two-month range because of an MCL injury, it’ll be difficult for Los Angeles to make major improvements. Having a new coach take over and implement changes only to have to make new adjustments eight weeks later is not a recipe for success. The franchise may be better off waiting out the season before letting Rivers depart.
Sources tell Kyler that Fred Hoiberg is likely to finish the season with the Bulls, but the team owns the league’s worst record and it’s a situation worth monitoring.
Tell us what you think? Do you believe Vogel, Rivers or Hoiberg will be the next coach to go? Could there be a surprise firing that no one saw coming or will every current coach remain on their respective sidelines through the season?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. We look forward to what you have to say!
Billy Donovan. Because someone needs to coach that team
On the bright side, LeBron James got ejected for the first time in his career against Miami tonight. He never fouls out either. It’s About Time!
Agreed, Billy D is next. Rivers will get a pass for the year because of the injuries, and no one expected the Magic to be that good anyway.
No one should be surprised by the mess that is OKC. Melo and Russ were not going to work together, and now they need a Phil Jackson or Chuck Daly type coach. Maybe Balky???
I don’t think it’s Melo and Russ, I think it’s PG and Melo. PG looks so uncomfortable as the 3rd option and had a great game when Melo was out. Melo should be the 3rd option and they need to iso less. They are 12th out of 30 teams in iso points per possession but lead the league in iso possessions. Houston on the other hand is 3rd in possessions and second in PPP. This team doesn’t fit with the style they are playing. They would’ve been better off with just Russ and PG.
But yes, this will probably lead to Billy Donovan getting fired
Think OKC will get it turned around by end of season. Magic are a lost cause. Jerry West is in 2nd season for Clippers doing rebuild. Rivers is gone!
How is Kidd still coaching?
How is Rivers coaching? Gave his son big contract when no one wanted him. CP3 left because of Austin. Austin lands on Griffins knee and puts him out 2-3 months. Doc blames Lonzo.
Jason kid belongs in L.A. with his son Lonzo!
Sorry. Forgot, LaVarr is only person who can coach Lonzo!
Why didn’t the NFL just send President Trump a pair of sneakers like LaVarr did?
Its Lavar (one R)
Someone needs to do something about him. He’s the world’s biggest loser!
See, but Lavar doesn’t have one second in his day where he thinks about you. But you’re probably constantly thinking about how much you hate him. He’s winning, you’re losing
Doc Rivers is the most overrated coach in basketball. He’s not even mediocre. The Celtics won in spite of him and I pray he doesn’t go to Orlando.
LaVar is not winning. It’s like Magic Johnson. He has to decide when enough is enough. Like President Trump. he truly could have left LiAngelo in jail in prison, he could still be there. Like LeMelo, he pulls him from high school because the coach won’t let him shoot 50 times. Colleges have to look if he will be eligible. If the NBA goes to the 2 year rule, he’ll go 4 years without organized basketball. He’s bad news.
For OKC, I read a “rumor” that Cleveland still wants Paul George.
I turn ESPN off when LaVar is on. When they interview him during the game, I change the channel. I wish the media would too!
I am so glad someone said it about Doc Rivers. When he took the helm of the Clippers they got a better squad and Del Negro had one less win then him in his final season.