NBA coaches DON'T matter

#nba
Welcome back to the show! Today, we delve into the intriguing world of NBA coaches and explore why, at the highest levels of competition, the coach’s influence often appears to diminish. To an outsider unfamiliar with professional sports, it might seem odd for grown men to have other grown men as coaches. Traditionally, a coach's role involves education and discipline. However, with the average NBA player being around 27 years old, they have already mastered the fundamentals of basketball. If discipline is still lacking at this stage, it’s likely too late to instill it effectively.
One significant aspect of coaching in the NBA is the blurred power dynamic. It’s not uncommon for NBA coaches to be younger than some of the players they are coaching. For instance, Joe Mazzulla is currently 35, while Al Horford is 38. This age disparity can create a unique and potentially challenging dynamic. Additionally, the success or lack thereof of a coach during their playing career can impact their relationship with current players. For example, when LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, Luke Walton, his head coach, was a former player from the same draft class as LeBron but had been out of the league for five years. The hierarchical structure of the Lakers placed Walton above LeBron, but in terms of leverage and influence, LeBron was clearly the dominant figure.
LeBron James serves as a prime example of the complex power struggle between star players and coaches. His tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-2016 under David Blatt highlights this tension. Blatt, a highly successful coach in Israel, was perceived as a rookie by the Cavaliers players. Despite his extensive coaching background, Blatt's success outside the NBA was not respected by the team. LeBron's lack of respect for Blatt was evident in his actions, such as altering plays and aligning himself with assistant coach Ty Lue, whom he respected more. Blatt was eventually fired despite the Cavaliers having the best record in the East, and Ty Lue was promoted, showcasing how player influence can dictate coaching decisions.
LeBron's influence extends beyond the court. In Miami, he attempted to have head coach Erik Spoelstra replaced by coaxing Pat Riley to step down as GM and return to coaching. Although Riley resisted, the power struggle exemplifies the delicate balance of power between star players and coaches. Similarly, in the Lakers organization, Jeanie Buss fired head coach Frank Vogel two years after winning a championship, partially due to LeBron's influence.
For prospective NBA coaches, working with a star player like LeBron can be daunting. Coaches often find themselves facilitating the star's vision rather than implementing their own. This is why it seemed odd when JJ Redick was floated as a potential head coach for the Lakers. Redick, known for his strong opinions and desire to build his own culture, would likely struggle in a setting where he would need to defer to LeBron’s preferences. The story then shifted to Dan Hurley of UConn being a target for the Lakers, but similar concerns about the power dynamic and coaching style arise.
Coaching in the NBA is vastly different from coaching in college. In college, coaches like Hurley can micromanage and discipline younger players. However, in the NBA, especially with veteran teams, a hands-off approach is often more effective. Veteran teams usually prefer veteran coaches who can relate to them as peers rather than authoritative figures. This dynamic is exemplified by coaches like Tyronn Lue, who successfully manages star players by allowing them to shine without imposing his ego.
Coaching changes in the NBA are frequent, and coaches often become scapegoats for team failures. Despite leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a strong record, Adrian Griffin was fired mid-season due to personality clashes and a perceived lack of defensive strategy. This highlights how even successful coaches can be dismissed if they do not mesh well with the team.
The role of an NBA coach, particularly for veteran teams, is to facilitate rather than dictate. Coaches need to manage egos, maintain harmony, and make tactical adjustments. The example of Tyronn Lue illustrates this well; despite the Clippers' struggles, Lue's approach has kept him in high demand.
In conclusion, the role of an NBA coach is multifaceted and influenced by various factors, including team dynamics, player-coach relationships, and organizational priorities. While coaches are crucial in shaping a team's strategy and culture, their power is often eclipsed by the influence of star players. This complex interplay makes coaching in the NBA a challenging yet fascinating profession, where success hinges on much more than just basketball acumen.