George Karl Thinks Del Negro Has What It Takes to Coach

November 24th, 2008 by Andrew Wamboldt

From Mike McGraw’s article in today’s Daily Herald.

DENVER - According to Nuggets boss George Karl, who coached Vinny Del Negro for two years in Milwaukee, Del Negro is one of the NBA’s all-time greats - at throwing inbounds passes. Who knew?

“He was the best inbounds passer I have ever coached,” Karl said before playing the Bulls on Monday. “He won some game for us in Milwaukee making some great plays from the sideline out of bounds.”

Asked if he thought Del Negro had coaching potential back then, Karl gave an answer typical of those who have known the first-year Bulls coach for some time. Del Negro worked as a broadcaster and scout before taking the Bulls’ job.

“Yeah, I think you could say he was more of a clever guy than an athletic guy,” Karl said. “I was surprised he didn’t go into it right out of playing. But sometimes it takes you time to find your passion.

“What was funny was I talked to Vinny two or three weeks before he got the call (from the Bulls) about being an assistant coach here, because I had two spots open. Vinny was on the list. We were going to meet and talk about it. I think he actually called me knowing the position. Then he got interviewed by Chicago.”