Kapitel 3: Chapter 3: Changing Prejudice with Strength
Andrew didn't care; he wasn't going to rely on relationships alone.
"Wait for your good news." After saying a few words, McGrady patted Andrew on the chest and walked away.
Andrew entered the Toyota Center.
The interview was held in Van Gundy's office. Including Andrew, there were only six candidates for the interview.
The Rockets were one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference, but after the previous assistant coach took the fall for the team's struggles, Van Gundy's position also seemed unstable. Everyone could see this was a risky position, and not many were willing to jump in.
However, Andrew noticed two familiar faces inside.
Paul Silas, a 60-year-old coach who had been a head coach for the Hornets and Cavaliers, was fired by the Cavaliers last season. And Tom Thibodeau, who would later become a famous head coach in the NBA, was still an assistant coach responsible for player development with the Rockets.
With these two experienced coaches, the challenge of the interview seemed immense.
When Andrew walked in, the five other candidates, including Tom Thibodeau, gave him curious glances. It was uncommon to see a young, Asian man in such a setting.
"Paul Silas, Tom, Andrew… you may enter," a staff member announced. When he saw Andrew, his expression also betrayed surprise.
Silas and Thibodeau exchanged looks, assuming Andrew, being young and Asian, was there just to fill numbers. They seemed to see him as little competition.
The other coaches were also surprised; they had assumed Andrew was just another staff member.
Andrew remained calm, following Thibodeau into the office.
As they entered, Van Gundy gestured for them to sit.
"I've already reviewed your resumes," Van Gundy said, briefly looking at Silas and Thibodeau, but essentially ignoring Andrew. It was clear he didn't expect much from him.
"Today's interview will focus on two main questions. The first question is how the Rockets should approach next season." Van Gundy went straight to the point.
Van Gundy himself was an excellent defensive coach. If possible, he wanted his first assistant to be skilled in offense.
"I believe we should reduce McGrady's playing time. His back injury is too severe, and if possible, trading him for another All-Star player could be a good option," Silas suggested.
*Cough!* Van Gundy nearly choked. He did want to reduce McGrady's minutes, but without McGrady, the Rockets wouldn't be able to win games. As for trading him—how could they get another All-Star for a player who had just suffered a serious injury?
Silas' suggestion was completely off the mark, and Van Gundy's opinion of him diminished immediately.
Next, he looked at Thibodeau.
"I think it's crucial to bulk up Yao Ming and increase his presence and shot attempts in the low post. This would greatly improve the team's offense," Thibodeau said. As a long-time Rockets coach, he knew the team inside and out.
Van Gundy nodded approvingly. This would be Yao Ming's fourth season, and he had already shown the potential to become the league's best center. Increasing his tactical importance would relieve some of the defensive pressure on McGrady. Thibodeau's suggestion was exactly what he had in mind.
"Andrew, do you have any thoughts?" Van Gundy finally turned to Andrew, but his tone was indifferent. If McGrady hadn't vouched for Andrew, Van Gundy wouldn't have even bothered asking.
"I think Coach Thibodeau made a lot of good points about increasing Yao Ming's tactical role and reducing McGrady's offensive load," Andrew began.
Van Gundy nodded, even though Andrew was mostly repeating what had already been said. At least, he knew how to agree with sound logic.
"But…"
Van Gundy and Thibodeau were both surprised when Andrew paused and changed direction.
"I don't think adding weight to Yao Ming is the best idea."
"What's wrong with that?" Thibodeau asked, clearly not happy with Andrew's challenge.
Van Gundy also frowned slightly. He had been leaning toward Thibodeau's idea.
"Yao Ming's height makes him susceptible to knee injuries. Gaining more weight could exacerbate that. After losing McGrady to injury last season, we can't afford to risk losing Yao Ming as well," Andrew explained. He recalled that adding weight to Yao Ming had accelerated his knee issues, leading to early retirement.
Van Gundy's frown deepened. Andrew's point was a valid concern.
"Do you have a better idea?" Thibodeau asked, continuing to press, though his curiosity was piqued.
"Yes," Andrew answered confidently, surprising Thibodeau.
Van Gundy also began to take Andrew more seriously. He hadn't had high hopes for him before, but if Andrew could offer useful suggestions, that would change.
"We can increase Yao Ming's role without making him gain weight. He can be positioned at the free-throw line more often to facilitate offense. Yao's mid-range shooting and ability to pass have been proven over the past few seasons. He can even initiate some breakthrough attacks from that position. His footwork can support this," Andrew explained.
Van Gundy's eyes lit up as he considered the idea.
"That offense is far less efficient than working from the low post," Thibodeau countered.
"Not necessarily," Andrew said without hesitation.
"Positioning him in the low post isn't always effective. First, it's hard to get the ball to him with a defender on him. Second, even if he does receive the ball, he'll face intense defensive pressure—double teams, steals, etc. This will increase his injury risk, as I mentioned earlier. I'm not saying we should avoid the post entirely, but relying on it for the entire game will wear him down. And, lastly, having him deep in the post makes it difficult for him to retreat quickly on defense," Andrew explained calmly.
Thibodeau was silent, unable to argue. Van Gundy's eyes widened.
Andrew's analysis completely changed Van Gundy's initial prejudice.
It seemed McGrady wasn't exaggerating—this young coach really did know his stuff.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein