The NBA has named legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski as its special advisor for basketball operations, the league announced Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- In this role, Krzyzewski, 76, will “advise the league office, NBA team managers and other executives across the league on a variety of game-related matters,” according to an NBA press release.
- During his 42-year coaching career at Duke, Krzyzewski was given multiple opportunities to coach in the NBA but remained with the Blue Devils until his retirement after the 2021-22 season.
- He also coached the USA men’s national basketball team from 2005 to 2016 and led Team USA to gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Krzyzewski has been named basketball coach of the year seven times – a record seven times.
- Krzyzewski will attend an NBA general managers’ meeting in Chicago next week to begin his new advisory role with the league.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Why this role makes sense for Krzyzewski
Because it allows him to quench his basketball itch — something he alluded to when The Athletic spoke to him in February — in a way that doesn’t interfere or interfere with the work of his successor, Jon Scheyer, at Duke . During his transition from coaching, he stressed that Duke would now be Scheyer’s program and that throwing himself onto the grass there seemed to contradict those wishes.
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Still, for someone who’s coached more than 45 years of their life, to walk away and have no connection with the sport is…difficult, if not nigh impossible. Krzyzewski obviously attends some Duke practices and maintains relationships with his former players — both in college and at various pro levels — but it’s something of the difference between pinching and getting a permanent spot in the lineup. Now he knows he will directly impact the game by meeting with owners, executives and people at every level of the NBA.
The other interesting thing to watch here is: does this predict anything else for Krzyzewski’s future? In his later years at Duke, Krzyzewski became something of an unofficial voice of college basketball, someone who railed against the NCAA’s shortcomings and wanted protection for the game’s integrity. Does slipping into that role at the NBA level allow him to dive into those waters, so to speak, before attempting to do something similar at the college level? That’s speculation on my part, but given his stature and interest in making the game profitable in the long run, it makes sense. – Mark
What you say
“This is a great opportunity to deepen my connection with the NBA and participate in conversations about further strengthening the league and the game,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “Even after retiring from coaching, my passion for the sport has never been greater. This role will allow me to continue to engage in basketball at the highest level.”
NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said, “We are honored to have Coach K join the NBA family and share his extensive experience and expertise with the league and our teams.”
“As an outstanding coach and respected leader who cares about the game of basketball, he is uniquely positioned to spark discussion and provide insight into the present and future of the NBA.”
backstory
Krzyzewski, or “Coach K,” has a lifetime contract as a university ambassador to Duke and has retained his office at the Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center adjacent to Cameron Indoor Stadium. His new NBA title is not expected to affect his role as Duke’s ambassador.
A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Krzyzewski began his career with the Army (1975-80) before moving to Duke, where he built one of the most elite collegiate basketball programs in the country. He won two consecutive national titles in 1991 and 1992, followed by more championships in 2001, 2010 and 2015.
He also led Duke to 15 ACC tournament championships and 13 Final Four appearances. His 1,202 career wins are the most of any coach in college basketball history, male or female.
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(Photo: Bob Donnan / USA Today)