Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. The latest addition to the Dallas Mavericks comes in the form of an assistant coach. In one of the smoothest career transitions possible, Jared Dudley went from an end-of-the-bench mentor with the Los Angeles Lakers to Dallas’ “front of the bench assistant” coach.
After 14 NBA seasons, Jared Dudley has agreed to a deal to become an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Dudley will be a front of the bench assistant under new head coach Jason Kidd.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 24, 2021
Dudley’s vocal nature bodes well in the coaching field. The Boston College alumni made a small splash as a veteran presence in his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd directed Dudley during the 2014-2015 season. Apparently, one season was enough for Kidd to add his former player to the coaching staff. He also spent some time with Dudely in Los Angeles as an assistant coach with the Lakers.
Although it is not confirmed what role Dudley will play on the coaching staff, it’s safe to assume Dudley will latch onto whatever role is necessary. A constant professional no matter the circumstance, and has the playoff encounters to back up his potential advice. The vocal veteran played 20 minutes a game for the 2018-19 Brooklyn Nets. In the series versus the Philadelphia 76ers, Dudley incited inspiration in a sequence where he stole the ball from Ben Simmons.
With Dudley on the bench in a coaching role, expect the same persistence as his playing days. Continuity is the focus of the Dallas Mavericks, and unsurprisingly, the addition of Dudley fits the other personnel moves. The championship experience of both Kidd and Dudley provides a necessary authority for a revamped franchise.
