Brian Scalabrine Joins Golden State Warriors As Assistant Coach

Brian Scalabrine has been named the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach, after previously turning down a similar opportunity with the Chicago Bulls in order to pursue broadcasting opportunities with the Boston Celtics.

The 35-year-old retired in 2012 after returning to Chicago for a second season. Scalabrine had agreed to a non-guaranteed contract with the Bulls in September 2010, but left the team when the NBA lockout happened a year later. During the lockout, the Long Beach native signed with the Italian team Benetton Treviso, but re-signed with the Bulls in December 2011.

Prior to his two seasons in Chicago, the “White Mamba” — a play on Kobe Bryant’s nickname, the “Black Mamba” — played five seasons with the Celtics, but did not make an appearance in the NBA playoffs during the 2007-08 season. The Celtics went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers in six games to claim their 17th NBA championship.

A position on the Warriors’ coaching staff opened up after previous assistant coach Mike Malone, who had been with the team for two seasons, left to become head coach of the Sacramento Kings. Malone said that, while he has plans to correct the Kings’ problems, he has also set realistic goals for the team.

“For me, it’s not going to be in wins and losses,” Malone told the Sacramento Bee. “That’s not to say we don’t want to win, but for me, we’re going to judge success in Year One based off of three things. Did we change the culture, did we establish ourselves as a defensive team, and then, obviously, did our players develop?”

Scalabrine, a 10-year NBA veteran, received a warm welcome from his new team over the weekend, with head coach Mark Jackson breaking the news on Twitter.

Congrats to @Scalabrine! My newest assistant coach! Welcome my man! #Warriors

— Mark Jackson (@JacksonMark13) July 9, 2013

What do you think of Brian Scalabrine being hired as the Warriors’ new assistant coach?