NBA Analyst Eddie Johnson Gives Harsh Critiques Of American Hoop's Grassroots Hustle: Hiring Math Teachers as High School Coaches

Eddie Johnson, a seasoned 17-year NBA veteran and current analyst for NBA Radio on SiriusXM, recently appeared on the “Coach JB Show With Big Smitty” to voice concerns about America's grassroots basketball scene. Johnson, who scored over 19,000 points in his career, passionately criticized how inadequate coaching at the high school level hampers player development. He lamented, “The grassroots are the issue. Coaches often lack basketball expertise, like math teachers simply earning extra income.” Johnson pointed out that if basketball were pursued as a serious discipline, it could yield substantial financial rewards, unlike traditional school subjects. Reflecting on his career, he highlighted the stark differences in training methods between the United States and Greece, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals. "International players are outpacing Americans because they focus on essential skills, not gimmicky drills," he noted. Johnson concluded, “Parents are paying hefty sums for ineffective training, resulting in players needing re-education at the professional level.”