Bickerstaff, Ociepka, and Williams Named Coaches
Jim Taylor of the Blazers' PR arm tweets that Bernie Bickerstaff, Bob Ociepka, and Buck Williams have been named assistant coaches for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Here's the full Press Release:
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers announced today that Head Coach Nate McMillan has finalized his coaching staff for the 2010-11 season with the hiring of Bernie Bickerstaff, Bob Ociepka and Buck Williams.
Bickerstaff, Ociepka and Williams join assistant coaches Bill Bayno and Kaleb Canales to complete McMillan’s staff.
"After many interviews, I’m excited to bring a new balance and chemistry to the team," said McMillan. "The Bs – Bernie, Bob and Buck - will be a great addition to the Trail Blazers family and to our community. I’ve added a lot of experience to my bench, and I feel they will help the team continue to grow and take the next step."
Bickerstaff, 66, spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls as part of an extensive NBA career that began in 1973 as an assistant coach at Washington and led to head coaching positions with Seattle (1985-90), Denver (1995-96), Washington (1997-99) and Charlotte (2004-07).
Bickerstaff helped guide Washington to the 1978 NBA Championship as an assistant coach. Ranked 36th on the NBA’s all-time wins list (415), he was head coach of the SuperSonics during McMillan’s first four seasons in Seattle and was named the 1987 NBA Coach of the Year with the club.
Bickerstaff served as general manager of the Denver Nuggets (1990-97) and Charlotte Bobcats (2004-07), and as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Bobcats (2007-08).
Ociepka, 61, also joins the Trail Blazers from the Bulls, where the Chicago native was an assistant coach for the past two seasons. With 20 years of NBA experience, Ociepka (pronounced o-SEEP-ka) spent time as an assistant coach with Minnesota (2006-08), Milwaukee (2003-06), Detroit (1998-99, 2001-03), Cleveland (1999-2001), Philadelphia (1996-97), L.A. Clippers (1993-96) and Indiana (1989-93). He also served as a scout with Detroit and Orlando.
Williams, who needs no introduction to Trail Blazers fans, was the team’s power forward from 1989-96 and helped lead Portland to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992 as Western Conference Champions. Williams, 50, is the team’s all-time leader in field goal percentage (55.0%), ranks fourth in rebounds (4,861), seventh in games played (557) and ninth in minutes played (17,130). A hard-nosed, physical player, Williams’ streak of 196 consecutive games played is the third longest in franchise history.
One of nine players in NBA history to amass 16,000 points and 13,000 rebounds, the three-time All-Star and 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year also played for New Jersey and New York during his 17-year NBA career.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Williams will also serve as a community ambassador for the Trail Blazers joining the likes of fellow ambassadors: Harry Glickman, Dale Schlueter, Jerome Kersey, Terry Porter, Chris Dudley and Brian Grant.
over 1 year ago
Dave
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I'm glad Buck is back in Portland
I’m anxious to see how he will do as an assistent. To be honest my expectations are relatively low, but I think a big man coach has been something we have been lacking since Maurice stepped down due to illness. Although Howard did a great job as the unofficial interim big man coach.
"AND THE GAME IS OVER! THE GAME IS OVER!! THE PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS HAVE WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!" Bill Schonely, game 6 of the NBA Finals, 1977 and 2011
Hasn't he been out of basketball for a while too?
Love Buck being around though, hope he works out as an assistant.
Bat88m
Buck learned post play from Luke (NJ, early '80s)
so he’ll pick up where Mo left off
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Eggers said that Williams always wanted to return to PDX
every time Buck saw Kerry over the years he mentioned this desire
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
we're getting closer to having the '92 roster back - WCF here we come
Terry Porter
Jerome Kersey
Buck WIlliams
and we still got the Duck in our hearts
"AND THE GAME IS OVER! THE GAME IS OVER!! THE PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS HAVE WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!" Bill Schonely, game 6 of the NBA Finals, 1977 and 2011
by dirtboydave on Jul 26, 2010 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
we're on a mission from Paul
we’re getting the BAND back together, again!
