Easily the Best D-Fenders Head Coach in Franchise History
Marquette Assistant Coach Dan Panaggio was hired to lead the Lakers D-League team into their inaugural season. He's worked recently with the Blazers (presumably not as an "off the court" mentor) and racked a boatload of CBA wins (and not that various commonalities always guarantee similar larger scale success, but so did this character, who you may have heard of). The three-time CBA coach of the year won it all in '94 and '98, so expect to see him flashing those championship rings throughout games in an effort to intimidate the D-League opposition. "That's right! Those Quad City Thunder squads, baby! How you like me now, bee-yach!"
And for those sensitive types who can read anything as some kind of Kobe-Wade comparison, relax. Panaggio was never at Marquette during Dwyane's glory years. No connection to be had. Take it back down to orange.
—AK
I guess it would have been a major step down for a B. Shaw or Rambis, but I wonder if they are going to make this dude teach the Triangle. If so, you'd of thought they would have hired someone with some experience with it.
Anyway, at a time we're starved for Laker news, it's good to know I can sleep a bit easier tonight with the D-Fenders in good hands.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 17, 2006 at 09:40 AM
Since we have time K-bros, perhaps you could post some links where people like me, (who are a bit out of the loop not being resident in the continental US) could learn a little more about the D League.
It seems at first glance to be an incipient farm system, and if that's the case, you would want some one who has had extensive experience and success working with next-level players. If that is the case, that Mr. Panaggio's credentials are impeccable.
Again, if the Lakers are going to keep the triangle offense post PJ, then ALL your coaches better learn and know how to teach and employ it.
Posted by: Glenn | August 17, 2006 at 10:15 AM
thats good i guess
ive always wanted to be the first commenter haha. . .they get the space that makes it almost look like their opinnion is a part of the artical as well
but not matter
AK/BK are you going to 'know thy enemy' the eastern conference as well??
Posted by: joninjapan | August 17, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Isn't 3-time CBA Coach of the Year kinda like being the Valedictorian of your Summer School?
Posted by: wiZo | August 17, 2006 at 10:24 AM
I don't take anything away from the D-league or the CBA, so congrats to the new coach. I used to think that anything below the NBA wasn't worth talking about, but after working on the stat crew for a Division-II college basketball team the last five seasons, I've seen first hand how hard the coaches work, how hard the players work and how serious and competetive everyone is. These are all guys who would love a chance to play in the D-league.
But, seriously, isn't time for the NBA season to start?!
Posted by: Martin | August 17, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Are they going to still teach the triangle? It doesn't make sense to teach the coach the triangle at the same time as the players. Maybe they think that Panaggio was too good to pass up.
Posted by: greek dude | August 17, 2006 at 11:41 AM
"Isn't 3-time CBA Coach of the Year kinda like being the Valedictorian of your Summer School?"
Hilarious wiZo.
Posted by: greek dude | August 17, 2006 at 11:43 AM
lol wizo
Posted by: Xodus | August 17, 2006 at 12:31 PM
NOOOOOOO....what happened to Coop?!?!
I don't think it would have been that much of a let down...cause he did coach another D-League team to the d-league CHAMPIONSHIP. We needed defensive mentality to be taught to our players from the ground up...and I don't know enough about this "guy" to claim that...but I do know that Coop is a Coop a Loop with Defense! Come on, being a former Laker, and obvious Laker fan (ever seen him after games with Rob Fugazaki? he's entertaining and a die hard Laker fan still) he couldn't be "convinced" to coach our D-League team? I mean he coached our Sparks team to 2 wnba championships! AHHHHH!
Posted by: Faith | August 17, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Any ideas on who might be on the Lakers' D-league team?
With all the depth the Lakers have this year, I wonder if they have room on their 15 man roster for D-league eligibles like Von Wafer, Devin Green and J.R. Pinnock?
Posted by: rdlee | August 17, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Pretty darn good news. I like the idea of using a D-League team to really develop our projects. They'll get much more confidence and experience playing there than riding our bench all year long.
Posted by: Jimbo | August 17, 2006 at 01:29 PM
If I'm not mistaken, Maurice Cheeks was Panaggio's assistant in the CBA, which was Cheeks' sole pre-NBA coaching experience--and the reason Panaggio got his first whiff of the show.
Also, as an aside, please try, just once, to mention the Blazers without some kind of snarky crack about their off-court woes. That ship has sailed. Their act has been cleaned up.
You want to compare Blazers vs. Lakers criminal, attitude, and off-court records, roster for roster? Bring it on...
