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SALT LAKE CITY — Now that the NBA All-Star break has come and gone, and the regular-season plays out the final two months, the countdown is on for Ty Corbin.
Specifically, will Corbin stay on as the Utah Jazz head coach?
In the opinion of one Hall of Fame coach, the answer is a resounding affirmative. Jerry Sloan, revered by most everyone in NBA circles, leaves no doubt on his position relative to Corbin’s employment with the Jazz.
Unfortunately for both coaches, it may not make a difference. New general manager Dennis Lindsey, who worked for the San Antonio Spurs four years ago when the Jazz promoted Corbin, may want to hire his own coach.
In the end, Sloan’s coaching tree in Salt Lake City could die shortly after the Jazz finish the season April 16 against Minnesota. But give him credit for sticking up for his guy.
In an informal question-and-answer session with fans during the fourth annual Jazz Beach Bash in Cancun, Mexico, over the All-Star break, Sloan was part of a panel consisting of former coaches, players, media members and a team executive. As he did during an incredible 23-year career with the Jazz, Sloan minced no words in defending Corbin. Some of the crowd may not have supported Sloan’s stance, but they had to appreciate his straightforwardness and unwavering loyalty.
His defense of Corbin began with a history, dating back to four years ago when Sloan rocked the NBA by deciding to quit during the season. Ignoring impassioned pleas by Jazz management to stay on, Sloan had had enough. He simply needed a break from the petulant Deron Williams’ of the league and was out of energy to continue.
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The Jazz then looked down the bench and chose Corbin, who had earned the right above all other candidates to coach the team. Management also emphasized he wasn’t taking over on an interim basis.
A second-round pick out of DePaul, Corbin lasted in the NBA for 16 years on the staples of hard work and effort. He was a coach’s dream as a player, keeping his mouth shut and earnestly doing whatever was asked.
Corbin put forth the same ethic as an assistant coach. No wonder Sloan loves him.
If replacing a legend wasn’t hard enough, Corbin was put in a nearly impossible situation when the Jazz traded Williams to New Jersey for rookie Derrick Favors and other pieces. Right on cue, Corbin’s record the rest of the year was 8-20.
With Lindsey on board, the team began a major overhaul last season by letting free agents Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson leave with nothing in return. With those two players, Corbin had a winning record in the hotly contested Western Conference the last two seasons.
Recognizing the future was limited, all associated with the Jazz clamored for more. The best way was to turn loose the young players, even if it wasn’t in Corbin’s personal best interests. A losing record this season was inevitable. Not even Phil Jackson or Red Auerbach could coax much success out of a team that started John Lucas III at point guard, which was the case early this season.
Thankfully, rookie point guard Trey Burke returned from injury during the first month. But this was still a team far shy on experience and dependable talent.
As Sloan pointed out, with few exceptions, veteran teams win in the world’s most talent basketball league. The mesmerized crowd listened as he recited a litany of examples. Even if they wanted to, no one dared to counter the legend.
The silence from the Jazz makes a statement. There’s got to be a reason the team hasn’t yet extended Corbin’s contract.
By now, he and his assistants likely realize their fate. But Corbin’s story is far from written. As Sloan proved after getting fired as coach of the Chicago Bulls 32 years ago, talent wins out.
The same foundation that carried Corbin this far isn’t going away any time soon. If his Jazz tenure is nearing the end, it’s only a matter of time before he’s back at it.
