Now, they're taking those arguments public. On a regular basis during the off-season, Locke and Pelton will chat over instant messenger about a given topic. We'll post their arguments, then allow you to have your say by voting for who you agree with and sending in e-mails with your take.

May 7 Question:
Which should be hired first - Coach or GM?

Kevin: The reason why it makes sense to hire a GM first is simple: longevity. Look around the league. Only Jerry Sloan and Gregg Popovich have spent the last five years as the head coach of the same team the entire time. However, a number of executives still remain in place. Ultimately, the GM makes the decision on the future of the coach, so it only makes sense to have him involved with the hiring process as well.

David: Fair, but let me flip it around. I believe when you look at the best teams in the NBA you see a culture that emanates out of the head coach. When your culture is dictated by the GM the team most often fails. See Memphis under West, Denver struggled when Kiki was dominant. Look at Golden State - they turned when the dominant figure was the head coach. The culture has to be led by the head coach.

Kevin: Fair point. I have come around to your opinion on the importance to culture of the head coach. However, keep in mind that a GM candidate from a successful organization may also be able to provide input on what makes a successful culture and help Bennett and Wilkens choose the right coach to lead that culture.

David: In an ideal world the head coach dictates the culture. The GM supports that and is totally on board with his moves and the owner gives them the latitude to act accordingly.

You can still have this if the GM is hired first; I just don't think he can be the dominant figure in the organization.

David: The other issue is the small picture issue rather than this big picture philosophical mumbo jumbo.

The draft is coming and coming fast.

Kevin: Which is why you need a GM.

David: How does the GM draft if he doesn't know the culture of his coach?

Kevin: The coach doesn't know who fits his culture without the scouting expertise of the GM.

David: Don't agree. In Utah Kevin O'Conner has to match who he acquires based on Jerry Sloan's system. Same now in Golden State where Mullin has to match to Nelson's preferences.

Kevin: Maybe, but most of Nellie's players predate his arrival in the Bay. A good coach, while they impose a culture, is also flexible enough to adjust to his talent.

David: I believe you adjust to talent but the talent has to fit. A big plodding center works in one system and is a joke in Phoenix or Golden State. Some coaches coach one way better than another and to think otherwise is to not be playing to your strengths. What happened when Nate McMillan tried to run?

David: I would add this: Regardless of what order the right people are the issue. Cleveland wanted to go GM first and ended up going coach first, but Mike Brown and Danny Ferry were good choices, that is the real issue.

Kevin: I think on that, if nothing else, we both agree.

Results

Pelton - 56%
Locke - 44%

"For coach to dominate culture he has to be top 5 coach (top 10 at worst) and have a good track record on personnel recommendations. Some are the first but not the second - see Larry Brown in NY. George Karl might be another though it would have to be reviewed carefully.

"No coach Sonics will get walks in as a top 5-10 proven guy. Therefore they shouldn't dominate culture at least at start."
- Greg, Redmond

"I think the Coach should be chosen first."
- Quyen, Kirkland

"I think ideally you have to have a strong GM who knows how to put together a winning team and who picks or helps pick the coach and then lets him coach. The coach has to be very strong, too."
- David, Gig Harbor

"I think this topic is like the debate of nature vs. nurture. The effect of coach depends on the gm and vice versa the effect of gm depends on the coach."
- Jimmy, Livingston