Posted by: Henry Abbott | August 17, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Read this~~>http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18441.shtml
Posted by: Steven V. | August 17, 2006 at 01:46 PM
Jeez wdf is running the show up there. I thought the reason were owning a d-league team is because the triangle is a complex offense to learn and we'd like to be able to have a competitive envinroment where we can send down our young players to gain experience playing the triangle. How's that going to work when the coach doesn't know the triangle?
Posted by: Taliq | August 17, 2006 at 01:56 PM
When I think of the triangle as an offensive strategy, I'm reminded of a commercial on television; "Do they give scholarships for playing the triangle?"
Against those teams who seem to merely go through the motions and realistically, are not going to greatly improve or be top tier, Brokeback maneuvers this offseason may well be the fixes required to dominate. But how about those teams of potential championship caliber, which will be there in the end?
San Antonio is champion grade, no doubt about it, but they are at the top of their hill looking down. The Kings, who always play the Spurs tough, have their number.
The Mavs, are a very talented team, but will not get over the dismantling they experienced at the hands of the Heat. By mid season, they will be down and out; competing for a long seed by seasons end.
I would say, don't overlook Houston, but they always seem to look so good on paper -and only on occasion- consistent on the court, and never when it counts.
With or without Amare, if Nash's motor is tuned up, Phoenix will be right there. He is the deserving MVP for good reason.
The Brokebacks have a tremendous upside. They are the Lakers. Nuff said. If everyone is playing up to snuff, you will compete. I'm expecting (rather hoping for) some collosal wars with the Kings. As you know though, with Kobe at the helm, I don't believe you'll ever win a championship. He's too much of a distraction and doesn't (or is incapable) of providing the right mentoring and leadership, not to mention, he is long overdue for serious injury or some stoppage. Also, as a father myself, I can't imagine Lamar being crisp and clear for sometime to come. Losing a child far transcends any -Rah Rah let's win a title for him- mentality. Bynum, Farmer and perhaps Mo are the future of your team; distant future, although you could make some noise soon.
Memphis, Denver, Utah, NO/OK all could be pesky at crucial times, but won't be attending the dance, or taking the lead if they do.
And yes, the Kings. With or without Bonzi, Sacramento will be more cohesive and a whole lot tougher. It was sports writers (and not knowledgeable Kings fans) who thought the Kings would contend in the west last year. We only hoped they would. Different story this year. We can win it all and know it.
75 days and a wake-up. Gettin' short. Let the games begin!
Go Kings! Go Niners!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 02:04 PM
Rdlee
Good question. Can anybody give us a link where we can the players on the new D-Legue team.
Posted by: Shady | August 17, 2006 at 02:10 PM
AK, the Kobe-hating scale starts at red and goes up from there. This is easily a hot-magenta.
Posted by: McGarnagle | August 17, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Henry,
"Also, as an aside, please try, just once, to mention the Blazers without some kind of snarky crack about their off-court woes. That ship has sailed. Their act has been cleaned up. "
Considering Zach Randolph was recently in trouble for drag racing with loaded guns in his car, Darius Miles candidly admitted to showing up buzzed to practices and there's a cloud of dissatisfaction still visibly lurking in Portland (within the locker room and with the fans), I'm not sure the "ship" is quite out of the dock yet. Throw in the fact that Panaggio was actually there during the period when all the ish was truly hitting it, and I hardly think the joke was innappropriate. And again, it was just a joke.
As far as matching up Trailblazer and Lakers transgressions and going mano y' mano, outside of what Kobe and Kwame have recently gone through (and given how little actually came of Kwame's case, it hardly seems like the most damning of indictments), I'm not sure where your ammo will come from. LO's pot issues 4 or 5 seasons ago (when he wasn't even with the team)? Seems kinda weak. You can't tell me with a straight face that the Blazers don't have considerably more image issues (and recent ones, at that) than the Lakers.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 17, 2006 at 02:53 PM
One thing is for certain. They grow it better up in Portland.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 03:00 PM
like an above post, he's probably too good to pass up. "FAITH" I don't Cooper wouldn't take a d-league assignment at this point. The guy deserves a head coaching shot in the NBA, he's a proven winner as a player and WNBA coach. Not pushing out PJ, but who do you feel is next in line for the post Phil-era. Rambis? B. Shaw? or even better will team USA's success give coach K. the incentive to go NBA?
Posted by: LakerFaze | August 17, 2006 at 03:02 PM
sonnybelfast,
They always say it's a "green" city.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 17, 2006 at 03:35 PM
I have been to Giants vs. Dodger games at both home stadiums. I have never been impressed with the treatment given to ball cap, jersey wearing fans of opposing teams. They are as likely to have a pitcher of low end beer poured on them as they are to recieve any kind of friendly hospitality or respect.
