Knicks · nice read on Miller's approach during all this and prolly why he's doing well (page 1)

https://nypost.com/2020/02/19/how-mike-m...

Chaos has surrounded Mike Miller. The Knicks’ president was fired. The new branding consultant effectively got rid of Miller on national television, before walking back his comments. Big-name coaches have been connected to the job Miller currently holds.

But the Knicks’ interim coach has tuned it all out. He’s not trying to prove himself, to the Knicks or any other organization. He only cares about one thing: Giving his best for the seemingly forever-in-turmoil franchise’s current players.

“If we help these guys and we continue to grow and get better, then we’ve done our job,” Miller said. “All I’m concerned about is bringing value to it and helping these guys. As simple as it sounds, I did that for six years as a D-League [and] G-League coach and I felt good at the end of every season. That’s the direction that I take.”

It’s that simple, day-to-day approach that seems to have worked well for Miller, who is running an NBA team for the first time in his long coaching career. Since replacing fired Knicks coach David Fizdale on Dec. 6, Miller has led the orange and blue to a 13-20 record. Under Fizdale, they were a collective mess, winning just four times in 22 games. Under Miller, the Knicks have been more competitive, better defensively and more cohesive offensively. Of his 20 losses, 10 were by single digits. Since leading scorer Marcus Morris was traded to the Clippers on Feb. 6, the Knicks’ play hasn’t dropped off. They are 2-2, including a double-overtime road loss to the Hawks.

“I don’t make those decisions [about Miller getting a full-time job as an NBA coach], but from my personal standpoint, dealing with him on a day-to-day basis, he’s been absolutely amazing,” forward Julius Randle said. “How he interacts with us, how he coaches the game, everything. We’ve responded very well to him and he’s done a great job. He just makes some adjustments for what he feels is best, playing to guys’ strengths and stuff like that.

“He’s never too high, never too low. We have a loss, after the game he’s not super-emotional. We’ll be in the next day and we’ll talk about it. … He’s been great with that and great with making sure we connect with each other.”

Perhaps most importantly, Miller has provided balance at a time when there is so much uncertainty within the organization and as rumors swirl daily. Miller’s focus has been on the present. He has not been fixated on what might happen down the line and he doesn’t want his players thinking about the unknown, either. He has made sure they have gotten that message directly from him, too.

“What we control is today. Let’s take care of today. Let’s get better today,” Miller said. “If we can do that and keep our energy going in that direction, they have proven when they do that, they can have success and they can help themselves.”

As names pop up as potential future Knicks coaches, from Tom Thibodeau to Jeff Van Gundy, and changes loom under incoming president Leon Rose, the 55-year-old Miller isn’t taking the bait, refusing to lobby for the job. He doesn’t keep tabs on social media. When it was suggested the idea of keeping his job long term has been dismissed, he said it was news to him. His family knows not to bother him with the latest reports.

“I don’t think it’s productive for me,” Miller said. “My job is right here, today. My focus the last couple of days is come back and have these two good practices and get ready to play Indiana, then we have two more practices.

“It’s really not my concern. My background, I spent six years in the D-League [and] G-League and it was day-to-day, how do you make the players better. I really think that experience gave me a different perspective of how to do this job, and how to do a job that brings value to an organization. I’m good with it and I feel like if we’re helping the players, we’re doing our jobs, and that’s good enough for me.”

It may be ridiculous to even think with Mr. SuperAgent coming in to run things, but we need some sort of stability with this franchise. Miller obviously has that personally in his approach, his mentality, crap he even dresses calmly.

What are 19 and 20 year old kids going to get out of having 10 coaches in 3 years? Yoots need stable ground to grow in. I hope Leon sees that.

And staying out of social media is probably going to lead to a longer, happier life for him. Especially in this line of business.

Shit! Is this dump considered social media?

jrodmc wrote:It may be ridiculous to even think with Mr. SuperAgent coming in to run things, but we need some sort of stability with this franchise. Miller obviously has that personally in his approach, his mentality, crap he even dresses calmly.

What are 19 and 20 year old kids going to get out of having 10 coaches in 3 years? Yoots need stable ground to grow in. I hope Leon sees that.

