Whereas Jason Kidd and Larry Chook are among the many few exceptions to the rule, probably the most profitable player-turned-coaches had been usually position gamers of their enjoying careers. Working example: Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr and Tyronn Lue had extra illustrious second careers than first whereas Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale and Elgin Baylor did the precise reverse and flopped as coaches.
To that finish, JJ Redick – a stable position participant in his heyday – might have historical past on his facet as he prepares to teach the Los Angeles Lakers.
Of the final 10 gamers who made the swap with out prior expertise, solely Kerr, Kidd and Doc Rivers are nonetheless teaching within the league. As such, Redick is working with a 30% success fee.
Right here, we glance again on each participant who made the transition with out prior expertise and their document with that particular workforce (playoffs included).
- Steve Nash, Nets: 2020-23; 101-76
- Derek Fisher, Knicks: 2014-16; 40-96
- Steve Kerr, Warriors: 2014-24; 618-315
- Jason Kidd, Nets: 2013-14; 49-47
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Mark Jackson,
Warriors: 2011-14; 130-119 - Vinny Del Negro, Bulls: 2008-10; 86-90
- Isiah Thomas, Pacers: 2000-03; 136-125
- Doc Rivers, Magic: 1999-04; 176-178
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Larry Chook,
Pacers: 1997-00; 179-87 - M.L. Carr, Celtics: 1995-97; 48-116
- Quinn Buckner, Mavericks: 1993-94; 13-69
- Magic Johnson, Lakers: 1993-94; 5-11
- Dan Issel, Nuggets: 1992-95; 106-108
- Dick Van Arsdale, Suns: 1986-87; 14-12
- Paul Silas, Clippers: 1980-83; 78-168
Amongst these coaches, Rivers, Kidd, Thomas, Silas and Del Negro went on to teach different groups after their debut stints. Issel returned to teach the Nuggets in 1999.
Objectively talking, solely Kerr, Kidd, Rivers and Chook discovered sustained success. Chook stepped away from teaching after his Pacers misplaced to the Lakers within the 2000 NBA Finals.
Be aware: The checklist solely contains gamers who undertook head-coaching gigs with out prior expertise at any stage. It doesn’t embrace player-coaches comparable to Invoice Russell, interim coaches comparable to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or assistant coaches comparable to Tyronn Lue or Don Nelson who ascended to the head-coaching position.