(I only hope they sound better than the “Paul Allen group”)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I thought that happened while I was gone
Phil Mickelson: "A Great shot is when you pull it off.....a smart shot is when you don't have the guts to try it"’
i forgot all about this
i thought we were expecting the announcement thursday of last week…
"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man
i thought it already happened
deja vu?
Geriatric Dunk Squad!
1/4/10 - Juwan Howard dunks on Chris Kaman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkOqDgLb6s
3/7/10 - Andre Miller Tomahawk jams on the Denver Nuggets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JVgm7F1QA
4/12/10 - Marcus Camby drops 30 and 13 on OKC to cement 50 wins. http://www.nba.com/blazers/media/camby_chant_041310.mp3
by Eat Politicians on Jul 26, 2010 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
With Cho
and the 3 assistants in place, the organization is finally getting back on track after the KP bonanza and losing Monty. I’d rather have KP of course, but at least we’re getting back on solid ground.
So we got half of the Bulls assistants from last year?
Oh boy. Here we go.
The 2012-13 NBA season: a dynasty begins.
well, we didn't get Vinny Del Negro
thankfully.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
My take...
Buck Williams:
We have all been questioning toughness of LA. Nate played against Buck plenty of times.Defense, Rebounding & Toughness. That was the game he brought. Thats what championships are built on. Not only that but a lot of Buck’s offensive game was based upon him getting an easy look off the extra pass.
Pessimists: The decision is made, no reason to be a negative Nancy. Look on the bright side for a change. Watch some Buck Highlights.
Ociepka:Quickly glancing at his resume I didn’t see anything that popped out, till I got to the bottom. He coached Reggie Miller right when he started to break out in his third year. Here is a really good read on him
Bickerstaff: AKA “Senior Assistant Coach” – This man has been around. He even coached our head coach for some years. With the Nuggets he coached in his early years. He also coached the bobcats, including help Gerald Wallace have a breakout season & become “Crash”.
I’m optimistic ! Can’t wait to see how they mould our players & I wish them luck.
Silent Swagger.
by 420Phenom on Jul 26, 2010 5:49 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
how dare you be optimistic
can’t you tell that the sky is falling and there is total devastation?
“But…”
TOTAL DEVASTATION!
(Hangs head in shame)
Geriatric Dunk Squad!
1/4/10 - Juwan Howard dunks on Chris Kaman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkOqDgLb6s
3/7/10 - Andre Miller Tomahawk jams on the Denver Nuggets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-JVgm7F1QA
4/12/10 - Marcus Camby drops 30 and 13 on OKC to cement 50 wins. http://www.nba.com/blazers/media/camby_chant_041310.mp3
by Eat Politicians on Jul 26, 2010 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions
that picture of Buck is sick sick sick
I’m intimidated just looking at it…on a side note, if Greg can ever stay on the floor he will probably end up being the all-time FG% leader in Blazer history
I love the old black road unis!
BRING THOSE BACK AS AN ALT UNI THIS!!!
"I was surprised, I was listening to the coach on the bench and behind me, she touches me and says, ‘Rudy, I love you. Nice to meet you. Good game.’ - Rudy
by The Mallorcan Rocket on Jul 26, 2010 6:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
oops
…THIS YEAR!!!
"I was surprised, I was listening to the coach on the bench and behind me, she touches me and says, ‘Rudy, I love you. Nice to meet you. Good game.’ - Rudy
by The Mallorcan Rocket on Jul 26, 2010 6:24 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Buck and Greg will get along real well....
This should be a fun season.
"You be realistic," Oden said. "I’m going to stay happy. All right?"
Indeed.
Lets see them big ol knee pads Greg. You know it. I know it. Blazer nation knows it.
Silent Swagger.
I didn't know Bickerstaff was Coach of the Year.
