Like Alvin Gentry, Sam Mitchell doesn’t possess the most illustrious head coaching record, yet he has a characteristic that separates himself from much of the crowd, one that could nudge Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins to even greater heights.
A sharp outspokenness.
Quick! Name a coach from last year’s cast who was known to be up in faces yet also commanded a high level of respect based upon reputation. A person who was not afraid to consistently carry a big stick behind closed doors, regardless of the star power in his audience, and listeners always felt compelled to heed his voice.