I've never been to Arco when the Kings are playing the Brokebacks. So tell me, what kind of reception do Brokeback fans recieve at Arco, or Kings fans recieve at Staples Center?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 03:39 PM
Here is a link to the D League. You can also get there from nba.com ( listed on the top of the opening page ).
http://www.nba.com/dleague/
Posted by: Roger B | August 17, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Checked the Lakers web site and they have this link - http://www.d-fenders.com, but I don't think that there is anything to look at yet
Posted by: Roger B | August 17, 2006 at 04:27 PM
GREAT POST STEVEN V...
ERIC PINCUS HAS GREAT INSIGHT ON THE SITUATIONS WITH THE LAKERS...AND I THINK HE HIT EVERY MAJOR POINT ON THE NOSE...WITH SO MANY VERSATILE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER, I SEE COOK, MCKIE, SASHA AND LUKE AS BEING "THE ODD MEN OUT"
LO IS THE LAKERS BEST POWER FORWARD AND KWAME HAS NO BUSINESS PLAYING ANYTHING BUT A CENTER IN THE ASSOCIATION...I'D RATHER SEE RONI BACK UP LO BECAUSE THE AQUISITION OF VLAD MAKES COOKIE EXPENDABLE.
Posted by: wilcox2020 | August 17, 2006 at 06:00 PM
Thanks for the article, Steven V.
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 17, 2006 at 11:24 PM
AK,
Darius Miles has been showing up drunk/high to practice? What the hell?
Okay, my desire to see him in the purprle and gold just radically diminished.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | August 18, 2006 at 05:26 AM
Amusing item on KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR at a streetball championship on http://www.insidehoops.com/streetball.shtml
Posted by: steve | August 18, 2006 at 07:58 AM
The Los Angeles Lakers is the only NBA franchise that "owns" a D-League team, and I wonder what was the primary factor or factors that precipitated this decision. Has ownership/management made a decision to stick with the "Triangle" offense for the short to medium term future, and recognizing that it takes time because it is a difficult system to learn, and so forth?
This is a strategic decision and its implementation means that a serious investment of resources have been made. My fellow fans, bloggers and even you Sonny, what's your opinions, analyses, of what will be the D-fenders impact on the Lakers fortunes, and do you believe it was the right decision?
Posted by: Glenn | August 18, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Wilcox,
'WITH SO MANY VERSATILE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER"
Who do the Lakers have, other than Kobe and Lamar, who is "versatile"? I think you are confusing versatile with "doesn't really play either position all that well, so we'll shuffle him between the two spots."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 18, 2006 at 11:23 AM
This has nothing to do with the A-mazing D-fenders and probably belongs under the Big Al heading, but I figured this would get the most attention.
http://www.hawksquawk.net/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=165496&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#165496
On the Atlanta Hawks forum the discussion is about a recent interview with Bickerstaff (I assume that's who Bernie B. is) and he basically states that Al to Indy deal is dead.
Without going into analysis of the Hawks messages, I was wondering if any of the bloggers here have any information about this development.
Usually, with our "vast" resources we can dig up anything that's even remotely Laker-related.
Lakers
Posted by: akr_68 | August 18, 2006 at 11:31 AM
Jon K,
Read this interview and tell me if you're still rooting hard to trade for Miles. Scroll down a bit and you'll find it.
http://www.oregonlive.com/weblogs/blazersoregonian/index.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_blazersbeat/archives/2006_04.html#133300
As I've said many times before, even knowing that Miles' problems are mostly self-created, seeing what he's become in the NBA bums me out. While I don't know him well by any stretch, I was around him a decent amount when he was with the Clips and found him to be a nice fun kid. Very unassuming, almost painfully shy. It's sucked watching him turn into a complete malcontent who seems to despise life in the NBA. I think he's likely more immmature than a genuinely bad guy, but he's got a LOT of growing up to do.
In the meantime, he's regressed as a player since leaving the Clips and doesn't have a single strength as a player that would make him a good triangle fit. He's inconsistent (and often disinterested) as it is, but he's (relatively speaking) better in a running offense. Throw in the fact that he has a long term contract (plus recurring knee problems) and very little seems appealing.
"Former L.A./Clipper guy" sentiments aside, I have no idea why you've (or anybody, for that matter) been rooting so hard to bring in Miles. There's a reason the Blazers can't get anyone interested in him (Isaiah aside). I wish the best for the kid, but let another team sort out his issues (on and off the court).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 18, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Lakerfaze, I don't think it would have been that different for Coop to go from one D-League to another (he coached last year), unless he's under contract...however I grant you that he deserves a head coaching job in the NBA...and that would probably the greatest deterrent of him coming here. As it stands I think our next coach could very well be Brian Shaw, I just have a feeling that they're shaping him for the job...and he's already more bureaucratic lol.
