Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Wants to Coach Milwaukee Bucks

According to Dave Begel of OnMilwaukee.com, the NBA’s All-Time leading scorer is interested in coaching the Milwaukee Bucks:

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.

…

“I know how to prepare for a season as an individual and I know what that means in terms of team commitment,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “I can get all the right people together that have some chemistry and care about each other and they love the game. That’s where teams are made or not made successful.”

He had me at “of course.”

Truthfully, we don’t know how Abdul-Jabbar would fare as a head coach. Knowing how successful and knowledgable as he was when he played, though, I’m left hoping that he would do a good job. If Milwaukee isn’t inclined to retain Jim Boylan long term, I’d at least hope they give him a shot.

Not only did Abdul-Jabbar spend his first six NBA seasons in Milwaukee, but his scoring prowess has yet to be matched. Literally.

Could you picture him attempting to turn Defensive Player of the Year candidate Larry Sanders into an offensive force? Just imagining
Sanders with a sky hook is enough for me to board this train.

Of course, this is more than just about Sanders. Abdul-Jabbar is renowned for his work with bigs, but does he know enough to coach point guards and other wings? He spent 20 years in the league and remains one of the greatest we’ve ever seen, but coaching consists of more then just tactical skill or being able resonate with players on an emotional level.

He would have to be able to draw up plays, manage player egos, read opposing defenses and offenses, and communicate from a clipboard. Can he do that?

Remember, not all players necessarily make good coaches. I’m not saying Abdul-Jabbar wouldn’t, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit his name is what appeals to us most at this.

Also standing in the way of this theory actualizing itself is the state of Milwaukee. First time head coaches aren’t often handed the reins of a playoff caliber faction; it’s too risky. If the Bucks return next season clad with a similar roster, they’ll be expected to make the postseason and, therefore, may want a seasoned mind on the sidelines.

Still, it’s difficult not to pull for this, even subconsciously.

We continue to marvel at Abdul-Jabbar’s on-court exploits today and the thought of him taking his talents to the sidelines is the next best thing to seeing him play again.