George Karl is not coming back and the last time I checked Phil Jackson is not interested in coming to Milwaukee, so the Bucks will need to find an up incoming coach that has similar coaching styles like some of the best coaches in the game today.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is someone who fits this profile. Even though he has no coaching experience, he brings something that only a few coaches in the NBA bring today - automatic respect.
According to Dave Begel of OnMilwaukee.com, the NBA's all-time leading scorer is interested in coaching the Bucks after this season:
One name I didn't hear, and one that I think should move to the very head of the line is a man I talked with last week who said he'd jump at the chance to coach the Bucks. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I asked him flat out if he would be willing to be the head coach of the Bucks. "Of course," he replied.
Stars want to play for coaches like Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, and Doc Rivers because not only have they been successful but they are well respected. Mutual respect is key to success, just take a look at two former head coaches -- Avery Johnson and Nate McMillan. Avery Johnson was fired early into this season because he and Deron Williams did not get along, which hurt the teams chemistry and performance. Nate McMillian was fired last season because most of his players did not get along with him, hurting the teams overall play on the court.
Not only would Kareem demand respect, but he would also be able to mentor Larry Sanders and John Henson. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the best big man to ever play in the NBA and he could use his experience to help make Sanders and Henson stars.
Just imagine the 7'2" legend roaming the sideline for the Bucks! Even though he has no coaching experience he will be respected instantly by his players and will be able to teach them everything he learned when he was dominating the paint for the Bucks and Lakers in the 70s and 80s. Hiring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as their next head coach would bring excitement to Milwaukee and lead the franchise into the right direction for the years to come.
What should the Milwaukee Bucks do with their head coaching situation? Leave your thoughts below.
My first reaction to your blog was, "You're out of your mind!!"", but the more I think about it, the more I like it. KAJ would give the Bucks a bit of a "wow" factor that they haven't had since the "triplets"....Big Dog, Sam I Am, and Ray. The move would give the Bucks some national attention, and hopefully put a few more warm bodies in the "Beeee-Mo"...like "be more enthusiastic." Alcindor could also be a mentor to the cornerstones of the franchise - Sanders and Henson. Who ever thought Don Nelson would turn out to be a coaching legend when he was first given the job as head coach? I like the move!!!
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