The Kings' hire of Reggie Theus points out what has been clear for a long time: a (and perhaps the) key factor in being a good NBA coach is having credibility among NBA players. Because if you don't, many teams will simply tune you out, and it won't matter a lick if your offensive schemes are brilliant.
Theus, as quoted by ESPN's Andy Katz, understands that idea:
"I don't think anyone has looked at me as a college guy. People always looked at me as a pro guy. That's my pedigree. I spent 13 years as a player. I don't know why other college coaches haven't been successful. But most of the guys didn't play in the pros. I just know that I'm different. My credibility going in the door isn't as someone who hasn't played the game."
Bingo. That's the deal. There have been a lot of coaches who are masterful with the chalkboard who simply can't get star players to buy in. Having played at a high level in the NBA -- which is in many ways like joining a lifelong, exclusive club -- is one of the few surefire ways to earn the respect of an NBA team. (And once you're in, you can do almost anything and maintain your credibility.)
And those coaches who never played? Who didn't arrive with the big-time pedigree but command respect nonetheless? The Lawrence Franks and Jeff Van Gundys? You can bet they know their stuff.
Theus's mojo appears to be paying off already. His hire has Ron Artest telling ESPN's Marc Stein (Insider) how much he loves playing with reported former nemesis Mike Bibby:
"I'd rather play with Mike any day of the year," Artest said.
Artest went on to explain that he and Bibby "actually work out together every morning at Gold's Gym" when they're both in Sacramento in the offseason. He says they also "shoot [together] at night sometimes" and spend time with each other's children. ...
"Next season will be great," counters Artest, who is scheduled to join the contingent of NBA players, led by Players Association chief Billy Hunter and union president Derek Fisher, who will visit Kenya this summer in an attempt to feed 1 million people by delivering 11 million pounds of rice.
"Coach is proven in the league as a player, so that gives the team more confidence. The Kings made an excellent choice."
Sactown Royalty's Tom Ziller (also the source of that great "Hang Time" clip above) shares an interesting theory: Francisco Garcia is one of the most popular Kings, and Theus coached Garcia when he was an assistant at Louisville. Assuming Garcia would give Coach Theus a ringing endorsement among his teammates, Theus will roll into Sacramento with an extra shot of credibility. That certainly can't hurt his chances of turning around a Sacramento team that needs some leadership.
