Hornets fire Scott … Lakers in his future?

November 12th, 2009, 11:23 am · 7 Comments · posted by JANIS CARR, OCREGISTER.COM

Byron Scott reportedly was fired as coach of the New Orleans Hornets. His ouster is a bit shocking considering how early it is in the season.

But mangement couldn’t have been pleased with the way the Hornets have slumped since coming within one game of the 2008 Western Conference Finals and Scott was named Coach of the Year. They finished last season at 49-33 and had gotten off to a miserable 3-6 start this season.

Moreover, how do you think Hornets officials felt when they read Scott’s recent comments about being back in Los Angeles?

“Obviously I love this place. The Lakers were my team. I still tell people I bleed purple and gold … but it’s crazy to speculate (on ever coaching the Lakers),” he told the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Makes you wonder if he can ever truly dedicate himself to another team, one that doesn’t wear purple and gold?

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Earl Bloom, staff writer says:

November 12, 2009 at 11:32 am

I would point out that 49-33 is not exactly a bad season by Hornets franchise standards.

I also doubt Scott requested that Tyson Chandler be traded (twice, but that’s another story). The Hornets also dumped Rasual Butler, and now can not find a starting two-guard.

That being said, I wish Byron and his family the best. They can spend rare in-season time together as he gets ready for his next NBA coaching job … which should not be long in coming for the 2008 NBA Coach of the Year.

J-Dizzle says:

November 12, 2009 at 11:34 am

I blame management and the owner on this one. When you orchestrate trade that shake up a team in a way they have, especially in payroll cutting moves… the team isn’t going to perform the way it was when it reached the Western Conference Finals. Tyson Chandler couldn’t stay healthy there, David West I believe had some health issues, Rasaul Butler was given away for free and Emeka Okafor isn’t working well with Chris Paul and David West. This is hardly the fault of Byron Scott and I hope he comes home and at least fills an assistant role for the time being until Phil is ready to call quits. He’s a good solid coach and he’s being used as a scapegoat for the mistakes of upper management.

htp says:

November 12, 2009 at 12:47 pm

While the decline in personnel is not Scott’s fault, he does have a reputation.

Two jobs, both with elite all time point guards, both teams enjoy success in the first couple of years followed by conflicts with said point guards and losing the respect of the players.

it was painfully obvious that he lost yet another team during the playoffs last summer. There’s just no other explanation for losing by 58 in a playoff game on your own court. None.

I’d be all for him returning to the Lakers as an assistant coach, but I can’t see him being given the head coaching gig nor would I want to see it.

Earl Bloom, staff writer says:

November 12, 2009 at 4:49 pm

Here is a snippet from the AP story that addresses Scott’s CP3 relationship.

Chris Paul, , who has not played for any NBA coach but Scott, was not available after players gathered at the club’s suburban training center. Team officials said he had a prior commitment and had to leave. Paul was close with Scott. The pair golfed together and Paul once referred to Scott as a father figure who was closer to him than many of his own relatives.

“I understand personal relationships,” Bower said. “Chris, that’s one of his strengths, his ability to connect. And obviously it’s a very strong personal relationship (with Scott) and that should remain in place. This is a professional decision and a professional relationship that we have here and I have a lot of confidence in what he wants. He wants to win. … None of us are pleased from a personal standpoint to ever have a day like today.”

Here’s the link http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-hornets-coachfired&prov=ap&type=lgns

So, if you’re referring to Jason Kidd and Baron Davis that’s one thing. CP3 is another. And his contract is up after 2011-12.
- Pinky says:
  
  November 12, 2009 at 11:41 pm
  
  Earl - in case you haven’t read this initial report card on Artest - http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2009/11/11/artest-is-doing-things-big-and-little-right/
  
  “Artest leads the Lakers in +/- so far this season — LA is outscoring opponents by 13.5 points per 48 minutes when Artest is on the floor. LA is being outscored by opponents by 20.2 points per 48 minutes when Artest is NOT on the floor. That is a 33 points per 48 minutes swing he is creating.”

jmart says:

November 12, 2009 at 1:26 pm

Wow!!!! Mitch and Dr. Buss should get him over as an assistant and fill in the duties Kurt did. And if all goes well and the team, Kobe, is happy then possibily take over when Phil steps down?

urdoo says:

November 12, 2009 at 3:00 pm

I loved Byron Scott as a player, not so sure as a head coach. After all the years he put in as an assistant, I’d rather give a Rambis a shot at the Laker heading coach down the line (when he’s sick and tired of the Minnesota cold, losing ways).

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