Former Crvena Zvezda playmaker, Codi Miller-McIntyre, in and interview with Meridian sport reflected on his emotional reunion with the Red-and-Whites, Nikola Kalinic’s decision to transition into coaching, and the high ceiling of the Belgrade squad under new head coach Ibon Navarro.
Nikola Kalinic moves into coaching
Nikola Kalinic‘s decision to end his playing career and immediately step onto the bench surprised many, but not the American guard. The two spent time together in Spain during the summer break:
“I’m not surprised. During the summer, we met up in Mallorca, went out for dinner, and talked for a long time, so I already sensed back then that he might make that move. I think this is a fantastic thing for him, a new role and fresh energy. I believe that over time he will grow into a very good coach.”
Codi Miller-McIntyre shared a dinner photo with former Crvena Zvezda teammate Nikola Kalinic, proving the two still share a special bond. 🔴⚪️#kkcz #OlympiacosBC pic.twitter.com/2sKXMF5XrE
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 30, 2026
The fact that veteran leaders like Nikola Kalinic and Milos Teodosic are shifting roles or saying goodbye to the court forced Miller-McIntyre himself to reflect on the passage of time:
“Crazy! I’m slowly reaching the age where many of my friends and players I used to look up to are retiring, so it’s quite strange to watch it all happen. But that’s the natural flow of life. You can’t play forever, and I’m convinced that both of them will be just as successful in their new roles.”
When asked if he sees himself taking on a coaching position in the future, Miller-McIntyre hesitated with a smile before standing firm on his stance:
“No, never. When I finish… Well, who knows, maybe. But I still don’t think I would. What is certain is that I will continue to follow basketball, watch EuroLeague games from the stands, but I definitely won’t be a coach.”
Codi Miller-McIntyre (@CodiTyree0) was spotted following Crvena Zvezda alongside his former teammates while waiting for the match between Olympiacos and Fenerbahce! 🏀🔴⚪️#kkcz #olympiacos pic.twitter.com/ktmyj1L1sw
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) September 4, 2026
Adapting to the European champions and faith in Navarro’s Crvena Zvezda
After leaving Belgrade, the dynamic point guard had to adapt to the system of Olympiacos:
“Everything is moving in a great direction. It definitely required an adjustment period because the style of play is significantly different. I’m getting to know new teammates, learning a new system, and adapting to the demands of the new coaching staff. So far, everything is working out exceptionally well.”
Concluding the conversation, Miller-McIntyre touched upon Crvena Zvezda once more, expressing an extraordinarily high opinion of new head coach Ibon Navarro and voicing confidence that the Red-and-Whites possess the power for great achievements under his leadership:
“First of all, Zvezda has a fantastic head coach. Ibon is great, and he knows very well how much I respect him. With the energy he brings, the way he constructs the team, and how he manages to put collective goals and victories above individual statistics, they have tremendous potential, far greater than many people estimate. He achieved outstanding results in Malaga. I know him well, he is an extremely ambitious professional who will constantly push the team and players to give their maximum.”
