Evan Turner dropped 2,462 dimes throughout his 11 years in the NBA. Out of all the shots he’s made in a game, the sickest one he’s ever dropped didn’t happen on the court. He didn’t have a ball in his hand. He didn’t drop it to Damian Lilliard, Jrue Holliday, Jodie Meeks, or his point forward podcast mate Andre Iguodala. Instead, he had a mic and this ‘dime’ was for everyone listening.
In an episode of the aforementioned podcast, Turner gave his take on leadership in the midst of the Brooklyn Nets’ trade request and rumor-filled off-season. About the Nets and head coach Steve Nash, Turner said:
“If you’re the captain of the ship, you might have the best fishermen on Earth. But if he can’t get you back home, ain’t nobody eating that fish.”
There hasn’t been a lot of “fish” on the ship of the Carolina Panthers. In fact, the Panthers, for three seasons, have been a dinghy with no direction. They can’t get to the fish and measure up to other boats in the NFL seas. They can’t find their way to shore, figure things out and regroup because the “captain” doesn’t know how to navigate and guide. Carolina made head coach Matt Rhule walk the plank Monday morning-firing him after three seasons and an 11-27 record (.289 winning percentage) While the move may have been a year too late, the fact that the move was finally made is a win. Here are a few reasons why.
Can’t Continue To Force What Doesn’t Fit
During his stops at Temple and Baylor, Rhule turned their programs around within three seasons. His approach to the game and philosophy resonated in those two spots. However, what works in college football doesn’t work in the pros. Rhule failed to adapt and adjust to the pro game. While the effort was there, the results were not. Pushing the issue would only result in more losses with relatively a lot of season left.
Why Wait To Start The Rebuilding Process?
Intrim head coach Steve Wilks may, or may not, be the long term answer at the helm. However, him finishing the season can provide fans, and owner David Tepper, with a clear view of the actual talent on the roster. The Panthers have solid players. DJ Moore, Frankie Luvu, Brian Burns, and Jaycee Horn have talent. What they didn’t have under Rhule is an opportunity to maximize it. Under Wilks, the Panthers can have a true picture to see what they have and take it from there. In order to rebuild, you have to have a combination of picks and talent via free agency. In order to attract free agents who can come in, mesh with the team and impact it, you have to be a destination with potential. Carolina would never be that as long as Rhule was coaching.
A Sign Of Care
For someone who wants to win, it seems like Tepper is very apathetic. Him firing Rhule is one of many steps that needed to happen. Defensive Coordinator Phil Snow and assistant special teams coach Ed Foley are out as well. This is an opportunity for Tepper to be more proactive in his decision making. It’s also an opportunity for him to learn how to build a team properly. His time in Pittsburgh could be comparable as an observer, since the Rooney’s own the majority of the team and were responsible for most of the decision making.
While these moves may not bring in the ‘fish’ to the Panther’s boat immediately, at least they can get a new captain, compass and net for next season.