(The Spread) – One of the most successful coaches in NBA history has decided to walk away from the game, reportedly because of a strained relationship with one of his star players.
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According to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan is resigning in part because of a strained relationship with Deron Williams. Apparently the two have had multiple dustups this season, with the latest one coming on Wednesday night.
Sloan has decided to hang up his whistle after 23 seasons as Utah’s head coach, as the Jazz’s front office has sided more with Williams. The star is a free agent in the summer of 2012 and the club would like to retain his services (apparently more than Sloan’s).
This is a sad ending to a great head coaching tenure. Sloan owns a career 1221-803 (.603) record and led the Jazz to 21 winning seasons in 23 years in Utah, which also includes 13 50-plus win seasons. He always had a knack for getting the most out of his rosters, even though he did have the fortune to work with two of the very best in Karl Malone and John Stockton.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com, the Jazz are 40/1 to win the 2011 NBA Championship.
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