This text was first printed underneath the title Jazz insiders bulletin. Signal as much as obtain the e-newsletter in your inbox each Friday.
Once you’ve been within the NBA so long as Danny Ainge has – 43 years and counting – you end up with a wealth of information about coaches, teaching types and the traits that make an NBA coach profitable.
Ainge was one of many Jazz entrance workplace decision-makers who gave the inexperienced gentle this week to select up the fifth-year choice on head coach Will Hardy’s contract as he enters his third 12 months of Jazz coach. Total, Jazz executives mentioned it was a no brainer due to how effectively Hardy has carried out within the first two years on the helm, but in addition as a result of he looks like the best match because the Jazz proceed to pursue their rebuilding course of.
So I requested Ainge, along with his wealth of information, what is exclusive about Hardy in comparison with different coaches within the league?
“I believe what units him aside is he is aware of the sport very well and he is been a developmental coach his entire life, however it’s simply his communication,” Ainge mentioned. “He does an awesome job speaking with gamers, constructing relationships and one-on-ones.”
It is a notable trait that gamers picked up from Hardy’s first days as head coach. He makes a concerted effort and sincerely tries to get to know the members of his staff relatively than simply the basketball participant. He even famous that the largest precedence for him through the offseason was to deepen and proceed to construct the relationships he has along with his gamers.
“I believe constructing the inspiration of a private relationship is actually vital for coaches and gamers,” Hardy mentioned. “As a result of we stay in these moments of the season the place it’s emotional for all of us. There may be fatigue, and generally there are conversations which can be uncomfortable, there are moments that may get heated. And when you’ve got a private relationship underlying all of this, then there’s by no means any misunderstanding about whether or not it is private or not.
Past his communication expertise, Ainge additionally highlighted Hardy’s want to all the time devour info and attempt to be taught one thing new.
“He’s all the time attempting to be taught,” Ainge mentioned of the Jazz head coach. “Will likes to be taught. And he is had nice mentors that he is labored with up to now, and he watches what different groups do, however communication is what separates him.
New with Jazz
Quote of the week
“I used to be going to put on my moose shirt immediately.” — Danny Ainge requested about his end-of-season quote about “large recreation searching.”
Archives
Extra Factors
- SEG launches new streaming service for Jazz and Utah Hockey Membership video games (Desert Information)
- Basketball modified Thurl Bailey’s life and continues to convey him success (KSL.com)
