North Carolina’s decision to hire NBA champion Michael Malone as their head coach has been met with strong opinions, and one person who never shies away from sharing his thoughts is Stephen A. Smith. The renowned sports analyst recently gave his unfiltered opinion on the hiring of Michael Malone by UNC, and it’s safe to say that he is fully on board with the decision.
In an episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith expressed his excitement and approval of UNC’s choice to bring in Michael Malone as their new head coach. He stated, “I don’t think it’s a good hire, I think it’s a great hire. I think the man knows basketball.” Smith went on to praise Malone’s extensive experience and knowledge of the game, making it clear that he believes Malone is the perfect fit for the Tar Heels.
Malone’s impressive resume speaks for itself. He has been a part of the NBA for over 20 years, serving as an assistant coach for various teams before landing his first head coaching job with the Sacramento Kings in 2013. During his time with the Kings, Malone led the team to their best record in over a decade and was named Western Conference Coach of the Month in January 2015. He then went on to coach the Denver Nuggets, where he has achieved even greater success, including leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2020.
Smith also highlighted Malone’s ability to develop young players, which is crucial for a college team like UNC. He said, “He’s a guy that knows how to develop talent. He’s a guy that knows how to get the most out of his players.” This is evident in Malone’s track record of helping young players reach their full potential, such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray on the Nuggets.
But it’s not just Malone’s coaching abilities that make him a great hire for UNC. Smith also praised his character and leadership qualities, stating, “He’s a leader of men. He’s a guy that’s going to hold you accountable. He’s a guy that’s going to demand excellence.” These are essential qualities for a head coach, especially at a prestigious program like UNC, where expectations are always high.
Smith’s enthusiasm for Malone’s hiring is shared by many in the basketball world. NBA players, coaches, and analysts have all expressed their support for the decision, with many believing that Malone will bring a winning culture to UNC and help the team compete for championships.
Of course, there will always be those who have reservations about any coaching hire, and Smith addressed this by saying, “I know there are some people out there that are going to say, ‘Well, he’s never coached in college before.’ But I don’t care about that.” He went on to explain that Malone’s experience in the NBA is more than enough to prepare him for the college game.
In fact, Smith believes that Malone’s NBA background will be an advantage for UNC. He stated, “I think it’s a plus that he’s coming from the NBA because he’s going to bring a different level of expertise and knowledge to the college game.” This is a valid point, as the NBA is known for its high-level coaching and strategic play, which can only benefit a college team.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Stephen A. Smith is fully on board with UNC’s decision to hire Michael Malone as their head coach. He believes that Malone’s extensive experience, coaching abilities, and leadership qualities make him the perfect fit for the Tar Heels. And with the support of the basketball community behind him, Malone is poised to lead UNC to great success in the years to come.
