NBA Hot Seat: Scott Brooks is Feeling the Heat After Wizards Acquire Dwight Howard
- Scott Brooks is on the hot seat after the Wizards’ disappointing playoff exit. How short is his leash?
- Can Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum save Terry Stotts’ job?
- Is it time for Fred Hoiberg to book a U-Haul van?
Scott Brooks might want to consider reaching out to his real estate agent ASAP.
Online betting sites have released odds for the first NBA head coach to be fired during the 2018-19 season and Brooks leads the pack at +300.
First Coach Fired Odds in 2018-19 NBA Season
| Coach | Odds |
|---|---|
| Scott Brooks (Wizards) | +300 |
| Terry Stotts (Trail Blazers) | +400 |
| Fred Hoiberg (Bulls) | +500 |
| Kenny Atkinson (Nets) | +500 |
| Dave Joerger (Kings) | +600 |
| Doc Rivers (Clippers) | +700 |
| Tyronn Lue (Cavaliers) | +950 |
| Michael Malone (Nuggets) | +1500 |
| Nate McMillan (Pacers) | +1500 |
| Alvin Gentry (Pelicans) | +1500 |
| Billy Donovan (Thunder) | +1500 |
Brooks’ short odds are due to a number of factors, but it’s fascinating that he finds himself atop the list less than 24 hours after the Wizards agreed to terms with Dwight Howard.
Is Dwight Howard the GOAT Coach/Team Killer?
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) June 20, 2018
The mercurial big man has earned a reputation for being a “coach killer” after using his influence to ouster Stan Van Gundy in Orlando, Mike Brown in Los Angeles, and Kevin McHale in Houston. Howard is still a tremendous talent when fully engaged, but there’s a reason why he’s been passed around like a hot potato over the past four years.
Brooks’ ability to keep Howard happy will go a long way in securing his job, but he also has to prove his tactical skills are up to snuff. The former point guard was thoroughly outcoached by Dwane Casey during the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs, and has a troubling habit of coming up short during crunch time. That was especially evident last season, as the Wizards won just 45% of games determined by three points or less.
The Wizards won just 45% of games determined by three points or less in 2017-18.
Brooks is still one of the most likeable figures in the league, but the Wizards won’t advance to the NBA Finals until his late game management skills are on par with his player development skills.
Joining Brooks atop the list are Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts and Bulls bench boss Fred Hoiberg. Like Brooks, Stotts was also exposed in the 2018 postseason, as Portland was swept by New Orleans in the first round. The Blazers were unable to keep up with the Pelicans’ frenetic pace and, frankly, may still be suffering from a collective case of whiplash.
Saw Fred Hoiberg trending and thought the Bulls finally fired him but no such luck. I just don’t understand.
— Nic Costanza (@staycoogi) June 25, 2018
Hoiberg, meanwhile, has been the source of countless rumors since taking over the Bulls in 2015. The 45-year-old Nebraska native has compiled a dismal 110-136 record in his three seasons in the Windy City and scraped together just 27 wins last year. He’ll be expected to put up or shut up this season now that the Bulls finally have some NBA-ready talent.
Ryan worked as an Editor and resident Lead NBA and MLB Writer for SB from 2017-19. He has authored his own weekly columns for Fox Sports and AskMen, and has created successful campaigns for the WWE, the NHL, and the NFL. Ryan's critically acclaimed stories have been published in 20 books.