And staying out of social media is probably going to lead to a longer, happier life for him. Especially in this line of business.

Shit! Is this dump considered social media?

I'm hoping whomever Rose hires will bring back Miller as the head assistant. Best of both worlds there.

“I don’t make those decisions [about Miller getting a full-time job as an NBA coach], but from my personal standpoint, dealing with him on a day-to-day basis, he’s been absolutely amazing,” forward Julius Randle said. “How he interacts with us, how he coaches the game, everything. We’ve responded very well to him and he’s done a great job. He just makes some adjustments for what he feels is best, playing to guys’ strengths and stuff like that."

I think most if not all of the players will say things like this in their exit interview. Depending on how many guys they are bringing back (and there is a realisic possibility of 11 current rotation guys coming back) this might factor the most heavily on the head coach decision. It seems like the whole roster plays very hard for Miller. You can't take it lightly if players are buying into a coach, going all out for him, saying these great things about him. And the team has improved under Miller. Alot. Like it was mentioned before about Stability. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Right now, this second, the Knicks do not have a head coaching problem. I hope they ride with Miller.

Here you have the star player having his responsibilities and touches reduced and he calls the coach " amazing." Think about that.

The only way that happens in today's NBA is if the team gels, the coach understands the player's game and psyche and, finally,the coach communicates well. Actually, I can't think of a similar precedent.

Props to Randle for the statement. Given where the team was two months ago, is it really possible to expect more?

Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

[b][Last season, when David Fizdale was the Knicks’ first-year coach, it took him five games to go all-in on playing the younger guys no matter what. After the fifth game, Fizdale announced center Enes Kanter would no longer start and project rookie Mitchell Robinson would./b]

So we went all in on the youth movement the last 65 games of the season last yr, and the same guys(those who are still here) are playing either worse or no better, and the head coach eventually gets fired...I'm curious to know why they think that same approach would have different results this yr.

The only way I can respect Miller (or any potential head coach for the matter) is wins, at least hoovering around 500. If he's well below 500 at the end of this season, he's out as head coach...

I don't get all the love for Miller, but I have to admit he has them working hard half the time. The team is still losing and not defending the three at all. The team is still not shooting free throws well. Randle is still handling the ball way too much outside of the blocks. Frank is still not attacking the rim and passing the ball once he gets across the half-court line. I know he has been better the Fizdale but I just don't get the retain him talks when there are high-level couches available. Just a thought!

mikesknicks wrote:I don't get all the love for Miller, but I have to admit he has them working hard half the time. The team is still losing and not defending the three at all. The team is still not shooting free throws well. Randle is still handling the ball way too much outside of the blocks. Frank is still not attacking the rim and passing the ball once he gets across the half-court line. I know he has been better the Fizdale but I just don't get the retain him talks when there are high-level couches available. Just a thought!

MIller is not a player. There is just so much he can do.
I see more incremental improvements. Frank had a good 4th qtr last night. Not sure what they are calling plays or frank to do. Is he being coached or not responsive?
Randle is moving better without the ball.

Knicks are uneven. For most of us its not easy to see the bigger picture. Last night we saw a nice comeback in that had good ball movement and good defense. We can harp on Barrett shooting but his moves to the rim are exceptional! Frank’s defense on Brogden was impressive in the 4th. Barrett had a silly turnover that sealed the game. He had a near great pass to a cutting Randle down the stretch. Dotson had a nice clutch shot but was off most of the night.

This team is challenged talent wise. DSjr is really freaking bad. Its like the guy added size and can’t move right, and his head is not right. NOt fat, he is built like a linebacker.

Nalod wrote:Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

Made enough of a case to me. Even with our best player traded, the team is still competing. Agree that this stint as an interim coach should convince some teams that Miller is worth considering. If NY passes.

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

Made enough of a case to me. Even with our best player traded, the team is still competing. Agree that this stint as an interim coach should convince some teams that Miller is worth considering. If NY passes.

