But New Jersey isn't Detroit, and the Nets aren't the Pistons.
When a successful person tries to replicate their past success in a different time and place, failure is more often the outcome.
Because success is difficult to duplicate.
Daley abandoned Fitch's high-pressure management, hoping to be kinder to the players.
So after every grueling game, Daley would tell the players:
"Take a good rest, guys. We did well tonight."
Then, the next morning at team practice, Coleman didn't show up.
Daley called Coleman to ask what was going on, whether he was sick.
Coleman replied: "You said yesterday that we should take a good rest. If I'm resting, why would I come to practice early in the morning?"
The argument made sense, but it was not Daley's intention.
A misalignment in understanding is always painful for a manager.
He had experienced a similar period with the Detroit Pistons.
After four long years, Daley found his way forward.
