What will Les do?

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

September 14, 2004

For the first time in team history, the Houston Comets will miss the WNBA Playoffs. (While the Comets are not mathematically eliminated from postseason play, the team's chances of reaching the 2004 Playoffs are definitely on life support.) Before the 2004 WNBA season began, I predicted the Comets would reach the playoffs; however, I did acknowledge the possibility the team would miss the playoffs. I presented many questions I believe the Comets needed to answer in order to reach the postseason. Since the team is all but assured of missing the postseason this year, one huge question now needs an answer: What will team owner Les Alexanderdo in order to help return the Comets to a championship caliber team?

Comets fans may wonder why I mention Les instead of Comets head coach Van Chancellor. Well, for a very basic reason: Van is not going to replace himself. Personally, I do not believe Van will step down as head coach this offseason. While this season has been full of twists, turns, and turmoil (3 players left the team this season), I simply believe Van's pride will not allow him to resign as head coach of the Comets on such a losing note. Van is stubborn. Sometimes his stubbornness has been a positive. Sometimes his stubbornness has been a negative. Therefore, if Van decides to continue coaching the Comets, who has the final say whether Van returns or not? Les Alexander.

Frustrated fans are asking, or should I say demanding, for Van's dismissal. Some fans have already stated they will not renew their season tickets (for 2005) if Van returns as head coach. If more and more fans share that viewpoint, then the vast space of the Toyota Center could be filled with fans disguised as empty seats next season. Dwindling ticket sales should get Les' attention. However, I do question how much Mr. Alexander actually cares about the Comets. His absence at Cynthia Cooper's retirement ceremony upset many people. I was not upset by his absence; but, I was a little surprised. Despite 4 WNBA championships, the Comets are still thought of as the red-headed stepchild to the Houston Rockets. Obviously, the Rockets generate more revenue, interest, and publicity than the Comets; however, the amount of marketing the organization has produced for the Comets the last 4 seasons has been underwhelming.

Let's assume Les decides to fire (or urge him to retire) Van. Van's dismissal would raise the obvious question: Who will be named the next coach? Cynthia Cooper would be suggested. However, could Coop handle players who are not as good nor as driven as she was as a player? Would fans support the Comets with Coop as head coach even if the team was still losing games?

If not Coop, then who? Whoever coaches the Comets in 2005, the team still needs an upgrade of talent. Period. Outside shooting needs to improve. Rebounding must get better. The front court needs to be upgraded and so does the back court.

Will Les okay a deal involving Tina Thompson or Sheryl Swoopes? Personally, if trading one of your two Olympians improves the team, I believe those options should be explored. I'm not taking personal shots at Swoopes or Thompson by suggesting a trade. I'm thinking as a basketball person. Plain and simple.

The 2004 - 2005 Rockets season is just a few weeks away; and, Les has already expressed his thoughts and expectations for an improved Rockets club this season. Once the NBA season begins, the Comets and the WNBA will resort to "out of sight, out of mind" for Les and many basketball people. However, in order for the Houston Comets to return to its winning ways, Leslie Alexander is going to have step in and make some decisions. After all, Les does own the Comets, too.