Play the Blame Game: Players, Coaches, or the System?

But Mitchell has not shown any consistency or any preach in defense. Over the four years as the head coach, the Raptors have been a good offensive team, but a terrible defensive team. The team did not have a season when opponents averaged less than 97 ppg under Mitchell. This season they are allowing 104 ppg, and clearly they needed a change in philosophy.

The Raptors need a coach that can emphasize the need for defense and consistency without compromising the offense. Sounds like the perfect job for Avery Johnson.

Golden State Warriors (5-16)

Blame: Players

In 2007, Don Nelson led the Warriors to their first playoff appearance in 13 years, and eliminated the first-seed Dallas Mavericks becoming the first number eight seed to defeat a number one seed in a seven-game series. During the 2007-08 season, the Warriors recorded a 48-34 record, but just missed the playoffs.

Don Nelson had turned around a dismal franchise into playoff contenders, which means there was no coaching problem and he had a good system for the Warriors.

Despite losing Baron Davis to free agency, the team named Monta Ellis their starting point guard, signed wingman Corey Maggette, and were still expected to contend for a playoff spot. Instead, the Warriors are 5-16, including a nine-game losing streak.

Part of the blame falls on Ellis, who tried to cover up his embarrassing moped accident. This left the Warriors without a point guard, and has forced Stephen Jackson and Jamal Crawford to fill that position.

Maggette has been a disappointment as well—despite averaging 19 ppg, he is only shooting 41.3 percent from the field. He has been a selfish player, seldom passing the ball, and has been non-existent on defense.

The rest of the blame falls on front office, which refused to give Baron Davis a substantial contract extension. With Nelson supposedly retiring after next season, the Warriors may be fading quickly back into mediocrity.

LA Clippers (4-17)

Blame: System, Coach  

It’s not like we expected the Clippers to be good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but few foresaw the team having the second-worst record in the NBA. Many thought Baron Davis could run the offense with Al Thornton, while Camby and Chris Kaman provided interior defense. They acquired Zach Randolph to bolster the interior scoring.

Instead we see very little scoring and very poor defense, despite respectable play from Randolph, Thornton, Camby, and Davis. Coach Mike Dunleavy makes all front-office and coaching decisions, and is only a few years removed from their last playoff appearance.

The main problem is Dunleavy does not have a system that fits for these players. Davis thrives on an athletic running team, but now is responsible for running a half-court offense, which is not particularly his game since he’s not a great shooter and gets many of his points in transition.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?