By Matt Flemming
Staff Reporter
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was in Seoul on the weekend, serving as the assistant coach of a team of former NBA stars and current National Basketball Development League (NBDL) players, as part of the NBA Asia Challenge.
The 20-year former NBA veteran with the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks saw his team, which included Tim Hardaway, Robert Horry, Dominique Wilkins and Vlade Divac, lose 114-98 to a Korean Basketball League (KBL) all-star squad.
But Abdul-Jabbar has let it be known that his coaching aspirations go beyond leading a team of retirees and minor leaguers.
During an interview with the Korea Times on Friday at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul, he reiterated his message to NBA teams that he's available and he wants a shot at coaching.
"I know that I have knowledge about the game that I can convey. The knowledge I have will help other players play well," said Abdul-Jabbar.
His credentials as a player speak volumes: a six-time NBA champion and NBA MVP, a 19-time All Star and the all-time leader in points scored. He has an intellectual side as well, the bestselling author of seven books.
Despite his credentials, however, Abdul-Jabbar has not been given an opportunity on an NBA bench.
He has worked as a special assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers since 2005, primarily to work with center Andrew Bynum, at that time a raw talent. Abdul-Jabbar has helped Bynum blossom into a solid contributor with the Lakers, who averaged 14 points and eight rebounds a game this past season.
With a question mark continually surrounding the future of Lakers head coach Phil Jackson due to health issues, Abdul-Jabbar used his Twitter feed earlier this summer to openly express his interest in the position.
"I just read the ESPN story on who will replace Phil (and I see) that a lot of (you) think I would be a good choice. I would have to agree with my fans," he wrote on the social networking site Aug. 19.
He added, "I have not been given an opportunity as a head coach so maybe a groundswell of support from my fans could open a door for me!"
On Friday in Seoul, Abdul-Jabbar said he would be interested in a coaching position for any NBA team, not just the Lakers.
"When you're a coach you've got to go up the ladder, you've got to be ready to travel. That's the nature of coaching. So I understand that," he said.
"Certain things have to fall into place. The stars have to align, more or less, but I feel that I've done a very good job with my assignment and somebody might feel that I deserve another opportunity."
As for replacing Jackson, Abdul-Jabbar admitted that he has had no discussions with Lakers management about moving into another role.
"They made it very clear what they wanted from me, and I delivered that. I think they are happy with that. But as far as me moving up the ladder, we haven't had any discussions," he said.
While history has proven that great players do not automatically make great coaches, many believe that Abdul-Jabbar's personality may be a reason why NBA teams haven't come calling. Not known for either charisma or affability, some have questioned whether he has the right personality to motivate a team of young players.
But former Laker Robert Horry believes the all-time legend has hidden depths.
"He's one of those types of guys, as a player, you respect a lot. You're kind of intimidated by him, you don't want to disturb him, so I never really got a chance to know him. Since I've been here I've got to know him and he's a very nice and incredibly intelligent guy," he said.
At the age of 62, Abdul-Jabbar admits he's a tad old to be a rookie coach, one reason why he's not surprised the jobs haven't come his way.
"I know how things go. Most coaches start to get involved when they are in their 20s. I was in my mid-40s before I really got serious about it."
Nevertheless, Abdul-Jabbar remains convinced he'd do a good job - given the opportunity.
"I learned from some very good teachers, including (UCLA coach) John Wooden and I think I'm in a good position to convey that knowledge to young NBA players."