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One could argue that Kerr put systems in place that were superior to those that Jackson had done, and that Walton benefited from those systems. Also, one attribute of the best coaches - and the best modern executives in general - that you didn’t mention is the ability to lead while remaining open to the ideas of others regardless of the source. Kerr’s so-called “death” lineup was suggested by a lowly video guy. Would Jackson have been that humble? Of course, as you note, there’s no way of knowing for sure.

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We don't really know what makes someone a good coach. But nothing about any of those candidates makes me think that the Kings are trying to think outside the box. Maybe they shouldn't be. But I can't say anyone in that bunch is that exciting.

Of course, you could create a fusion of Riley, Jackson, and Red and put him in Sacramento, and he would still have to deal with the people who hired him and who seems to have no idea how to build a team.

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Awesome, awesome column. As a nuggets fan, I don’t think Malone js an amazing coach, and calls to fire him before the trade for Aaron Gordon ranged from sort of justified to crazy. Masai Ujuri and then Tim Connelly are amazing GMs and general basketball minds. Malone’s in the big middle of coaches: probably as good as Steve Kerr, not as good as Spolestra (the best current coach) or as bad as Walton. It appeared that Kidd was in the Walton group, but yeah, he’s also in the big middle along with everyone else.

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Certainly Jackson go the Warriors on the right track especially defensively but Kerr installed an offense that totally utilized the skills of his players. Jackson didn't seem to be headed in the direction but her certainly deserves another shot at being a HC.

Thanks for the excellent article.

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and none of this makes me regret, for a single solitary second, getting off the kings narcotic. best decision I ever made.

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