Good coaching changes? Brown, no; Van Gundy, no. Try 'Pinky' Floyd.(Straight Shooting)

As usual, the NBA experienced a madcap summer of hirings and firings, trades and free-agent movement, as well as the requisite arrests. Let's start by weighing in on the 10 coaching changes.

In recent years, the Clippers have fielded an undisciplined and selfish bunch of talented young airheads in dire need of structure. Too bad Mike Dunleavy's offenses have historically depended on creating one-on-one situations--the worst possible plan for another roster full of immature players.

Larry Brown is one of the league's most notorious naggers, incessantly exhorting his players to follow his instructions in sharp and whining tones. While this modus operandi works extremely well in short-term situations (such as Olympic qualifying tournaments), Brown never has gone through an NBA season without antagonizing his players. Don't expect the Pistons to overachieve under Brown the way they did for Rick Carlisle.

Indiana has the right coach in the command seat, but the wrong team on the floor for him. Carlisle may lack the charisma and cutesy-pie smile of Isiah Thomas but, unlike Thomas, Carlisle is honest, knowledgeable and demanding. Unfortunately, the Pacers' hopes are centered on Jermaine O'Neal, a narcissistic NBA no-star. Another lamebrain is Ron Artest, whose considerable talents are hampered by an out-of-control belligerency that's better suited to a raucous schoolyard game. To get the most from Carlisle's no-nonsense approach, team boss Larry Bird may need to back up the truck and make wholesale trades.

Don't expect Jeff Van Gundy to produce much of a turnaround with Houston. Sure, the Rockets will play better defense and hustle more. but Van Gundy's offenses are extremely simplistic. Even worse, Van Gundy is arrogant, secretive and manipulative. But he's so rumpled and pouty-pussed that he has convinced too many media muppets that he's really a hard-working underdog who made it big. Also, Van Gundy purchases his players' loyalty by kissing their butts. How long before Stevie Franchise and even Yao Ming turn the other cheek?

Paul Silas is a truth-teller in a business full of snake oil salesmen. His dignified, straight-shooting approach to the game is unusual. praiseworthy and generally effective (Who else could get Jamal Mashburn to play hurt?) Silas' biggest coaching deficiencies. however, are his unsophisticated offenses--mostly isolations and various UCLA sets. His most important task with the Cavaliers. however, will be to keep LeBron James' chops up even as the over-hyped rookie gets ground into mincemeat during his first go-round.

In Philly, Randy Ayers is a nice man but because he's only keeping the seat warm for Mo Cheeks, A.I. will eat his lunch.