Daily Links 6/10

“We want to attack the opponent,” said Iavaroni. “We want to make sure that the opponent is feeling uncomfortable. We want to bring out the energy, the talent, the athleticism that we have in our players. We want them to play instinctively. They can’t do that unless it’s simple. I’ll be a simplicity and execution coach.”

A coach with less experience in the NBA might not have the confidence to advocate simplicity.

Red Auerbach also preached keeping it simple. This has been one of my biggest complaints about Doc. He tries to micromanage and his system is difficult for the players to adapt to. He doesn’t use a player’s strengths but tries to force fit them into his system. With a PG like Rondo with such great instincts, we should be letting him run the show more. I can see Danny trading some of our young talent away only to see them blossom and break out when coached by a good coach.

…and finally we get a “hint” of Danny’s INFATUATION with Al Thornton. While Danny considers Corey Brewer to be a better “all-around” player than Thornton, he considers Yi and Brewer to be good COMPLEMENTARY players. In Thornton’s case he goes one step further and characterizes Al as a “take-charge” player (especially offensively), the type that has a chance to be a STAR PLAYER at the next level….Ainge went further (re Thornton) by saying he’s already been doing that in college and I expect he’ll also be able to do it in the NBA….( a subtle suggestion that others may not be able to duplicate their college performance in the NBA).

So now we know, although Thornton needs to get better defensively, be a better ball-handler (to reduce his high TO’s), pass better, develop better court vision and continue to improve offensively, Danny believes that Thornton has the better potential (of Brewer,Yi and perhaps Green and Julian Wright) to be a STAR at the next level…

Since inside size is also an issue, Danny will take a final look at Brandon Wright, Noah and Horford.

  It is expected that one or two of those previously mentioned will be drafted before #5 (depending upon Conley’s draft position).