Unfortunatly its not always about pure coaching chops. Charisma, public speaking, and mixing with sponsers are part of the gig. We like our stars. Fans pay for stars. Riley had the chops and the personality.
Jay Wright might be able to bring that. coach Cal is a great motivation speaker.
Nalod would rather we construct our team with system in mind. Thats a nice goal but more times than not you build with the talent your able to acquire.
Now, if you go out and get MDA one might be open to get him players to max that system. If not, sign Miller for 3 years and go with him until he either stagnates or the team evolves to have the next guy take it further.

Unfortunatly its not always about pure coaching chops. Charisma, public speaking, and mixing with sponsers are part of the gig. We like our stars. Fans pay for stars. Riley had the chops and the personality.
Jay Wright might be able to bring that. coach Cal is a great motivation speaker.
Nalod would rather we construct our team with system in mind. Thats a nice goal but more times than not you build with the talent your able to acquire.
Now, if you go out and get MDA one might be open to get him players to max that system. If not, sign Miller for 3 years and go with him until he either stagnates or the team evolves to have the next guy take it further.

If the Knicks could hit a few open shots we'd think Miller is a genius. But he has his talent and it is what it is. Its also a safe bet for the new regime. Ride Miller and if you need a change down the line it won't look bad for the new president. It wasn't his coachig hire that failed. It can buy him an extra move down the line, some extra breathing room. (Hopefully he won't need it.)

Coaching could be about building culture. Miller talks about it all the time. His teams lack very good talent but the Knicks are usually (except for the occasional blowout) in the game at the end fighting, scrappy, trying to lock down on defense. And making comebacks. (That don't always work. If only there was a closer.) But the team never gives up and keeps fighting. I don't know if that counts as culture, but for a team that lacks talent those are really good traits to have. That comes from Miller I believe.

GT2AM wrote:Coaching could be about building culture. Miller talks about it all the time. His teams lack very good talent but the Knicks are usually (except for the occasional blowout)in the game at the end fighting, scrappy, trying to lock down on defense. And making comebacks. (That don't always work. If only there was a closer.) But the team never gives up and keeps fighting. I don't know if that counts as culture, but for a team that lacks talent those are realy good traits to have. That comes from Miller I believe.

I think you are right. The Knicks are bottom 5 for every shooting stat including last for free throw percentage and true shooting percentage. But they are playing hard and it shows on defense.

Nalod wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

Made enough of a case to me. Even with our best player traded, the team is still competing. Agree that this stint as an interim coach should convince some teams that Miller is worth considering. If NY passes.

Unfortunatly its not always about pure coaching chops. Charisma, public speaking, and mixing with sponsers are part of the gig. We like our stars. Fans pay for stars. Riley had the chops and the personality.
Jay Wright might be able to bring that. coach Cal is a great motivation speaker.
Nalod would rather we construct our team with system in mind. Thats a nice goal but more times than not you build with the talent your able to acquire.
Now, if you go out and get MDA one might be open to get him players to max that system. If not, sign Miller for 3 years and go with him until he either stagnates or the team evolves to have the next guy take it further.

By those standards, I doubt JVG would have gone from an asst to HC. He was the anti-Riley, lol.

I feel pretty confident they are hiring Thibs

wargames wrote:I feel pretty confident they are hiring Thibs

Really? Hoping Rose hires an experienced gm or keeps Perry and takes a thorough approach and doesn’t just go with the guy campaigning the most for the job. I think I would want MJax over Thibs. A good friend of mine who is from the Bsy Area thinks Jax would be perfect for the job. This guy covered the Warriors back when Nellie and PJ coached the team and still has friends on the beat.

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

Made enough of a case to me. Even with our best player traded, the team is still competing. Agree that this stint as an interim coach should convince some teams that Miller is worth considering. If NY passes.

Unfortunatly its not always about pure coaching chops. Charisma, public speaking, and mixing with sponsers are part of the gig. We like our stars. Fans pay for stars. Riley had the chops and the personality.
Jay Wright might be able to bring that. coach Cal is a great motivation speaker.
Nalod would rather we construct our team with system in mind. Thats a nice goal but more times than not you build with the talent your able to acquire.
Now, if you go out and get MDA one might be open to get him players to max that system. If not, sign Miller for 3 years and go with him until he either stagnates or the team evolves to have the next guy take it further.

