Luke Walton Using Lockout to Prep for Post Hoops Career

Some NBA players are planning on taking their talents overseas during the NBA work stoppage. Others are finding creative ways to make the most of their time off. Then there’s Luke Walton who is taking this forced time out to get his coaching career under way.

Walton is reported to be headed to Memphis where he’ll assist former Arizona alum Josh Pastner. The hiring is still pending approval by the university and of course is only good as long as the NBA is mired in the lockout.

Over his career Walton has gone from promising to problematic as in injuries and a contract that constricts cap space. Currently Luuuuuuuuke has two-years and just over $11-million remaining on his deal. As much as it pains me to say he would be doing the Lakers a favor if Walton chose to pursue his coaching career full-time.

Pastner cites Walton’s hoops pedigree as the reason he’s bringing him onto his staff. Luke has played for two of the more respected coaches in the profession including Lute Olson at Zona at Phil Jackson in the NBA.