For now, Jared Dudley’s coaching career will continue in Dallas.
The Mavericks assistant spoke to reporters Monday, where he broke down why he decided to stick with the team despite garnering interest from other NBA squads. Dudley joined Jason Kidd’s coaching staff in 2021 after suiting up for 14 seasons in the NBA.
“It’s not the time. For one, there’s unfinished business. For two, you gotta wait for the right opportunity. I’m not leaving Dallas. My family loves it here,” Dudley said. “That right opportunity hasn’t come yet for me to go. I always tell people that I’m in no rush. It’s not like I’m going anywhere for the money. I made a lot of money as a player so my whole thing is I’d rather be a year or two behind and take the right job and stay here.”
#Mavs assistant coach Jared Dudley was asked earlier today why he stayed in Dallas despite garnering interest from other teams.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) July 9, 2024
Here’s his full response: pic.twitter.com/oKmh5Ezkmq
Dudley credited Kidd, general manager Nico Harrison and another key piece of the organization for his latest career choice.
The Mavs assistant spent the last two seasons of his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he worked closely with Kidd. Dudley also had previous ties to another Dallas assistant in Sean Sweeney, who was in the running for the Detroit Pistons’ head coaching gig.
Dudley likened Sweeney to a Tom Thibodeau-type of coach.
“I get to learn from that,” Dudley said. “An extra year is only going to prepare me for those jobs. By that time, J-Kidd and them are gonna want me to leave.”
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Lakers coach JJ Redick was interested in adding Dudley to his new staff. Instead, Dudley will stay put and serve as head coach of the Mavericks’ Summer League squad in Las Vegas.
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