What is Brian Shaw’s next move? After being fired by the Denver Nuggets, Shaw now faces the option of choosing his next landing spot. However, that might not necessarily be a head coaching position.
Shaw was regarded as one of the NBA’s top assistant coaches before his tenure in Denver began. He was the understudy to Phil Jackson in Los Angeles, and also served as the Indiana Pacers second in command.
It doesn’t matter what happened during his time as head coach in Denver. Many say Shaw didn’t connect with his players. Some reported he didn’t have the discipline to hold members of his team accountable. Those are certainly not the traits of a Phil Jackson-coached team.
So, when pondering Shaw’s next move wouldn’t it make sense he returns to the loving and caring Phil Jackson, who taught him everything there is to know about coaching?
Of course, there isn’t an opening in New York, because as bad as the Knicks are, Derek Fisher is the coach. However, what about Shaw as Fisher’s right hand man? It would give Fisher a chance to coach with a familiar face, and give Shaw the ability to hone his craft a while longer.
The New York Post wrote the following regarding a possible reunion with Jackson and Fisher.
“It’s doubtful Jackson would move to replace Fisher after giving him a five-year contract, but adding Shaw as another veteran triangle voice on the Knicks coaching staff next season is entirely possible.”
Jackson did indeed have interest in Shaw over the offseason. He ultimately went in another direction when Denver Nuggets General Manager Josh Kroenke stated Shaw wouldn’t be leaving the Mile High City. Jackson instead went with Fisher, who was one of his most trusted players. Shaw will have head coaching offers in the future. The roster assembled for him in Denver was less than ideal, and that shouldn’t be a reflection of his coaching.
The temptation of coaching with Fisher, and being under the watchful eye of close friend Phil Jackson might be just what the Zen Master ordered for Brian Shaw.