The Impact of George Karl: Is His Voice Still Relevant in the NBA?

George Karl’s Journey: Biking Through Pain and Reflection

DENVER – Aboard his electric bicycle, George Karl dialed into second gear and pedaled his worries away. Last summer, the Hall of Fame basketball coach cycled over 1,300 miles, finding solace in the sun as he exercised, which helped him breathe easier and feel youthful again.

As his 74th birthday nears, Karl’s appearance and voice no longer resonate with the vigorous energy of his 27-season coaching career, where he became the NBA’s sixth-winningest coach. Three battles with cancer have taken their toll, leaving him physically diminished and straining his voice.

Nights are particularly challenging for Karl, often spent in panic over the feeling of suffocation due to chronic mucus buildup—a remnant of the seven weeks of radiation treatment he underwent in 2009. He now faces additional complications, including a struggle with pneumonia and issues with his epiglottis, making him vulnerable to more infections.

Beyond his health, Karl grapples with his love for basketball and the direction the sport has taken since he left the NBA nine years ago. His feelings are deeply intertwined with memories of his controversial past and the way the game has evolved, leaving him haunted by thoughts of unfulfilled potential and loss.

The recent firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone resonated with Karl, reminding him of a career filled with dismissals, and he criticized the current trend of coaches being scapegoated. He worries that the NBA has shifted from a competitive sport to mere entertainment, lamenting that the pure essence of the game has become muddied by financial motivations and the overemphasis on three-point shooting.

Despite his criticisms, Karl admires the talents of players like Nikola Jokić and appreciates competitive spirit, longing to impart his insights even as he battles a weakened voice. Even after years away from the helm, he questions why teams have not sought his guidance.

As he reflected during his recent bike ride, Karl is haunted by the idea that his reputation may hinder his son Coby’s aspirations in the coaching world. Yet, he takes pride in his children’s drive and intelligence, reaffirming that while titles may not define him, the legacy of his teachings endures.