Kings To Interview Paul Westphal
May 11, 2009 by Troy Hanson
We are currently in the process of scheduling an interview with Paul Westphal for the team’s head coaching position. Kings Basketball President Geoff Petrie requested permission over the weekend from the Dallas Mavericks to speak with Westphal, who is the Mavs’ executive vice president of basketball operations. Both the Westphal and Eddie Jordan interviews are expected to take place this week before Petrie heads over to Spain on a scouting trip.
[...] interviewing Paul Westphal Via Troy Hanson of the Full Connect Kings blog, the Kings are interviewing Paul Westphal. (Who did you think I was [...]
[...] But, it is nice to see the Kings exploring their options. [...]
sounds good. i hope its a coach who runs fast breaks and pick and rolls then standiing and swinging the ball around.
Another good candidate from what I've read about him. At least we have two solid coaching choices so far. Can't say I remember watching any of the team's he's coached though. Anybody have pros and cons about his style of coaching?
Hello LBAtison -
One of my assistants (Devin Blankenship) found a couple stories on Paul Westphal that you might like to read. Here are the links.
Troy
Dallas Morning News story
New York Times story
I like the idea of Westphal or Jordan. Someone who can coach the type of player that Geoff Petrie likes. To much is said about hiring a "defensive coach". King's fans complained for 8 years or Rick Adelman that he wasn't a defensive coach.
1.) We sure won a lot of games during those 8 years
2) The team sure was fun to watch
3.) We never lost a playoff series during Adelman's tenure because of defense. The Kings always were well prepared defensively
4.) The supposed "Non Defensive" coach is sure coaching some great defense in Houston right now
Give me a coach like Westphal or Jordan any day over a Jeff Van Gundy (Boring). Give me a coach like Westphal or Jordan any day over the massive egos of Eric Musselman and Reggie Theus. Giving Petrie complete control of the hiring process is going to be a great thing. We'll once again have a competent, solid basketball coach who will get the most of talent on the team.
Paul Westphal has not been a head coach since 2000 Seattle Supersonics, now the Oklahoma Thunder. He has been coaching college Basketball. The league really has changed since 2000. With all due respect, I am not sure College Basketball is the same as NBA Basketball. If you have been out of the league as a head coach for 9 years, one might need adjustments to get back into the League. Eddie Jordan is ready to go. He has been coaching more recently then Westphal, who is a good coach. I believe we need a coach that is NBA ready. Westphal is good as assistant coach with the Mavericks. They are a tougher team and are currently in the NBA Playoffs. Maybe Eddie Jordan and Paul Westphal would make a good team. Eddie Jordan would be Head Coach and Paul Westphal would be assistant coach. That could be a good combination.
Petrie has good candidates, but he should look for a long term coach. I can't stand coaching changes because it messes with the players' head and distracts them from playing basketball even though they say it doesn't. Rick adelman should've never been fired. He wasn't the defensive coach, but he is a teacher and a mentor. If he could keep Ron Artest under control, then he couldve done great with this young kings team.