Will Coach K Be The Next NBA Commissioner?

By: Melo Williams 

Over the years, Mike Krzyzewski “Coach K” turned down many lucrative offers to coach NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who many thought he’d take the Lakers HC job due to his close relationship with Kobe Bryant.

However, Coach K’s loyalty and commitment to Duke University and college basketball he never accepted a head coaching NBA job.

Fast forward to today, Coach K has been appointed by the NBA as a Special Advisor for Business Operations. It made me say hmmm, what is this about and what’s next for the NBA, Adam Silver, and Coach K?

Multiple reports have been circulating current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver putting the NBA commissioner to take over for Bob Iger as Disney’s CEO when he retires in 2024.

Silver’s contract with the National Basketball Association runs through the 2024 season, but it’s likely the NBA governors will give him a contract extension if he wants it because Silver has helped the league increase its revenue to $8 billion a year.

Though Commissioner Silver has said he “loves his job” with the NBA, if Disney offers him a number he can’t refuse we’ll see how much he loves his job as commissioner of the NBA vs the check and perks of being Disney’s CEO who the NBA has a long-standing business relationship with.

There are several reasons why Coach K would make a good commissioner for the NBA:

1.  Leadership Experience: Coach K was the head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team from 1980 until he retired and won five National Championships. He has also coached the USA men’s basketball team to three Olympic gold medals. His leadership experience and success in coaching make him a strong candidate for the ultimate leadership role in the NBA.

2.  Business Acumen: Coach K has a degree in economics and has been involved in various business ventures throughout his career. He understands the financial aspects of running a successful organization and would be able to make sound business decisions as commissioner. The Brotherhood Culture is an example of Coach K creating a successful organization within the Duke basketball brand.

3.  Player Relations: Coach K has a reputation for being able to connect with his players and build strong relationships with them. This skill would be invaluable in a commissioner role, as the commissioner needs to be able to work with players, teams, and corporate America to ensure the continued success and growth of the league.

4.  International Experience: Coach K has coached internationally and has a strong understanding of the global basketball market. With the NBA’s international presence growing by the year, having a commissioner like Coach K with his experience would be beneficial.

5. Social Activism: Coach K has been vocal about his support for social justice. In June 2020, he released a video addressing systemic racism and social injustice, stating that “we as a country have the duty to solve this problem.”

He has also spoken out about the death of George Floyd and the protests that followed, calling on people to “stand up for what is right.”

In addition, Coach K has proposed a tournament for Duke basketball that would focus on social justice issues important to players and fans.

Coach K’s advocacy for social justice is not limited to words. He has also taken action to support social justice causes. Krzyzewski has donated to the Emily K Center in Durham, North Carolina, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to underprivileged children.

Additionally, he has been involved in the Coaches vs. Cancer program, which raises funds for cancer research and patient support.

Overall, Coach K’s actions and words demonstrate his commitment to social justice causes.

If you look at Duke’s Brotherhood and its impactful involvement with the NBA today, Coach K as the next commissioner makes sense because it’ll also make cent$.

Several former Duke basketball players have become executives in the NBA. Some notable names include:

• Grant Hill: Hill is currently a part-owner and Vice Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Hawks.

• Shane Battier: Battier is the Vice President of Basketball Development and Analytics for the Miami Heat.

• Elton Brand: Brand is the General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers.

• Trajan Langdon: Langdon is the General Manager of the New Orleans Pelicans.

It remains to be seen first if Adam Silver will leave his job as the commissioner of the NBA to become Disney’s next CEO. If that happens don’t be surprised to hear that Coach K is the next NBA Commissioner, or if he actually becomes the commissioner. Just remember who you heard it first from, Melo Williams with Team NBS Media.

Follow Melo on Twitter and Instagram: @_MeloWilliams