NBA Coaching: Time To Bet On Black
Three of the four coaches appearing in the NBA conference finals are Black.
Image: Getty Images
I am thoroughly enjoying the success of the trio of Nate McMillan, Ty Lue, and Monty Williams. One of these three is going to end up with an NBA title. It will also be the first in any of their team’s franchise history (Atlanta Hawks, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns). Even if they fall to defeat, it’s a good time to bet on black.
Each of these coaches have taken over jobs at pivotal times for their franchises. McMillan took over for Lloyd Pierce at a time when the Atlanta Hawks were dead in the water. Lue has pushed the L.A. Clippers into their first conference finals in franchise history. Monty Williams turned down a more high profile job with the L.A. Lakers and turned the Phoenix Suns into a contender themselves.
Black coaches are often tagged as disciplinarians instead of tacticians like their white counterparts. All three coaches have shown their ability to adjust on the fly, both on and off the floor.
As mentioned, McMillan’s last year has been quite the story. He was unjustly, in my opinion, fired from the Indians Pacers before landing in Atlanta. He’s now turned the Hawks into the team they envisioned when building through last year’s free agency. McMillan is down his three best perimeter defenders (Hunter, Reddish, Dunn) and that hasn’t stopped their trek forward containing the Knicks and Sixers, the East’s top seed. Today, his Hawks are three wins from the NBA Finals.
The Clippers 3–1 blown lead in the bubble was a colossal failure. Rather than run it back, the franchise elected to replace Doc Rivers with Lue. Lue should’ve already had a coaching job across the hall with the Lakers. A contract dispute led to his tenure with the Clippers. This season, he flushed last year’s disappointment and got to work. He’s helped the team survive a barrage from Luka Doncic after going down 2–0. After advancing, Lue neutralized the potent Utah Jazz attack without Kawhi Leonard for two closing wins. His small-ball adjustment played Rudy Gobert into a corner.
The Suns left the bubble with an 8–0 record and things continued up. Prior to that success, they have been on an upward climb, despite the stardom of Devin Booker as well as Mikal Bridges and DeAndre Ayton’s emergence. The leadership of Williams and relationship with his stars took a turn upwards. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and their coach have formed a trio of basketball genius. Recently, Williams turned the tables and stole two wins from the Clippers without his own star in Chris Paul. Prior to this outing, they dethroned the Lakers and swept the league’s MVP. It was all in part due to a constant attack of pick and roll plus role player contributions.
In addition to the players, these coaches are stars in their own right. Their resilience and ability shines through as clutch as the performances their players have given. It’s a great look for young fans that want to grow the game from the sideline. These men are not only coaching players that are inspiring a generation, they themselves are also inspirations. It’s time that we get more of this going forward.
