What's up with these players?

[Rens]

http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/6/040004-8566-039.html

First Francis, now O'Neal.. what makes them think they are entitled to decide who coaches their team? I think these are selfish acts, and if I were in the management of the Pacers I'd want to have a word with Jermaine about this.

[Matt]

well i think Francis just didnt wanna play in Canada

O'Neal clearly likes his coach..........i think he shouldn't of gone public with his thoughts though, it kinda put Walsh on the spot.........a private convo would of been much better

[Rens]

I was talking about Francis recent comments about only wanting to play for Rudy T.

[mp3]

players have to realise that they are not bigger than the team it's self , yer they might like the coach but if he leave's then what are they going to do ? force a trade, only to play for a different coach anyway.

a private convo would of been much better

thats the way to do it.

it kinda put Walsh on the spot

yeah, and if Thomas does go then it put's O'Neal on the spot.

[air gordon]

IMO these players are just sticking up for their coaches. it has been rumored all season long that both Rudy T and Isiah may not be around next year if their respective teams did not make the playoffs/advance past the first round. so it doesn't surprise me that the star players from both teams are backing up their coaches.

[Andrew]

Another case of a good thing done the wrong way. The "I won't play for another coach" mentality shows a lot of loyalty and trust (and when it comes from one of the team's best players, it's a strong endorsement), but is somewhat threatening, especially with his impending free agency. O'Neal makes a good case for Thomas and it's good that he has that respect for his coach, but at this point in time, discussing the matter in private would have been a better approach.

As for Steve Francis, he hasn't been one to hide his feelings since draft day 1999. At least this time he had good intentions - it's not quite publically considering sitting out the season to re-enter the draft in 2000.

[Matthew]

These players (O'Neal and Francis) are considered to be the leaders of their teams, so their feelings may echo the rest of the team thinks. I don't see any harm in what has been said, all he is doing is standing behind his coach, who is currently in place. If he was demanding Thomas to be gone then I'd think that would be bad for the team becuase it vitrually forces the Pacers to choose one or the other.

[bballer22]

i think they are just a bit afraid of other coaches, coz the once they have now knoe alot about them, how they play what they like or dont like... i know im always abit sacred to meet the new coach!

[Rens]

I for one would love to see them leave the league when they get another coach. Why would they do that.. because they said it?
These players are basically putting pressure on management. If their team isn't playing well because of coaching, what should management do?

I don't think there are a lot of players who have been in the league for several years and who have only played for one coach. Having different coaches is just a part of the NBA life. Given that situation, I think it's just a foolish thing to say you don't want to play for a different coach.

About O'Neal, he said he didn't want to play for another coach on the Pacers. And as Andrew said, given his FA status this summer, he puts the Pacers in a difficult situation this way.