TNT analyst Grant Hill talks Steve Kerr’s coaching prospects, the imploding Pacers and who can challenge the Heat in the East with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: You played in Phoenix when Kerr was the general manager, do you think he has the right temperament to be a coach?
A: He’d be a great NBA coach. He’s got a great intellect and understanding of the game. One of the bigger strong points of a Steve Kerr, he just has the ability to connect with people and build and establish relationships. So much of coaching is strategy, adjustments and the technical aspect, but it’s also getting people to buy in and believe in you. You have to be able to sell the players and get on the same page. I always thought that was one of the differences with him.
Q: What are the other Knicks’ priorities this offseason?
A: Obviously, it starts with Carmelo (Anthony), if he decides he wants to stay and be a part of the rebuilding process. There’s a lot of moving parts. I don’t know if there’s a quick fix necessarily, but there’s also the opportunity to make some changes — some subtle ones — that could make you a playoff team in an instant. It’s not like they just need a point guard and they’ll be a championship contender. There’s a lot that has to be done.
Q: What’s wrong with the Pacers?
A: It was quite alarming how they opened the series. Overcoming this can galvanize a team and that can turn things in the right direction as crazy as it sounds. Defense was their calling card, and the defensive effort hasn’t been there. It’s just the confusion, the lack of trust and all these things.
Q: Are they still the biggest threat to the Heat in the East?
A: If they get there, they match up well. It’s everyone else that is the problem for them. Miami is the favorites, but Brooklyn and Toronto are teams that could be a challenge. I am not saying the Heat will lose, but it’s a tougher road to the conference finals. With the pressure and fatigue, they’re not playing their best basketball right now.
Q: What problems do the Nets present for the Heat if they get past the Raptors?
A: The Nets have experienced guys that aren’t going to be intimidated, and the matchups are favorable. Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson obviously aren’t LeBron (James) and (Dwyane) Wade, but they do go out and compete and go at those guys. Garnett brings the toughness and confidence. They have a belief they can beat Miami.