6 NBA Stars Who Would Have Made Great Coaches

by Jeremy Block - 1/21/2026

NBA stars who would have made great coaches Pau Gasol

Coaching in the NBA isn’t just about drawing up plays. It’s about understanding the game, keeping your players engaged, and knowing how to push the right buttons when the pressure is on. Sure, a coaching career isn’t a given just because you were a superstar player, but there are a handful of former NBA players who could’ve easily made the transition.

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Let’s be honest, some NBA players have that “I’m gonna sit in the corner and wait for my paycheck” vibe. But then there are those who always had their minds working—constantly analyzing, dissecting, and thinking about the game in ways that would’ve made them excellent coaches. So, here’s a look at six NBA stars who could’ve easily been running the show from the sideline.

Chris Paul

Some point guards control the tempo of the game, and Chris Paul was one of the best to ever do it. Whether he was calling plays, running the pick-and-roll, or dishing out assists with pinpoint precision, Paul was always the brains of the operation, no matter which team he suited up for. With a career average of 9.4 assists per game and 12 All-Star appearances, his ability to keep everyone involved would make him a natural fit for the sidelines.

Unlike most guards, Paul didn’t make his mark through scoring alone—his leadership on the floor was what set him apart. Always talking to teammates, holding them accountable, and stepping up in critical moments, Chris Paul proved he’s got the mind and drive to lead both on and off the court. Being a coach, he’d know how to break down the X’s and O’s, ensuring his team stayed on task while making smart, calculated moves.

Kobe Bryant

There’s no “off” switch when it comes to basketball, and Kobe Bryant knew that better than anyone who ever stepped on the hardwood. His basketball IQ was top-tier, and he was always looking to learn more and then use it against his opponents. Beyond being arguably one of the best 1-on-1 scorers in NBA history, Bryant was constantly analyzing his own moves, his opponents’ habits, and his teammates’ tendencies, always thinking about how to gain an edge.

As a five-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Defensive selection, Kobe’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor wasn’t just about physical talent—it was about his mind. His work ethic was legendary, and as a coach, he’d know exactly how to push players to their limits while giving them the tools to elevate their game.

John Stockton

If there’s any player who fits the mold of a successful coach, it’s John Stockton. When you talk about basketball IQ and players who understand the game inside and out, his name should always come up. This is a guy who led the NBA in assists for nearly a decade, finishing his career with a league-best 15,806 assists.

Stockton was the ultimate floor general, running offenses with the precision most coaches dream of having in their system. But he wasn’t just an offensive mastermind—he was a handful for opposing ball handlers. Known for his scrappy defense, Stockton made life difficult on both ends of the court, earning himself five All-Defensive selections over his 19-year career.

As a coach, Stockton would’ve known how to get the most out of every player, focusing on the little things: making the right pass, taking the right shot, and always putting the team first. That same attention to detail and unselfish mentality would translate into coaching, where he'd emphasize the fundamentals and teach players how to make the right play.

Tim Duncan

When you think of the greatest power forwards of all time, Tim Duncan is at the top of the list. What made him so effective on the floor wasn’t just his skill or his smooth bank shot from 15 feet; it was his understanding of the game and his ability to impact every aspect of it. Sure, Duncan averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds over his career, but those numbers tell only part of the story.

Whether it was positioning himself in the post or reading opposing defenses, Duncan always knew exactly what to do and when to do it. His awareness and basketball IQ were off the charts, and that’s the kind of mindset that would make him a perfect coach.

Duncan was far from a flashy player and was never one to run his mouth or make a scene. Instead, he let his performance do the talking, and that mentality was a big reason he was able to secure 15 All-Star appearances and win five NBA titles. In terms of coaching, Duncan would bring that same calm, no-nonsense leadership, get the most out of his players by focusing on the fundamentals.

Shane Battier

If you know your NBA history and players, then you know Shane Battier absolutely belongs on this list. As a role player throughout his 13-year career, never averaging more than 14 points per game, Battier did the dirty work that most players shied away from.

From locking down the opposing team’s best scorer and sticking to them like glue, to hitting the open shot when it mattered, or diving for a loose ball, Battier was always in the right place at the right time. More importantly, he had something that many of his peers didn’t—basketball IQ. He knew when to rotate, how to play help-side defense, and how to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm.

And while Battier wasn’t the player dropping 30 points a night, he understood what it took to win. That mindset is gold when it comes to coaching. He’d be the perfect addition to any coaching staff, helping mold younger players and showing them that winning often means doing the little things on the floor.

Pau Gasol

The modern NBA has turned to its big men to be multifaceted, able to stretch the floor and practically do everything a guard can. Pau Gasol was doing all that and more during his time in the league, making him a great candidate for coaching in today’s game.

Gasol was one of the most skilled big men to ever play the game, combining finesse, court vision, shooting, and basketball IQ. Averaging 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game for his career, Gasol’s versatility as both a scorer and playmaker would make him an ideal coach, someone who could break down offenses and teach the importance of high basketball IQ.

Unlike the others on this list, Gasol brings something extra to the table: international experience. Having played in different countries with distinct styles of basketball, and with the NBA now in high demand for Euro players, Gasol could bridge the gap between the NBA and the international game, helping to build a powerhouse team by blending the best of both worlds.

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Start:	January 21, 2026 @ 10:00 PM
Expert:	Nick Menken
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6 NBA Stars Who Would Have Made Great Coaches

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