It’s hard to imagine now, but there really was a time when NBA
players didn’t rule the roost. There was a time—really,
truly—when the players listened to the coach, obeyed orders, and
felt privileged to play in the league.  The NBA coach of days
gone by wore rumpled suits, chomped on cigars and taught things
like the bounce pass and how to “deny” your man the basketball.
There were stars on the court, for sure. But for every Bill
Russell, there was a Red Auerbach to rule with an iron fist.
The NBA coach had no assistant; he coached the team
himself—offense and defense. He had the keys to the gym and made
sure the trainer had enough tape. The coach helped make travel
arrangements while also explaining the back door pass.  And the
players listened.  It started to get away from the coaches
during the late-1970s. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the
league and it became very evident that the fans paid to see
superstar players play, not cerebral coaches teach and
strategize.  Before long, the likes of Isiah