By those standards, I doubt JVG would have gone from an asst to HC. He was the anti-Riley, lol.

Remember the moment. Ewing contract was expiring and Nelson wanted to push the ball. This challenged Ewings stats. Rumors were he held the ball and get it to Charlie Warrd who'd reset the offense and get the big fella the ball. This infuriated Nellie. Other rumor was Orlando wanted Ewing and Shaq as also free agent to be. Not sure Shaq wanted NYC. That said, JVG was an appeasement hiring for Patrick and Knicks would still focus on Ewing. He did resign with knicks for big money.

Present day, I don't know what Knicks are looking for.

CrushAlot wrote:

wargames wrote:I feel pretty confident they are hiring Thibs

Really? Hoping Rose hires an experienced gm or keeps Perry and takes a thorough approach and doesn’t just go with the guy campaigning the most for the job. I think I would want MJax over Thibs. A good friend of mine who is from the Bsy Area thinks Jax would be perfect for the job. This guy covered the Warriors back when Nellie and PJ coached the team and still has friends on the beat.

Then he understands Jax issues he that lead to his departure?
A man can change.
Does Jax stil want to be based in California? Does is wife still run a church there? Is he still cheating on her?
He kind of melted. Does he even want the gig?

Nalod wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Nalod wrote:Im on the fence as to whether he stays or goes. I like him and would be happy if he continued on. Fact is his work might open doors to him outside the organization and I'd be happy if this season furthered his career.
If so Im good with him perhaps finding a long term gig somewhere if that is not to happen here.

Made enough of a case to me. Even with our best player traded, the team is still competing. Agree that this stint as an interim coach should convince some teams that Miller is worth considering. If NY passes.

Unfortunatly its not always about pure coaching chops. Charisma, public speaking, and mixing with sponsers are part of the gig. We like our stars. Fans pay for stars. Riley had the chops and the personality.
Jay Wright might be able to bring that. coach Cal is a great motivation speaker.
Nalod would rather we construct our team with system in mind. Thats a nice goal but more times than not you build with the talent your able to acquire.
Now, if you go out and get MDA one might be open to get him players to max that system. If not, sign Miller for 3 years and go with him until he either stagnates or the team evolves to have the next guy take it further.

By those standards, I doubt JVG would have gone from an asst to HC. He was the anti-Riley, lol.

Remember the moment. Ewing contract was expiring and Nelson wanted to push the ball. This challenged Ewings stats. Rumors were he held the ball and get it to Charlie Warrd who'd reset the offense and get the big fella the ball. This infuriated Nellie. Other rumor was Orlando wanted Ewing and Shaq as also free agent to be. Not sure Shaq wanted NYC. That said, JVG was an appeasement hiring for Patrick and Knicks would still focus on Ewing. He did resign with knicks for big money.

Present day, I don't know what Knicks are looking for.

I do remember Ewing's stamp of approval was a big part of JVG getting the job full time. My point is that I dont believe there is a hard and fast rule when it comes to the Knicks hiring coaches.

Miller seems to be clicking with the players. Absent a big star to chime in, hope Miller gets the job. Would have been ok with Wright getting the job.

Since it looks like a no go on that, a good coach who gets along with his players is nothing to sneeze at. Continuity is something the Knicks have been sorely lacking at coach.

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

wargames wrote:I feel pretty confident they are hiring Thibs

Really? Hoping Rose hires an experienced gm or keeps Perry and takes a thorough approach and doesn’t just go with the guy campaigning the most for the job. I think I would want MJax over Thibs. A good friend of mine who is from the Bsy Area thinks Jax would be perfect for the job. This guy covered the Warriors back when Nellie and PJ coached the team and still has friends on the beat.

Then he understands Jax issues he that lead to his departure?
A man can change.
Does Jax stil want to be based in California? Does is wife still run a church there? Is he still cheating on her?
He kind of melted. Does he even want the gig?

I talked with him about all of that and that the owner said that you can’t be hated by everyone in the building etc. His main point was that Jax gave them directionwhen they had none. I prefer the Knicks keep Miller and I prefer their don’t hire Jax but he would be my choice if it was Thibs or Jax. I do respect his opinion.