Coach's Carousel: Bye Bye Byron

It was announced earlier today that Byron Scott, head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, has been fired for the underperformance of the past 2 seasons. Two years ago, the Hornets seemed to have carved themselves a seat in the upper echelon of the NBA with the emergence of David West as an All-Star, Chris Paul as a perrenial MVP Candidate (and fantasy beast) and the frequent showing of the CP3 lob to Tyson Chandler on Sportscenter. They were up and ready to take on the Lakers for the West title, but they busted before they even got off the ground.

It's unfortunate to think that this pink slip for Scott is actually very similar to how he parted ways with the Nets.

1. After playoff success, the team falls meteorically. (Nets-Finals twice; Hornets-West Semis)
2. Hall of Fame point guards ran the show on the floor (Kidd; Paul)
3. Very little scoring consistency from the wings. (Kittles-Van Horn-Jefferson; Peterson-Stojakovic-Posey)
4. Overrated big man who got a bloated contract because of Guard's briliance (Martin; Chandler)
5. Extremely shallow benches
6. Cash-strapped franchises

As bad as his record seems, we actually have to give Scott credit for a couple of things. He didn't win 2 Coach of the Year awards by just doing nothing. As "bad" as a coach he might seem, we have to give him credit for letting the reins go on his point guard. He knew that he had a great point guard, one that could take the team places. So, rather than impose himself and a system completely, he gives his 1's the freedom to call sets, be flashy, entertain and make his players better. Unfortuantely for him, a point guard without great finishers do not win titles.

Kidd made Martin, Jefferson, Van Horn and Kittles all borderline all-stars and Paul did the same to West (actually became an all-star), Chandler and revived Peja. But they could naturally only do so much. When teams would attack them, they would stop everybody except the PG and the guard would then try to win it by himself. We all know that's never a plan for success, and true enough, collapses took place.

Honestly, I don't think Byron Scott deserves all the blame for their drop offs. Yes, he can take a brunt of it since he has to develop his players into becoming deserving 2nd and 3rd options for his PGs, but we've seen him run practices and he isn't easy on them. It, however raises the question of "What if he didn't have an awesome point man?"

I think the front office of the Nets and Hornets have themselves to blame as well. Not enough talent was provided, and the teams sputtered. Thus, their demise inevitable. Think of placing Michael Schumacher behind a Kia Pride. The driver can push the hell out of the car, but it can only run so fast. Those are the parts Byron Scott had to work with.

So, there's no true escape on this. It's just unlucky for him that he doesn't do the hiring and firing.