2. Experience
Dec 2, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones head coach Fred Hoiberg (C) talks to forward Dustin Hogue (22) and guard Naz Long (15) during a timeout against the Lamar Cardinals at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones won 96-59. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Fred Hoiberg may have never coached in the NBA, but he played in this league for ten seasons and worked in a management position with the Minnesota Timberwolves for four years. He definitely knows a lot more about this league than what people have given him credit for. He talked about his experiences, saying:
"“I understand this league, playing 10 years and working in the front office for four. I know what this league’s all about and that’s the guys. I’m here to do everything I can to support them, work with them and hopefully bring this group to where we’re competing for a world championship.”"
He could not have said it better; the NBA and all other professional sports leagues are all about the players. At the end of the day, if you’re doing whatever you can to help them succeed and keep them happy, you’ll find success as a coach and you’ll be around for a very long time.
Steve Kerr went into the Golden State job with similar experience under his belt and the only difference would be that Hoiberg attained some college coaching experience before his first NBA experience, something that goes in the younger-former Bull’s advantage.
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