Shaq Admits He Wouldn’t Be Able To Coach In The NBA
Teams get crazy with their hires all the time. The other day JJ Reddick interviewed for the Raptors’ head coaching job. After Monty Williams just got fired, anything seems possible with these head coaching jobs. Would the infamous Shaquille O’Neal AKA Shaq make the jump to coaching at the NBA level? Don’t count on it.
Shaquille O’Neal is a household name when it comes to basketball. The retired NBA player is widely considered one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport. However, despite his vast experience and knowledge of the game, Shaq has made it clear that he has no plans to become an NBA head coach.
VIA Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix:
“I probably wouldn’t be able to coach. I have an old-school mentality – Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, the great Gregg Popovich-type mentality. I don’t think I would be able to relate to the new generation,” the Hall of Famer and “Inside the NBA” co-host explained. “I’ve coached my son in AAU, and we won a championship. It was actually very fun, but never again.”
Shaq isn’t entirely discounting the idea of getting into the ownership ranks:
“Nobody has ever called me about coaching, but I’m still looking to be an owner, somehow. I’m interested in a certain team in Florida,” O’Neal said, referring to the Orlando Magic.
If the Orlando Magic ever go for sale, count Shaq in. Otherwise, I’m sure he’ll stick to TNT duties. That show is thriving and there would be no reason for him to ever leave that gig unless it’s a dream scenario.
