Haynes: Blazers G Earl Watson Considers Transition Into Coaching After Playing Career

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com writes that Portland Trail Blazers reserve guard Earl Watson is considering a transition into coaching, possibly as early as this summer.

Watson lists legendary UCLA coach John Woodon, former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and former Memphis Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown among his mentors.

"What I've learned from Coach Wooden, Jerry Sloan and Hubie Brown is that we can teach kids how to become better basketball players, but we got to somehow relate it to life, accountability, being men, fathers and husbands," he said. "That's bigger than a game. I'm not big on using people. I want players to make it in life, not just basketball. You can teach the game of basketball by teaching the game of life. You correlate the two.

"I'd often converse with Coach Wooden about life and before I knew it, I would learn everything I needed to know on how to become a better leader on and off the court. I'll say ‘Man, coach, how did you do that?' And he'll just wink at me. I've been blessed to be around great coaches."

The full story -- which includes some details about his locker room role this season -- is right here.

Watson, 34, is on a one-year, veteran's minimum contract this season. He's averaging 0.6 points and 0.9 rebounds in 5.7 minutes over 17 appearances this season.

The 2001 second-round pick is in the 13th year of a career that has included stops with the Seattle SuperSonics, Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Jazz prior to his arrival in Portland.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter