Former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Keith Smart is now the head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times writes how former Cavaliers coach John Lucas was impressed with Smart. When Lucas took over, he could have brought in a whole new staff of assistants. But Lucas wanted to see which incumbents were worth keeping,...
Golden State Warriors coach Keith SmartFormer Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Keith Smart is now the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times writes how former Cavaliers coach John Lucas was impressed with Smart. When Lucas took over, he could have brought in a whole new staff of assistants.
But Lucas wanted to see which incumbents were worth keeping, so one of those interviewed was Keith Smart.
"I asked one question," Lucas recalled. "'Why should I keep you?' He said because he was willing to learn. That really impressed me about Keith."
That's been Smart's modus operandi for at least the past decade, writes Thompson III. Smart soaks up all he can. Smart has worked under Lucas, played for coach Bobby Knight and was an assistant under Don Nelson, who he replaced.
Now, his time has come. The former Indiana University star said he couldn't be more ready to be head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
"You never knew when it would possibly be," Smart said, "so I've always conducted myself as a head coach."