Sam Fortier of The Ringer detailed Jerry Stackhouse‘s decision to coach in the D-League as opposed to working as an NBA assistant coach. Stackhouse, coaching Raptors 905, often works in front of small crowds with little fanfare, but the two-time All-Star doesn’t mind.
“Until I got this job this year, I hardly even knew the D-League existed,” Stackhouse said. “I’m a pro. I’m an NBA guy, and I’m not wasting time, you know? I get it when people don’t understand the D-League. It’s part of it. But I’m here to tell ’em it’s a gem. A hidden gem.”
Stackhouse explained the frustration of watching Jason Kidd and Derek Fisher seamlessly transition from their playing career to a head coaching job. After a stint as a TV analyst covering the Pistons, Stackhouse pursued a coaching job with the 37-11 Raptors 905.
“Seeing [Fisher and Kidd] get those head-coaching jobs, I was like, I know I’m — you hate to say better — but I know I’m damn as good as those guys when it comes to coaching,” Stackhouse said. “I wouldn’t have been ready [to be a head coach] in 2012–13, but Jason Kidd came in and my mind was like, ‘I have more of a pulse of this team than he could ever have. They respect me.’ I look at all of the other relationships you have to have to make it work, and the people you need to know in organizations. … It’s hard to get that.”
More from around the game…
- Green Bay’s Kerem Kanter will test the NBA draft process, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports (Twitter link). Per Rothstein, Kerem (brother of Enes Kanter), will graduate and transfer if he doesn’t remain in the draft.
- Michael Porter Jr., the nation’s top recruit, announced on Twitter that he has committed to Missouri (link). When speaking to Jeff Goodman of ESPN, Porter said “It wasn’t an easy decision at all, but I’m very comfortable with the program and Coach Martin. I trust my dad. I think we have a chance to do something special. … I’m excited beyond words.”
- International basketball reporter David Pick was asked who the best player in Europe was (Twitter link). Pick replied “Milos [Teodosic] is a magician, but most Euroleague GMs love Nando De Colo. Sergio Llull is a stud, Keith Langford voted best US-born overseas.” De Colo, who has played with CSKA Moscow since 2014, appeared in 119 NBA games with the Spurs and Raptors between 2012-14. In a recent interview with BasketInside.com, de Colo said returning to the NBA is “not a priority” at the moment.
I’ve watched some games. It looks just like the summer league.
D league can be good for developing players to get more court time than with the NBA teams. Some games are fun to watch but a step away from good. Not enough is known about the players until they get called up.
Stackhouse has some sour grapes don’t throw shade on those who made it of course it’s great to think you’re better but don’t voice it let others do it for you, Mark Jackson did a great job at Warriors should have still been there but not throwing dirt in the air over Kerr, have more class