Jerry Sloan's six possible landing spots


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On Cougar Sports Saturday, one of our favorite segments is Gone in 30 seconds. That's where you take a pro or con view and defend it... whether you believe it or not.

Today, Jason Shepherd and Dave Noriega discuss the six possible destinations for Jerry Sloan as he looks to get back into coaching.

Brooklyn Nets

Jason Shepherd, Pro:
The Nets are the most talented and ready-to-win team of all the coaching options. Yes, Deron Williams and Jerry have a bad history, but I think Deron realizes he needs a coach like Sloan to be successful. He also realizes how good he actually had in in Utah and is ready to handle the situation and Jerry a lot better this time around.
Dave Noriega, Con:
Deron is saying all the right things. He's already forced a Hall-of-Fame coach into premature retirement once and he's gone through two more coaches this year. There is no way that Jerry gets sucked into that death trap. Like President George W. said, "Fool me once, shame on you, you fool me you can't fool me again."

Philadelphia 76ers

Dave Noriega, Pro:
It's a big market where people want to play, that is something that Jerry hadn't seen in Salt Lake City. I like any situation that gives Jerry a stud point guard and Jrue Holiday is set to make the leap to stardom. There's money to spend to attract free agents. If Andrew Bynum decides to return, we've already seen that Jerry has the patience of Job when it comes to injuries (ahem, Carlos Boozer.)

Jason Shepherd, Con:
Philadelphia is an intriguing option for Sloan but not one I believe he will give much thought to. I can't see Jerry choosing to subject himself to the craziness that is the City of Brotherly Love. They have some talent, and could turn things around if things fall their way, but I just don't see Jerry leaving retirement for Philadelphia. Charlotte Bobcats

Jason Shepherd, Pro:
Since Jerry couldn't beat MJ (still crying...and yes, he pushed off), why not join him? Sloan is not afraid of hard work; which is exactly what it will take to turn the Charlotte franchise around. I think that challenge intrigues Sloan, and he would welcome the opportunity to teach this group of young Bobcats. Talent hasn't been the problem in Charlotte; the problem has been finding someone that can work with the talent that's there -- Jerry can be that guy.

Dave Noriega, Con:
At 71, the last thing Jerry needs is a rebuilding project. There are some pieces in Kidd-Gilchrist, Biyombo and Kemba Walker, but they are still years and players away from being a playoff threat. Besides, he didn't show a lot of interest in the job last year, I can't imagine things have changed. Phoenix Suns

Dave Noriega, Pro:
Go big or go home. That's what would happen if Jerry ran this franchise and rest assured, if Jerry is on the staff, he's running the show. The run-and-gun days of Phoenix would take a backseat to the grind it out, defensive Sloan philosophy, but no coach gets more out of lesser players than Sloan and there are plenty of lesser players in Phoenix.

Jason Shepherd, Con:
Phoenix's cupboard is bare; they have no talent in the pipeline. They just hired a new GM and owner Robert Sarver has shown an inability to be patient with coaches. I just can't see Jerry jumping aboard a ship that is lacking talent, leadership and the ability to win in the near future. Milwaukee

Jason Shepherd, Pro:
To me, the Bucks make the most sense for Sloan. Jerry is a midwestern guy and would fit in well in Milwaukee. I also believe that the Bucks situation is the one that most resembles what Jerry had with the Jazz. The team has solid ownership in Herb Kohl, and while this season was a down year, the Bucks have plenty of talent for Jerry to work with.

Dave Noriega, Con:
It wouldn't take long for Brandon Jennings (if he sticks around since he's a restricted free agent) to jack up a double-clutch three-pointer with 18 seconds left on the shot clock for Jerry to lose his marbles. Monta Ellis has a player option, so he'll likely be headed elsewhere, so that leaves Jerry in the spot of building around Ersan Ilyasova. Ugh Detroit

Dave Noriega, Pro:
I like this fit a lot. Brandon Knight is a nice building block at point and I love Greg Monroe. An unselfish passing big-man in the post to start your offense. That sounds like a system Jerry knows. Andre Drummond also made huge strides in his rookie year and gives you a defensive presence. This is my ideal fit for Sloan.

Jason Shepherd, Con:
There is nothing enticing whatsoever about the Pistons job. First of all, it's Detroit; secondly, they continue to make bad decisions when it comes to free agents. Brandon Knight and Andre Drummond are good young players, but the Pistons are too far from being anything other than a cellar-dweller.

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Dave Noriega and Jason Shepherd

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