Glenn, I think as it stands the D-League isn't as beneficial as it could be. We're hampered by rules and by limitations (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2414330) of not getting to choose our own players, and the ones we sent down taking roster spots. But aside from that I think it could mean great things for us. It's an answer to the whole too young, too soon, too talented thing. Let's face it, a lot of our young guys need court time, and exposure to our "system" so the NBDL works in that sense.
Posted by: Faith | August 18, 2006 at 12:40 PM
Go get em' Henry Abbot!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 12:45 PM
AK,
Read the interview and all I can say is before you posted the link I was always like yeah miles is a basket head. After reading the interview, I'm like that's one of the realest pieces I've never read. Whatever the kid maybe, honesty is not one of his deficiencies and that counts for something.
On the real, character wise he get's my stamp of approval just on the basis of reading that interview. However you dealt him a damaging blow with the whole recurring knee injury thing, after seeing what mcckie did for us last year, the last thing the lakers need is a player trying to do his best penny hardaway my knees are broken but i had potential impression. I wish Miles the best though.
In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 01:00 PM
Always wearing one of my faithful Kings or Niners ball caps, will I need body guards to attend a Kings game at Staples?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Taliq,
I agree that honesty can be refreshing (and on an "entertainment/couldn't stop reading this interview if you threatened me with a gun to my head" level, this Q&A is a classic), but most of what the honesty reveals is an inability (or unwillingness) to take responsibility for his actions. And for all of the "honesty" on display, it never really includes a truthful assessment of his own shortcomings. There's a limit to how "real" he'll actually be. It's easy to be "real" when you're letting yourself off the hook.
The honesty also reveals a lot of immaturity and pettiness (bobbleheads?).
Again, I wish him the best. But on many, many levels, Miles would be a terrible pickup.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 18, 2006 at 01:13 PM
If we can get Al Harrington for Mihms, Cook and Sasha then we will definateky win the championship next year. We will then have the best team in the league hands down.
Posted by: Zakee | August 18, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Bonzi and Jason Hart in a sign and trade for Chris Bosh? Chris would look good in purple, silver and black.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Zakee,
Have you been burning that Portland green again?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:26 PM
AK,
Lmao at your bubble doll reference. Still i wouldn't mind seeing him in a laker jersey...assuming we didn't have to give up any players and it'd be a 1 year contract ( lol ). Alright so maybe we wish him the best on another team, but honestly he sounded more like he needed a hug than he needs discipline. Someone up there needs to start showing the kid madd love.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 02:20 PM
sonnybelfast,
you would know right...lol...from all ya comments, knew you had to be on that chronic.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 02:22 PM
AK,
Good point on Miles, we don't need any low character guys on this squad. I'm looking at Atlanta's cap situation and they are well below the 53 Mil. What is the minimum that teams have to have? It seems to me that a sign and trade w/Harrington for Mihm/Cook/McKie/& #1 pick is the way to go for them.
Ken
Posted by: Ken | August 18, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Sonnybelfast
If you read the Blog from Atlanta, then you would understand why I said those things. Read akr 56 blog up top and click on the web sight that he is suggesting and then ask me that again
Posted by: Zakee | August 18, 2006 at 02:49 PM
Supposedly indy deal is dead and we're back in the hunt for Al Harrington, though we're not leading the chase.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Ooops forgot the link
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18458.shtml
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Sonny,
Don't worry, you won't get beat up in Staples. Ya better be able to handle a heckel, thats for sure!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 18, 2006 at 03:09 PM
cherbadslow,
If you find you need bodyguards to shield you from the indifference to a Queens' hat at Staples (who cares, honky tonk?) then may be you Should acquire muscled escort.
Posted by: E Homp | August 18, 2006 at 03:41 PM
Poor Miles -
"A: It’s like you are telling me I’m this franchise player, but hey … once I noticed it, and I was like dang, I don’t have no bobble head? They tried to get me one at the last minute, and I was like, ‘No, I’m fine.’
But I don't want to sound like I’m whining. But this is what you all are telling me. You mean to tell me, if they have a Steve Nash, a Raja Bell, Amare Stoudemire, and a Boris Diaw bobblehead, they wouldn't have a Shawn Marion? But I don't want this whole interview to sound like I’m whining."
LOL!
Posted by: Maleke | August 18, 2006 at 04:08 PM
Hi everybody,
Today i heard on 570 a.m that the AH to Indiana deal is of & they were talking about the best deal for Atlanta is to get C Mhim,Cooki,Mackie & first round from L.A for AH and if they don't like any of the players all of them would come of the books next year I really hope this deal goes through what are your thoughts?
Posted by: kayhan | August 18, 2006 at 05:05 PM