Brian Scalabrine interested in coaching following NBA career

Brian Scalabrine has graced the sidelines with valor in his 11-year NBA career, but fans and cult followers could be watching the “White Mamba” far past his playing career.

The Chicago Bulls reserve forward has expressed interest in coaching after his playing days are over, according to the Boston Herald. Scalabrine is currently covering the Boston Celtics playoff run for Comcast, but said he would prefer to eventually enter the coaching ranks instead of joining the media. But don’t plan on a retirement announcement anytime soon.

“I’ll play in the NBA as long as I can,” Scalabrine said. “I’ll get cut one day, that’s just the only way I can really go. To just retire would be like quitting to me. They’ll have to kick me out.”

 

Scalabrine has become a fan favorite throughout the league despite his lack of playing time. The 34-year-old is averaging 3.1 points and 2 rebounds in 520 career games for the New Jersey Nets, Celtics and Bulls. Scalabrine was drafted in the second round of the 2001 draft.

Despite his statistics, Scalabrine contributes through intangibles that tailor to his coaching desire. Acting like another coach on the pine, Scalabrine shows poise and intelligence that could translate well into a coaching gig. One of the big factors that lead to his interest in coaching was his stint in Boston, where he grew close with Doc Rivers.

“(Coaching) didn’t seem like a life that I wanted to live or a road I wanted to go down,” Scalabrine said. “But with talking to our coaches and even with Doc (Rivers), it’s more about the relationships you build. Doc’s relationships with Kevin (Garnett) and (Rajon) Rondo and even me, who never really played much — those are bonds. I still have a bond with Doc. I think that’s kind of pulling me back toward (NBA coaching).”

 

Scalabrine’s contract with the Bulls is set to expire at the end of this season. Whether its as a player, coach or media member, basketball will be lucky to have Scalabrine for the long haul.

“Whatever happens, I don’t think I’ll ever leave basketball, even if I just do color commentary on games,” Scalabrine said.

 

Scalabrine as a coach is hard to imagine considering his boisterous nature. However, Scalabrine doing color commentary? Now that’s something I think we could all enjoy.