Marcin Gortat was not kind when describing the Suns over the past season, from Brett Pollakoff of probasketballtalk: “Gortat was brutally honest in his assessment of the team’s issues, and ripped the lack of character displayed by the team’s younger players. “I think we need some changes,” he said. “We need some serious conversations. We need to look in the mirror and each one of us has got to ask if we did everything that was necessary to win, or if we did everything that was necessary to perform at 100 percent. But first of all I’m going to look at myself. I’m going to try to correct myself and hopefully the management and the front office people will do the right thing.” When asked what skill set needed to be improved on the roster, Gortat pointed to issues more mental than physical. “Well, I would say we are missing character,” he said. “We are missing just strong minds on the team. We are just weak, mentally weak, basically. I would say that we just need more talent. We need more talent, we need more athletic, energetic guys, and people that want to compete and fight. That’s it. “But like I said, that’s a decision to make by the people in the front office. I’m just going to look at myself and try to correct my mistakes and try to be better next year.”
Stephen Curry is ready to take on the challenge of winning games for the Warriors, from his interview with Tim Kawakami of Mercury News: “Q: We’ll say you’re the best player in this series, let’s see you win some games. You want that responsibility? -CURRY: Why not, man? I mean, I don’t think many people expected us to be in this situation coming into this season. So for whatever pressure from the outside that’s coming in, we’re going to embrace it and myself in particular just try to have a clear mindset going into this series. I have an opportunity to help my team do something a lot of people didn’t think we could do. And win a series against a tough Denver team. -Q: Could it come down to you having to hit some shots in the fourth quarter? -CURRY: I’m ready for it. I’m sure if you talk to anybody on this team they’d say the same thing. -Q: That they’re ready for you to hit some shots? (I was kidding!) -CURRY: No. (Smiles.) No, pass to the open guy. If it’s me, knock it down. It’s the same situation, like the Laker game, if I’m double-teamed, I’ve got confidence in Carl to knock down that shot. And just let the game dictate and try to just make the right plays. If my number’s called in the fourth quarter to make plays down the stretch, I’m up for it.”… -Q: With the ankle aside, there have been plenty of people doubt you through your NBA career. Do you feel vindicated by this season? -CURRY: It’s a good feeling but I don’t feel vindication. I knew I could do it. I’ve known that all along. And I still have room to grow–it’s not like I’ve arrived at all. That’s why I’m motivated to keep doing it. It’s my fourth year; hopefully I have a lot more to achieve. I don’t really need doubters to really spark that for me. I just know I can get better.”
Kyrie Irving was pretty upset about the firing of Byron Scott, from Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio: “Kyrie Irving seemed particularly distraught about the news that the Cleveland Cavaliers fired coach Byron Scott on Thursday. Irving is the Cavs’ second-year point guard, leading scorer and All-Star. “I feel like a piece of me is missing,” Irving said while looking at the ground. “I’m trying to get over the loss of my basketball father.”… Irving characterized his feelings as surprised and saddened. “I don’t really have any positive feelings right now,” he said. Scott was at the practice facility for part of the morning, said forward Tristan Thompson — who offered his support for Scott last week when rumors of Scott’s dismissal first surfaced. Scott did not address the media, but he did comment via a release from the team. “I am certainly proud of the progress that many of our players have made and greatly appreciate the dedication of my coaches and our team in our efforts to attain the success we all desired,” he said.”
With Byron Scott out as the coach of the Cavaliers, there may be interest in bringing back Mike Brown. Brian Windhorst has details: “While the Cleveland Cavaliers said goodbye to Byron Scott on Thursday, they could be welcoming back former coach Mike Brown. With Scott out, there is mutual interest between Brown and the Cavaliers for a possible reunion, according to multiple league sources. Much of it may depend on Brown, who has told those close to him that he is not sure he’s ready to return to coaching after being let go by the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season. Brown, who has two years and more than $8 million left on his deal with the Lakers, has said he may take time off to be with his family. The Cavs are expected to contact several possible candidates in the next few days. Despite Brown being fired by owner Dan Gilbert after back-to-back 60-win seasons (2008-2010), sources told ESPN.com there were no grudges held by either side that would prevent a dialogue about a fresh start.
- Michael Curry will interview for the 76ers coaching job, according to Shams Charania of RealGM: “With the resignation of Doug Collins as Philadelphia 76ers head coach, associate Michael Curry will interview for the franchise’s vacancy while eyeing job openings around the NBA, Curry told RealGM on Thursday afternoon. Curry discussed the 76ers’ coaching position with general manager Tony DiLeo on Thursday and will continue his duties into the offseason as part of the staff. DiLeo has already begun compiling a list of candidates and Curry is poised to be among them to receive a formal interview. Collins, now a special consultant to the 76ers, has always been an advocate of Curry, who served as his lead assistant over the past three seasons. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of the 76ers’ ownership clearing out the current staff and bringing in a fresh coach as its first hiring. After being a finalist for the Orlando Magic’s vacancy that went to Jacque Vaughn last offseason, Curry has established himself as a defensive coach who will attract interviews from teams with openings – such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.”
Mitch Kupchak said coach Mike D’Antoni will return next season, from Mike Bresnahan of Los Angeles Times: “Lakers Coach Mike D’Antoni will be back next season, General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Wednesday. “Yeah, he’s back. I think he’s done a great job,” Kupchak told The Times. “There’s been no discussions otherwise. “He’s made adjustments. He’s been flexible. He’s evaluated how he coaches as the season’s progressed. He’s listened to the players. He’s very easy to work with and we think in particular since the meeting the day of the Memphis game, yeah.” D’Antoni is 40-32 since taking over as the Lakers’ coach, though the Lakers are 28-12 since the day after a team meeting called by D’Antoni in Memphis in January. D’Antoni, 61, has two more guaranteed years for a total of $8 million. The Lakers also owe former coach Mike Brown about $6 million over the next two years. Brown was fired five games into this season.”
Why do you persist in printing links to the atrocious Sam Amico? One of the least knowledgeable and one of the biggest fawning NBA writers in the country. Nobody is more biased and more in the hip pocket of the NBA franchise they write about. He’s a joke. As sportswriters go, Amico’s credibility rises to the level of Jimmy Haslam. Which is to say he has no credibility and doesn’t possess the qualifications for the job.