In the NBA, coaches and players do not always get along. It’s to be expected, really; in what sport is there ever a 100 percent satisfaction rate between players and their coaches? Gripes over playing style, playing time, and management techniques are commonplace, but in most cases everyone learns to work together and keep their focus on the greater good.
Sometimes, though, that doesn’t happen. The dysfunction reaches new heights, often in very public displays. Whether you’re talking about Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy's awkward press conference or Allen Iverson ranting and raving about Larry Brown and practice, the volatile relationship between player and coach has been known to occasionally boil over. Sixteen years ago, Latrell Sprewell choked out P.J. Carlesimo during practice. Check out a History of Player-Coach Beefs in the NBA.