Usually that just means your team surprised for one year, but it’s not Nothing.
ignacio
Ociepka:Quickly glancing at his resume I didn’t see anything that popped out
I read an interview a few weeks back from when Bob was still with the Bucks. It said he’s great at the PnR, that was good enough for me. He’s not Thibodeau but he’s got to be an improvement over Demo
If Buck is replacing Luke, Bernie is replacing Monty and Bob is replacing Demo, then who’s replacing Prunty?
I’m thinking that there’s room for one more guest on this mystery tour (please don’t say Lynam or Person…)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
no silly
it’s Nate’s offense, if Joe tried to suggest any changes Nate would just give him an icy stare
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
wasn't Demo a big influence re: no turnovers?
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
yes, Barrett said that Dean would give him and Rice a big smile
and hold up 4 fingers whenever the team only turned the ball over 4 times
risk averse is as risk averse does
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Coaching staff older than the scouting staff?
What’s this franchise coming to?
other than “their senses”
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I like that lunchroom scene in Space Cowboys
where the old guys send the baby food over to the table of the young guys
age and treachery will overcome youth and skill
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Lenny Wilkens is working as a consultant for the South Korean national team.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/05/23/lenny.wilkens/index.html
In any event, though, Wilkens’ time as Vice Chairman during the early stages of Clay Bennett’s reign as owner was a disaster. For whatever reason, Wilkens was so out of touch — as well as desperate enough to get another crack in the NBA — that he couldn’t see the forest through the trees.
I wish I could find the article Frank Hughes penned a few years ago that just lambasted ...
the end of Lenny Wilkens’ tenure in Seattle. If I recall correctly, Hughes was still then working as a sportswriter for The News Tribune in Tacoma, WA — for that’d’ve been back in 2007 — however, he’s working at the national level nowadays for SI.com online.
Anyhow, I’d be much obliged if anyone can find that article. It’d might be a tough find, though.
The Tribune has the article available for a fee ("Who's Minding the Store?")
but this link has an excerpt:
Oh, the Insanity: Sonics Sputter as Paranoia Strikes
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jul 27, 2010 6:39 AM PDT up reply actions
“After many interviews, I’m excited to bring a new balance and chemistry to the team”
Who else was interviewed? I don’t remember other coaching candidates being made public (or even being leaked out through local reporters, like Bernie and Buck were).
they fired KP just to coverup the thousands of assistant coaches they were interviewing
shrewd, Larry Miller. Very shrewd.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Miller would destroy Bucks' record for consectuive game played as a blazer
Too bad he wont be around to do it.
"Batum must be french for: being at the right place at the right time" -
-StudMuffin15 @ Rufus On Fire
"Juwan "The Clipper Killer" Howard" - Natedog1977 @ ClipsNation
" I would trade our entire team for Brandon Roy"
- Slick4President @ Indy Cornrows
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Jul 26, 2010 5:59 PM PDT reply actions
Miller's record as playing 82 games on the Blazers LAST season should have some sort of
- attached to it. Or it should be counted as x 10, considering all of the injuries last year!!!
He and Webster..I think…were the only players not out for at least one game!!!
Buck Williams still is my all-time favorite Blazer.
I loved his style of play.
The player I think Buck might really help is Greg Oden.
That’s who we want to stay in games without fouling out, to rebound and anchor the D. He’s shown flashes of Moses Malone-style offensive rebounding. We’ll see where that all goes.
ignacio
I'd love for Buck to show LaMarcus a head-cracking approach.
We need some of these BE eggheads to put together one of those machines from The Fly. Fuse Buck and LaMarcus and presto! Championships for the next eight years.
"One of the bright spots of the young season has been rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, whose name sounds like he should be the lead character in a Broadway Musical. "What are you doing here, Jonny Flynn?" "Why I'm here to court trouble, and woo a girl, and build the most fantastical contraption the world has ever seen!" -- Dave, Game 7 Blazers versus Timberwolves preview
"It was bad reffing...but not rip apart the fabric of time bad." -- The Arkitect, Game 79 Blazers versus Mavericks Post-Game Thread
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 26, 2010 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wish I could be a fly on the wall.
