NBA: 30 players who should be coaches someday

USA basket head coach Mike Krzyzewski (R) chats with his player Rajon Rondo (L) during a training session at La Caja Magica pavillion in Madrid, on August 19, 2010. The US team arrived in Madrid to hold a four-day training camp that started on August 17, ahead of exhibition games against Lithuania, Spain and Greece before they open the world tournament in Turkey against Croatia on August 28. AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Jared Dudley, Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

NBA: 30 players who should be coaches someday 25. Jared Dudley

There was a point in his career when Jared Dudley was a high-minute player, spacing the floor offensively and fighting defensively. For a few years he was even a regular starter for the Phoenix Suns, filling a void on the wing alongside a veteran group led by Steve Nash.

For years, however, Dudley has been a desired player to roster but largely not to play. The reason is clear: Dudley is a clear communicator and brilliantly intelligent person who is both glue and assistant coach for any roster he is on.

Last season he played just 45 games and a total of 360 minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 1.5 points per game. There wasn’t any scenario that would come up that Frank Vogel would say “this is when we put Dudley in.” Yet why did the team bring him back? Because he helps a team be better just by being around.

As a coach you need the ability to engage with players, speak frankly but clearly, and encourage them in a positive direction. Dudley is those things, and has been for some time. Now in his mid-30s, he could still find himself hanging around rosters for a few more years because of his value as a veteran leader. Once that career does finally end, he has one waiting for him among the coaching ranks.