After 14 games, I think that we would all be satisfied with an 8-6 start. There has been many positives and some negatives that have been discussed about the players and notably the coaching staff. I think that Jackson has gotten a bad rep since his tanking, playoff prediction, and the whole last year; but the warriors have rebounded well and played defense this year, so he does deserve some credit. However, I wonder if Michael Malone is the true key cog behind Jackson's coaching capabilities, and he is more valuable to the coaching staff.
Malone was praised as a defensive coach gem from New Orleans and Cleveland. He is considered one of the top defensive coaches in the game, and one of the prime assistant coaches in the league. From observations during the games, it seems as if Malone draws up plays and calls schemes, while Jackson provides motivational words.
Considering that, here is the current breakdown of the coaching staff's performance thus far as a whole
Positives: The Warriors look like a strong defensive team. They have bought into rebounding the basketball and challenging shots. They foul too often, but not for a lack of effort. During Jackson's tenure, they have been a solid road team and seem to be motivated on the end of a back-to back. They have also finished games quite strong this season (minus Denver), alot of their wins have come from strong runs in the 4th quarter.
Negatives: Our half-court offense is extremely stagnant. This results into high ball pressure on the wings, which hurts us because it takes too long to get into our sets. We run alot of isolation, especially when one play works (sometimes good or bad). Turnovers have been terrible.
The rotations at times have been questionable. Going small with david lee and landry scores points, but also gives up too much inside. Lets Thompson and Curry shoot as many quick 3 pointers as possible, hurts especially when cold.
Our 3rd quarters have been hit or miss all year. Issue of coaching staff's adjustments during halftime.
Outlook: I am torn on the coaching staff's, in particular, Jackson's performance this year. A part of me believes he is doing a decent job, because the warriors are playing good defense and winning. But, another part of me sees Jackson's success in large part to Malone's proven principles and schemes. Malone has credibility as a defensive assistant, and that is what has shown the greatest improvement. If Malone leaves for another coaching position (he has interviewed alot in recent years), is our defense as strong and rebound as well?
I'm torn because I don't see Jackson doing the head coach's responsibilities very well. I think his game management of small ball rotations, 3rd quarter adjustments, and shot selection has not been very good at all. I am very happy at our new defensive toughness, but I don't know who to credit.
I bring this up because if the warriors perform well this year then Jackson will be our coach for the next 2 seasons most likely. But, I think alot of fans get the feeling that Malone will be a head coach somewhere else in the near future (especially with Warriors success).
I am just wondering how others are evaluating the Warriors success and Jackson in particular. I love our new defense and rebounding. But, the stagnant offense and rotational issues, along with the fact that I have never seen him draw up a play or make changes during timeouts/huddles make me worried. Either way, I think that the current staff has done a good job thus far of instilling this new tough mentality, but I am considered if Malone leaves, Jackson cannot handle the job.