Every year during the NCAA Final Four, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductees are announced. Among the names on the list is former Milwaukee Bucks head coach, George Karl. News of Karl’s induction was first reported by Shams Charania of the Athletic.
George Karl, the NBA’s sixth-winningest head coach ever, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball @Hoophall Class of 2022, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022
Karl’s Resume
Over a 27 year career, Karl racked up 1,175 wins with six different teams. 1,175 wins puts Karl as the sixth-winningest head coach in NBA history. Coach Karl won NBA coach of the month 12 times in his long career and finally claimed Coach of the Year honors in 2013. Though Coach Karl never won a championship, he did guide the 1995-96 Seattle Supersonics to a finals appearance. Standing in his way was MVP, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
While with Milwaukee, Karl coached five seasons accumulating a record of 205-173. The Bucks also made the playoffs four out of five years during Karl’s tenure. Coach Karl’s best season was in 2000-01 when he guided Milwaukee to the Eastern Conference Finals against MVP, Allen Iverson and Philadelphia. The former MVP guided his team to the finals, ending Milwaukee’s season.
Elite Coaching Company
George Karl’s coaching career was lengthy. A few names of head coaches who coached roughly the same number of years are Larry Brown and Jerry Sloan. Two coaches with the longest tenure in the NBA are Don Nelson and Lenny Wilkins. Each of the coaches named are all members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Statistically, Karl coached weaker teams and often times carried them to the playoffs. He’s earned his spot amongst the best to ever coach the sport!
Karl Thanks the People
Coach took to Twitter showing his thanks and appreciation for all those who helped him during his basketball career.
More than anything, this honor is a celebration of many relationships and great memories over 50 years.
Coach Smith would remind me to always thank the many people who helped me.
Thank you very much! pic.twitter.com/joyigLamgd
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) April 1, 2022
Final Thought
Whatever your own personal opinions are of George Karl, he coached six different teams and ranks sixth all-time on the NBA wins list. The longevity coach displayed in the competitive NBA is something you can tip your cap to. Let’s not take anything away from Coach Karl but congratulate him on a great career and finally earning his place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @wifecallsmecarl and follow @WiSportsHeroics as well for more great Wisconsin sports content! To keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin Sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
