While Jason Kidd and Larry Bird are among the few exceptions to the rule, the most successful NBA player-turned-coaches were typically role players in their playing careers.
Consider Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Steve Kerr, and Tyronn Lue, who enjoyed more illustrious coaching careers than their playing days, while Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, and Elgin Baylor struggled in their coaching roles.
In this context, JJ Redick—a dependable role player during his career—might have history on his side as he steps into his new role as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
Of the last 10 players who transitioned to coaching without prior experience, only Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, and Doc Rivers remain active in the league. This gives Redick a 30% success rate to consider as he embarks on his coaching journey.
Below, we review each player who made the switch without prior experience and their record with that specific team, including playoff performances:
- Steve Nash, Nets: 2020-23; 101-76
- Derek Fisher, Knicks: 2014-16; 40-96
- Steve Kerr, Warriors: 2014-24; 618-315
- Jason Kidd, Nets: 2013-14; 49-47
- Mark Jackson, Warriors: 2011-14; 130-119
- Vinny Del Negro, Bulls: 2008-10; 86-90
- Isiah Thomas, Pacers: 2000-03; 136-125
- Doc Rivers, Magic: 1999-04; 176-178
- Larry Bird, Pacers: 1997-00; 179-87
- M.L. Carr, Celtics: 1995-97; 48-116
- Quinn Buckner, Mavericks: 1993-94; 13-69
- Magic Johnson, Lakers: 1993-94; 5-11
- Dan Issel, Nuggets: 1992-95; 106-108
- Dick Van Arsdale, Suns: 1986-87; 14-12
- Paul Silas, Clippers: 1980-83; 78-168
Among those coaches, Rivers, Kidd, Thomas, Silas, and Del Negro went on to coach other teams after their debut stints. Issel returned to coach the Denver Nuggets in 1999.
Objectively speaking, only Kerr, Kidd, Rivers, and Bird found sustained success. Bird stepped away from coaching after his Indiana Pacers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals.
Please note: This list specifically includes players who took on head-coaching roles without prior coaching experience at any level. It excludes player-coaches like Bill Russell, interim coaches such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or assistant coaches who later became head coaches, like Tyronn Lue or Don Nelson.
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