Why are scrubs better coaches than the superstar

[Milbuck]

Coaching is overrated.

It's actually not.

[avonbarksdale]

because its hard for someone who the game comes so easily to to try and explain what to do to someone with less talent/ability

[Bandito]

"Fundamentals are the crutch of the talentless"

You must be the God of the Fundamentals then

[Bodhi]

They're not. There's a selection bias

Scrubs only get a coaching job if they prove themselves as great coaches in other leagues and then prove themselves as great assistants before they're even considered for head coaching jobs. Phil Jackson had to coach in Puerto Rico before he was even considered for an assistant job with the Bulls

All the scrubs who can't coach are weeded out 5 jobs before they get a chance as an NBA coach whereas someone like Jason Kidd can get a head coaching job the day they retire

[steve]

I don't think scrubs necessarily make better coaches than superstars. I think it's just the fact that there are so many more of them, that of all the retired players that end up coaching, most of them are naturally guys who were role players.

Right, you're drawing from a much, much bigger pool with role players or guys that didn't even have careers in the pros, whereas there's only a small finite number of superstars ever.

A quick (and very arguable, mind you) look at the top 5 coaches in the NBA right now (also in no order): Pop, Spoelstra, Thibs, Rivers, and Carlisle. Only two of those guys even played in the NBA (hell, those two are the only ones among the top five here who even played major college ball) and of those two, Carlisle had a cup of coffee in the pros and Rivers was a borderline All-Star.

I think people focus too much on how role players (or non players) and superstars look at the game inherently that does and doesn't make them a good coach but never really take the time to realize that coaching is just a completely different skill set than the ability to actually play basketball (or any sport for that matter).

[Big Cheese]

Those who cant do, teach

[FLDFSU]

I think Peyton Manning would be a good coach.

[R1Turtle]

Jeff van gundy was just talking about this topic. You think he lurks the forum?!

[Collie]

A lot of coaches were great players. Doug Collins, Lenny Wilkens, Bill Russell coached some, Larry Bird was a great coach.

Not a lot of stars actually become coaches, since they don't need the money.

[NumberSix]

Upstanding citizens are usually smarter than thugs.

[Cowboy Thunder]

Those who cant do, teach

Sounds like a pretty awful premise

[RoseCity07]

Michael Jordan was notorious for being negative about the rest of his teams effort and ability. It wasn't until later in his career that he realized that they were busting their asses. He really thought that he was great because he worked harder. I think great players don't realize that a lot of what makes them great is talent. Steve Kerr couldn't do the things that Jordan could do. Players like Jordan don't see the game the same way a scrub looks at the game.

A scrub is much more likely to consider the parts of the team. He has to fill a role and be aware of his teammates abilities. Big time scorers are much more about themselves. Their teammates are in the peripheral, used as a way to get their dribble back once they lose it.

Good basketball minds are more team oriented. Superstars are by nature selfish.

[MavsSuperFan]

Kenny smith explained this. Russell was coaching his team and told the bigs to go up and get the rebound. They asked him for tips, and he responded by just telling them to go up and get the ball.

I think sometimes when something comes really naturally to you it's hard to teach because you can't comprehend where someone else might struggle.

[MavsSuperFan]

Then the next question is...would a superstar respect a scrub player as a coach?

Phil was a scrub