President of basketball operations David Kahn said during an afternoon press conference today that it was “a very hard decision … the most important decision I have made” since joining the team in May.
Kahn said he made his choice based on three threshold issues: player development; his desire to be a running, up-tempo team; and a willingness to play young players for the first year or two, even at the expense of some wins.
“I think Kurt will excel in all three areas,” Kahn said.
Rambis and his family are scheduled to arrive in town tonight and he will meet with the players before Tuesday’s press conference.
Kahn: Well I think that was a big part of it. He’s won at a very high level both as a player and a coach. I was a big fan of the way his Lakers teams played in the ‘80s. And he knows that’s kind of the way – a running up-tempo style – we want to employ. So I’m confident he can do that.
I also felt from a player development standpoint, he really has a reputation for working with players and helping them improve as a teacher. I think he can manage our players, meaning he’s going to have to manage playing time and expectations as we grow this young team. I felt that he could do all these things.
“After a six-week search and thorough interview process, I feel that in Kurt Rambis we have found the best person to lead and develop our young team as head coach,” Kahn said in a statement. “Kurt is talented and hard-working, and his many years in the NBA as a player, administrator and coach have prepared him well for this opportunity.”
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