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Iguodala and Kerr often agree about basketball partly because of their mutual upbringing as former players under Lute Olson, the late University of Arizona basketball coach. No surprise Iguodala said that Kerr is “100 percent” correct about his future, too. “The only way I’ll coach is if I’m absolutely bored or I’ve accumulated [Jeff] Bezos-type of money,” Iguodala said. “If I coach because I don’t need the money, I might. We’ll see what happens in 10 to 15 years.”
Gentry, who spent the last five seasons coaching New Orleans, brings one of the NBA’s most respected offensive minds to the coaching staff. Kerr believes Gentry’s experience with coaches like Doug Collins and Mike D’Antoni, blending with Walton’s connections to legendary coaches like Lute Olson and Phil Jackson, could benefit the Kings. “That’s what you look for in a staff, these historical connections and how they can blend together,” Kerr said. “And Alvin is just really good making these connections and helping an offense find a really good rhythm and groove. I think that’s what he’s going to help bring to Luke and Sacramento.”
Lute Olson passes away at 85
Jeff Goodman: Former Arizona coach and Hall of Famer Lute Olson passed way earlier tonight, his wife Kelly told me. Olson was 85 years old. RIP, Coach.
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Steve Kerr: It’s hard to put into words how much Lute Olson meant to me.He was an amazing coach & a wonderful man. Being part of the U of A basketball family changed my life forever.I will never forget Coach O, those awesome nights at McKale and all my teammates. Thank you Coach- I love you!
Shaun Livingston: Coach Lute Olson was THE MAN! Growing up Watching guard play at Arizona made me want to play there someday. Rest Easy Coach Folded hands
Damon Stoudamire: It was always bigger than basketball with his players! #CoachO
Channing Frye: Thank you coach for taking a chance on some skinny kid from Chandler,Az. I owe my whole basketball career to you and what you taught me. I’m gonna miss you.
Jason Anderson: Kings coach Luke Walton on the passing of former Arizona coach Lute Olson: “I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my mentor and dear friend Lute Olson. Not only was he a legend on the court, he was an incredible human and role model to his players.” “Coach Olson’s devotion and love for his family and all he coached was second to none. I want to send heartfelt condolences to his wife Kelly, his loved ones, and to the University of Arizona family. Bear down.”
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Tom Tolbert: I'm saddened to here of the passing of my former Arizona Wildcats coach and friend Lute Olson... He was a great and honorable man..He built an incredible program and helped mold some pretty incredible men.... RIP Lute...I love you
Walton’s approach was hailed as refreshing before the season, but some of the same players who bristled at Joerger’s approach displayed many of the habits under the more player-friendly Walton. “It’s not that I don’t get mad,” Walton said. “As a coach, you’re a teacher and it’s my job to teach and to explain and to try to get the group to play a certain way. And I know it’s an emotional game and every coach I ever played for was good at keeping their cool from Lute Olson to Phil Jackson. I as a player always appreciated that so I try to remain calm even if there are times I’m feeling a little angry on the inside.”
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