Uconn basketball head coach Dan Hurley, the top contender for the Los Angeles Lakers coaching job, has no prior coaching experience in the NBA. Despite that Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone believes he can seamlessly transition into the league.
Malone shared his thoughts on Hurley potentially leading the Lakers during an episode of the Jim Rome Show with their close friendship adding depth to Malone's insights into Hurley's coaching abilities.
Dan Hurley and Mike Malone's history
“I've known Danny for many years. I went to high school back in Jersey,” the Nuggets tactician said.
“I have nothing but respect for the entire Hurley family, what they've done within basketball. I think Danny Hurley is a great coach.”
Hurley comes from a family steeped in basketball tradition, as the son of renowned high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and the brother of Duke Blue Devils legend Bobby Hurley.
“You look at what he's done at UConn, back-to-back championships. We were actually in Utah, and we watched the championship game as a staff, and I was so impressed with not only their offense – everybody talks about their offense – I thought their defense was outstanding,” said Malone.
Dan Hurley has garnered a reputation as one of the top coaches in men's college basketball, notably guiding the UConn Huskies to consecutive National Championships. With 292 victories since entering the NCAA scene in 2010, he secured the Naismith Coach of the Year award for the 2023-24 season.
NBA challenges that Dan Hurley will encounter according to Mike Malone
Malone believes that Hurley's main challenge in transitioning to the NBA would be the significantly higher number of games. However, he is confident that Hurley would gradually adjust and adapt to the new environment.
“I think Danny can do a hell of a job coaching in the NBA,” Malone said. “Coaching is coaching. It's relationships.”
Malone's endorsement is particularly powerful given his status as a Lakers rival and his prominence as an NBA coach.
“Danny will have to be who he is if he takes the Laker job. But it's basketball, but the NBA game is different than college. 82 games, it's a long season, back-to-backs, 4 games in 5 nights, the rules, the officials. So, I think that might be the only issue that he would have, and not really an issue, but that's going to take time.”
Hurley's ability to forge strong personal connections with his players, as Mike Malone mentions, allows him to strike a balance between being tough and fair in his coaching approach.
Dan Hurley the next great Los Angeles Lakers coach?
Notably, the Lakers have been seeking a coach who can enforce accountability and meticulously strategize for every opponent. Hurley's reputation as an elite offensive strategist with equally impressive defensive tactics aligns well with these requirements, making him a fitting candidate for the role.
A highly accomplished coach in college basketball, Hurley has the potential to transition his successful career into the NBA, possibly paving the way for a Hall of Fame trajectory.
The next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, whether it's Dan Hurley or JJ Redick, will embark on their first coaching experience in the NBA, bringing a fresh perspective to the team.
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