University of Kentucky coach John Calipari has been tabbed as wanting to get back into the NBA, and linked to the only professional team he’s coached--the Nets.
What other teams would he likely do well coaching?
Check them out below.
Washington Wizards
Randy Wittman is on the hot seat and Calipari’s stock will be better than ever after this tournament, especially if Kentucky wins the championship. If the Wizards falter in the playoffs and Wittman gets sacked, who better to replace him?
Calipari would make sense on the Wizards because he’s adept at offensive concepts, which the Wizards have struggled with under Wittman, tailored toward the new-look basketball of three-pointers and inside shots over mid-range jumpers.
Calipari also coached Wizards point guard John Wall at Kentucky, and the two remain close.
Wall has stuck behind Wittman but a coaching change is ultimately the owner’s choice, and Wall would almost certainly support Calipari if he was installed as the new coach. The rest of the team largely follows Wall’s lead.
New Orleans Pelicans
Here’s another case where the team is perhaps struggling more than they should and Calipari has an “in” with the current star player.
Anthony Davis also played one season under Calipari at Kentucky. Davis is undoubtedly the best player on the team, and management will continue making a push to make the playoffs to help convince Davis to stick around after his current contract expires.
Calipari also coached Tyreke Evans when they were at the University of Memphis. Evans is one of the other top players on the team.
Monty Williams is a divisive figure in New Orleans, with many supporters but also many detractors. Since the Pelicans are likely missing the playoffs again this season, Williams and general manager Dell Demps could get fired.
