Wow, I was going to post a thread asking if Bill Russell was the only player coach then I did some research and there have been 40, the last one being in 79 I believe.

My question was, could you see any player doing it now? The thread about Kobe had me wondering if he could've done it instead of them hiring Mike Brown. I realize in today's NBA it is probably impossible, but I don't know, with Kobe's love for the game, I could see him saddling the load.

Kobe is a great player, but a lot of his greatness comes from the locker room. I personally kind of think he's an *******, but other players listen to him because you can't argue with his success. Just curious if you think in today's NBA it would even be possible, and for all I know the CBAs doesn't even allow it.

Kobe seems like too much of an egomaniac to pull it off. He would take 50 shots per game and the whole team would come apart.

I can see your point...but I could also see it working out. I mean, with Phil, he had someone to argue with about his shots. I like to think that Kobe has a really great basketball mind. I know he doesn't always show it, but I wonder what would happen if his teammates could muster up the balls and point to him and say, "It's your fault you took that many shots, it's not in our best interest."

I totally agree with your point, though. I've always just wondered what, exactly, it was about Kobe that made him behave the way he does sometimes. I like to think it's because he realizes his legacy will be defined by those great moments in NBA history, and he's forcing things, but you never know. Maybe stuff goes on behind the scenes where he really just doesn't trust his teammates. These are the reason I wait until the autobiographies come out.

Sorry, just wanted to add on a little more. I agree he's an egomaniac, but my question has always been why his is different than other players.

I mean, we all know Jordan was as well. I read stories about the guy to this day where he is trying to bury people in card games for fun trying to win.

Part of me wonders if it's just a culture/media thing. Back in the day, when a team had "the man" they followed him. Now, players feel entitled their whole lives and it seems harder for them to accept that roleplayer role (I'll just use J.R. Smith for an example).

It seems to me Kobe is wired as the same ruthless killer as the greats of old, but it's interpreted differently. I don't know if that's due to something about him or outside factors, it's hard to tell b/c the game has changed so much.

No. I don't think it is possible.

There is much more time spent in scouting, and the media scrutiny is too great.

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I mean, we all know Jordan was as well.

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Not to give Jordan a complete pass on this issue, but he primarily wanted to win and would pass the ball when advantageous.

Kobe desperately wants to be the hero and will throw up Hail Mary's even when a teammate is open for a better shot.

Oh, I agree. But I think their motives are the same. I don't know, I don't particularly like Kobe but I try to give him the benefit of the doubt; he's one of the greatest players ever. I can't say for sure whether or not his career would've gone any differently if he adjusted his attitude, b/c I think regarding the Kobe/Shaq fallout, they were both to blame.

I'm very thankful they didn't stay together, b/c I think they would've been unstoppable. I love basketball b/c I honestly think the behind the scenes/locker room stuff matters more. There are a lot of talented teams that can't put it together just b/c of player's egos.

Also, the NBA made a rule saying that player-coaches are no longer allowed.

let's just pretend it is possible. who calls the timeouts? i think there is specific rules right now about who can play the timeouts. i don't remember if the players or the coaches are allowed and i'm too lazy to look it up.

Well, I mean if we're pretending current rules don't exist, it isn't far fetched to think a player/coach could just signal to an assistant coach to call the TO if it has to come from the bench.

And thanks GS. I assumed a rule had been made but was too lazy to look it up. I just thought it was an interesting topic to discuss current players who have a great bball IQ combined with great on the court skills. Like Kobe, Duncan, KG. I could see all of them pulling it off.

I don't think the stud player like that would want to coach in most cases. I think you would have a better chance of the role player that is extremely intelligent and knows his place of coaching. Something like Doc Rivers when he played with the Spurs. Guy towards the end of his career that is well respected. But I think having both responsibilities would erode the effectiveness of either responsibility.

I can see where you're coming from.

But, to be the devil's advocate, the truly great, successful coaches have made their mark on the program (Pop or Phil). I would like to think that if Pop retired, TD could "coach" the team and handle the subs. I don't know that it would take anything away from his game at this point in his career, as I don't really think he doesn't have an opinion on what the rotation should be. Now, when it comes to opinions on scouting other teams, prospects, etc. I don't think it's feasible to have a player/coach, but that responsibility in this day and age is probably entirely detached from a HC.

I don't think Mike Brown is going to deviate from the triangle very much (mostly b/c I think he's an offensive minded midget). At this point, I don't doubt that Kobe/Fisher are basically going to be running that offense.

Wow I had a mental picture of Rick Majerus in a basketball uniform and it was not pretty.

Some guys in the CBA and European Leagues have been player/coaches.

Elston Turner was one for the Chicago Rockers of the CBA.

Iowaggie, I think it's kind of funny you bring that up because it seems to me like coaches in the Euroleagues are way more involved than NBA coaches. NBA coaches seem to be more ego managers/tone setters, whereas Euroleague teams seem to be more geared towards installing a system and having the players fit into it; a lot of NBA players don't like how the Euroleagues work b/c it's way more of a team game.

Funny how different the game of basketball is viewed around the world.

[This message has been edited by HotardAg07 (edited 10/20/2011 10:14a).]

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Funny how different the game of basketball is viewed around the world.

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$$$

GS is right- only way it would work is for a player/coach who's selfless and willing to let other players be the stars. Kobe as coach would lead to mutiny VERY quickly. Also, in general, great players have never made great coaches, because they don't understand how to motivate other players that don't have their skills or motivation. Lesser players typically have to find any kind of strategic advantage because if they don't, they're out of the league. You also need someone who can see the entire game, not just what you do. Superstars can focus more on what they do because everything centers around you. That doesn't make very very good perspective as a coach.

all that said, I think Steve Nash would make an excellent player/coach.