Coaching Curry

Michael Curry still has a lot to learn as a coach. Unfortunately, the Pistons are losing games, including “easy” ones, in the process. Among other things, his game perception is shallow and his crunch time decisions and substitution patterns are not strategically sound.

Detroit many times had lost games because Curry failed to see danger coming. In the NBA, any team is dangerous – even the team with the worst record. Curry seems to feel enough comfort in having a double-digit lead that he forgets to play defense down the stretch. He relies on the offensive ability of his players to get the team through in dire straits. But if the Pistons offense breaks down, he has no other fall back.

Then we hear Allen Iverson express his disappointment over Curry substituting him in crucial defensive plays for Aaron Afflalo. I believe AI has a valid point. He is an offensive threat but he can also be an asset on defense. Taking him off the play with the game on the line is disrespect to his stature as a league veteran. AI has been in many, many do-or-die moments in his basketball life than any other player in the Pistons roster and he certainly knows what’s best to do in such situations.

In many other instances, Curry also makes substitution when it is not necessary or calls time out when it’s already too late. These are bad decisions that greatly affect the outcome of the game – even when it appears the Pistons has control of it. Curry is not as great a tactician as Larry Brown and not as keen as Joe Dumars expects him to be. Worse, the Pistons are gradually losing its defensive prowess under Curry’s tutelage. The result is, teams do not fear the Pistons anymore and are winning against the once proud Motor City team in unexpected ways.

It will be a difficult road to the playoffs for the Pistons. Curry should brace for impact.