I’d love to see how Greg and Buck’s first conversation goes, what with Greg wearing Buck’s number and all.
Like the Whos down in Whoville they did it without boxes or ribbons or bows, they did without centers or posting down low. They won without All-Stars and Spaniards and Frenchmen. They won with old geezers and sub-par defense-men. They won playing rookies from deep off the benches. They won with their grit and their guts in the trenches. And some who observed them have been known to say that their hearts grew three sizes (at least!) on the way. One hopes with their poise and their passion now proven that once they are healthy their game will be groovin'. -- Dave
Greg should switch to 53
that was Artis Gilmore’s number
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
It's not Buck's fault, but this may be a case of "the curse of #52"
Some numbers just shouldn’t be reissued (I’m not saying hang it from the rafters, Lord knows there’s enough of ‘em up there already!) just don’t give 52 to another Blazer
All it will bring is misery, despair and hardship
I don’t think Greg can switch numbers until next year (league rules) so we’ll all just have to hold our breath and cross our fingers for another season. But just maybe having Williams around will appease the “evil 52” spirits?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Blazers need a good defensive assistant
I am not particularly convinced that any of these fossils are likely to understand defensive schemes in the modern NBA. I hope I am wrong.
Ociepka is supposed to be a pick and roll expert, including on defense
and Chicago’s defense was pretty good last year (10th ranked)…
Maybe he’ll teach them how to not switch on everything. I remember Nate did some good work with zones when we were really short handed last year, but I agree that the man defensive schemes haven’t impressed at all.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
re: switching.
it’s definitely a mark in the “Nate is a good regular season coach who can’t cut it in the playoffs” column. In some meaningless game in February teams usually won’t have the execution or the discipline to take consistent advantage of the matchup problems that switching all the time presents. That’s not the case in the playoffs. I hope you’re right that Ociepka will help to rectify that.
"One of the bright spots of the young season has been rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, whose name sounds like he should be the lead character in a Broadway Musical. "What are you doing here, Jonny Flynn?" "Why I'm here to court trouble, and woo a girl, and build the most fantastical contraption the world has ever seen!" -- Dave, Game 7 Blazers versus Timberwolves preview
"It was bad reffing...but not rip apart the fabric of time bad." -- The Arkitect, Game 79 Blazers versus Mavericks Post-Game Thread
by BlazersOrBust on Jul 26, 2010 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
What happened to Maurice Lucas?
Was he let go or is he still having health issues due to cancer?
He retired. I think he isn't up to coaching due to health issues and wonder why the Blazers
waited an entire season to hire someone else.
I’m sure Lucas is a wonderful person but they badly needed a coach for LMA last year.
I wouldn't be surprised if Buck consults with Mo re: the Blazer big man
as a young NBA player Williams learned the ropes from Lucas, back in NJ-NY
may the pinwheel be unbroken
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I guess that would make Mo a metacoach
Coach’s coach, if you will.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Hopefully Buck Williams will teach LMA a thing or two about agressive play and toughness!
Best of luck to Maurice Lucas!
I'm really excited about this
I’m a huge Bob Ociepka fan. I hope he replaces Nate next years and hopefully Bernie Bickerstaff will replace Cho at the same time.
somebody teach tom the sarcasm font
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jul 27, 2010 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Toughness and physicality on defense
Ociepka has been an assistant for 18 NBA seasons, including the past two in Chicago, where he furthered his reputation as a defensive coach. Last season, the Bulls ranked third in the NBA in field goal percentage defense and were the NBA’s top rebounding team. He said he values toughness on defense and preaches making contact with offensive players cutting through the lane and “blitzing” or trapping an opponent’s pick-and-roll play
.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
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