Carmelo Anthony Hints at Coaching Desire With Strict Condition Against NBA League

Does Melo wish to become a coach? Over the years, the Knicks legend has dodged this particular role. He still seems to have some unresolved issues with his former coach, George Karl, who has criticized the basketball star many times. However, Melo may have found a new interest in coaching. For instance, Melo is often seen guiding his 17-year-old son who shares the same passion for basketball. While the ex-NBA star seems interested in this new role, he has certain conditions.

His condition? It can’t involve pro players. The 10x All-Star shared that he would be happy to take on the role of a high school coach. But he isn’t interested in coaching professional players when Iman Shumpert asked him on the latest segment of 7PM in Brooklyn. He said, “I ain’t coaching the pros…I don’t have to do that. I’d rather put my passion into high school.”

When probed by the co-hosts, he opened up about the reason behind this decision. He’d prefer to work with younger athletes who are likely to be more enthusiastic and perhaps a bit easier to manage than seasoned pros. It’s indeed because Melo will have more control over high school players than college or pro players in the NBA. 

While he had admitted it before, Melo added another reason to his opinion. He shared that the number of players who were successful in transitioning to coaching positions is fewer. He went on to explain that elite players tend to have a competitive edge, but dealing with young players requires patience.

“If you a big-time player, you got ego, you got pride, right? You know it all; you know everything. The minute someone try to try you, you turn back into that competitor,” he explained.

Indeed, several former NBA players tried their hands at coaching after their careers ended. While not many, a decent number of players have been successful in it. But why does the Knicks legend continue to stay away from his former coach?

What did George Karl say about Carmelo Anthony?

Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Tom Heinsohn, John Wooden, and Lenny Wilkins are five legendary stars who were honored as both NBA players and NBA coaches. These legends were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for their contributions as both players and coaches. However, Carmelo Anthony seems to hold a different opinion. 

When it comes to coaching pro players in the NBA, Melo might be reminded of his own experience with Karl. “He had no commitment to the hard, dirty work of stopping the other guy…But since Carmelo only played hard on one side of the ball, he made it plain he couldn’t lead the Nuggets, even though he said he wanted to. Coaching him meant working around his defense and compensating for his attitude,” Karl said.

The beef between the two doesn’t seem to have changed. So, the New York Knicks legend’s thoughts on the coaching job might not change any time soon.

But we hope this condition doesn’t limit Melo from coaching, especially when it comes to guiding his own son, Kiyan, who is likely to make it to the NBA. The 17-year-old recently announced on the same podcast that he will be joining Melo’s alma mater, Syracuse University, to continue his father’s legacy while creating one of his own.