‘Preeminent Coach, Leader’: Coach K Joins NBA, Special Adviser Basketball Operations
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 08:04PM By Barry Janoff
Photo: USA BasketballMay 10, 2023: Calling him a “preeminent coach and renowned leader who cares deeply about the game of basketball,” the NBA today said that Mike Krzyzewski, one of the greatest head coaches in basketball history, has been appointed the league’s Special Adviser to Basketball Operations.
In his new role, Krzyzewski will “provide counsel to the league office, NBA team executives and other leaders across the league on a host of issues related to the game.”
He is scheduled to begin in this consulting capacity by attending a meeting of NBA general managers next week in Chicago.
“We are honored to have Coach K join the NBA family and share his vast experience and expertise with the league and our teams,” Byron Spruell, NBA president-league operations, said via the NBA.
“As a preeminent coach and renowned leader who cares deeply about the game of basketball, he is uniquely suited to drive discussions and offer insights about the present and future of the NBA.”
Krzyzewski is no stranger to working with NBA players, having been a six-time gold medalist as head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team from 2005-16. He guided the program to an 88-1 record, including a 24-0 mark in the Olympics.
A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2001), Krzyzewski joins the NBA one year after completing a 47-year career as a college basketball head coach, including 42 seasons at Duke (1980-2022) and five seasons at his alma mater, Army West Point (1975-80).
He went 1,202-368 (.766) overall and 1,129-309 (.785) with the Blue Devils, making him the winningest men’s coach in NCAA history and at one school.
During his tenure at Duke, Krzyzewski won five national championships and set the NCAA record for Final Four appearances by a head coach (13). He also holds NCAA Tournament records for the most victories (101) and appearances (36) by a head coach.
With Krzyzewski at the helm, the U.S. won three gold medals in the Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016), FIBA Basketball World Cups (2010 and 2014) and one FIBA AmeriCup (2007).
“This is a tremendous opportunity to deepen my connection to the NBA and participate in conversations about further strengthening the league and the game,” said Krzyzewski via the NBA.
“Even in my retirement from coaching, my passion for the sport has never been higher. This role will enable me to stay engaged with basketball at the highest level.”
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