Remember that WTF coaching decision in 08-09 finals?

[greymatter]

Remember when SVG started Jameer Nelson over Rafer Alston? Remember when all the in-game commentators were openly questioning the logic of starting a guy who missed the entire second half of the RS and first 3 rounds of the playoffs?

Well, that wasn't actually a "coaching" decision. SVG was basically ordered to start Nelson by Otis Smith. SVG might have a few flaws in the way he coaches, but he isn't monumentally stupid. That distinction belongs to Otis Smith.

[BigKAT]

Source?

[Thunderfan86]

Source?

[SouBeachTalents]

Source?

[greymatter]

Rafer Alston himself. I occasionally see him at the poker tables where I play and I asked him about it.

[Bosnian Sajo]

What are you talking about? lol, Rafer Alston started every game against the Lakers. Nelson was the one coming off the bench


Source: http://www.basketball-reference.com/.../gamelog/2009/ (scroll down)

[HylianNightmare]

Shit pisses me off t this day, i love jam but that was so stupid and Rafer was playing so good for us before that.

[GimmeThat]

I am certain this is the same as to when George Karl wouldn't let Gary Payton guard Michael Jordan until it appeared that the series had been doomed

[greymatter]

What are you talking about? lol, Rafer Alston started every game against the Lakers. Nelson was the one coming off the bench


Source: http://www.basketball-reference.com/.../gamelog/2009/ (scroll down)

I was wrong about starting. Regardless, Nelson was subbed in midway through the first quarter and played 24 minutes in each of the first 2 games. It wasn't until after the magic got crushed before SVG was allowed to give more minutes back to Alston and by that time, the nail was in the coffin.