star@cdstar.UUCP (J Quillard) (10/17/85)
According to an article in the Sunday Boston Globe, and from
comments made by Celtic announcers Gil Santos and Bob Cousy
during the Pacer-Celtic game, Bill Fitch has told the press
that Sampson is not playing up to form, and questions his
motivation. Sampson was very upset about being badmouthed
in the press by his coach, since Sampson has a leg injury
that is hampering his game.
Well, Fitch seems to alienate players wherever he goes. Coaches
don't have to be close with their players to win games, but
Fitch violates player trust, and disrupts team spirit. Example
is the 1981-82 Celtics, defending World Champs. Blame Fitch for
the beginning of Maxwell's decline. Example is the 1982-1983
Celtics, blown out by the Bucks 4-zip. Blame Fitch for harboring
resentment towards McHale for his contract hassles. Fitch kept
blaming *ANY* McHale mistake on the contract negotiations. Fitch
kept a sour, accusatory tone about the team all year.
Fitch is a proven winner, and he has taken losing teams and made
them into winners wherever he goes (Cleveland, Boston, Houston),
but he has always had good young players to work with. Now that
the Rockets are more to mature as a team, I doubt that Fitch
is the best coach for the team. He runs a dictatorship, and the
Rockets need a coach who is willing to take input from players.
Give Fitch a shot at the young Pacers, his discipline may turn
them into winners. (No rap against George Irvine, Pacer Coach)
{talcott,wjh12}!cdstar!star J Quillard @ Cambridge Digital Systems