Pacers’ David West Says Denver Firing Brian Shaw Is ‘Bullsh*t’

We wouldn’t be shocked if the majority of Denver Nuggets are pleased with the front office’s decision to fire Brian Shaw. Not only did his schematic ideology clash with the talents of his inherited roster, but Shaw also alienated his players on multiple occasions by publicly throwing them under the bus.

Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, and company would never admit it, but it’s safe to say they’re somewhat relieved at today’s developments. And according to one of Shaw’s most recognizable and respected former players, that likely response is indicative of the Nuggets’ overall lack of maturity.

But how do you really feel, David West?

Shaw was an assistant with the Indiana Pacers during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, and was promoted to associate head coach for his last campaign in Indianapolis. As the team rose to contending status, West, Paul George, and other Pacers frequently mentioned the influence of Shaw among the reasons for their ascent.

West isn’t wrong about the Nuggets, either – they’re a dysfunctional group off the floor as much as they are on it.

Ty Lawson has consistently shied from leadership and had troubles with the law; Kenneth Faried is a notorious malcontent who some believe let his stellar Team USA performance adversely affect his attitude; Danilo Gallinari’s handling of his ACL surgery and recovery was shady at best; and we all know about the recently departed JaVale McGee and Nate Robinson. This is the team, remember, that recently broke a huddle by expressing excitement about the end of the season.

But what West overlooks in his assessment is the difference between an assistant and head coach. He only experienced Shaw as the former, where his strong voice as a former champion was second to Frank Vogel’s and heard only by those in the locker room. But he was an unabashed disaster as head man from the outset, whether it was trying to pigeonhole Lawson and Faried into halfcourt offense or openly questioning his players’ effort level.

Some just aren’t set out to be head coaches, and Shaw’s tenure in Denver makes it easy to believe he’s among them. Might he prosper with a more mature roster when given a second chance? Perhaps. But other than his glowing track record as an assistant, Shaw did nothing with the Nuggets to support such optimism.

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