Alex English (Part 3)

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9 Mar 2024

Alex English (Part 3)

When Alexander English departed from the Denver Nuggets, he left behind an enduring legacy, holding nearly every major team record. His remarkable achievements included topping the Nuggets' record books for most career points (21,645), assists (3,679), games played (837), and minutes logged (29,893) in a Nuggets uniform. Additionally, English boasted the highest career scoring average with the team, averaging an impressive 25.9 points per game.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Denver Nuggets retired English's number 2 jersey in 1992, cementing his place in franchise history. As of 2019, English's remarkable career scoring total of 25,613 points ranks him 19th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, further solidifying his status as one of the league's most prolific scorers.

During his tenure with the Nuggets, English earned numerous accolades, including eight NBA All-Star selections and three appearances on the All-NBA Second Team. Under his leadership, the Nuggets made the NBA playoffs nine consecutive times and clinched two Midwest Division titles, highlighting his impact on the team's success.
English retired from the NBA with career averages of 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, underscoring his consistent excellence throughout his illustrious career. He was the first NBA player to achieve the milestone of scoring 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons, further highlighting his scoring prowess and longevity in the league. Additionally, English holds the distinction of being the top scorer in the NBA during the 1980s, a testament to his dominance on the court during that era.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Alexander English was rightfully enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997, solidifying his place among the basketball immortals. Moreover, in 2021, The Athletic ranked him as the 71st greatest player in NBA history as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary celebrations, further affirming his enduring impact on the game.

After concluding his illustrious playing career, Alexander English ventured into coaching, beginning his coaching journey in the inaugural season of the National Basketball Development League (now known as the NBA G League). In the 2001–02 season, he assumed the role of head coach for the North Charleston Lowgators. Despite the team's strong performance during the regular season, they fell short in the championship series during the playoffs.
In the subsequent seasons, English transitioned to coaching roles within the NBA. Ahead of the 2002-03 NBA season, he joined the coaching staff of the Atlanta Hawks, marking the start of his tenure in the NBA coaching ranks. Following his stint with the Hawks, English moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he served as an assistant coach.

Continuing his coaching journey, English then joined the Toronto Raptors in 2004, taking on the dual role of assistant coach and director of player development. Despite changes within the coaching staff, English remained with the Raptors, continuing to contribute to the team's development efforts.
However, in 2011, with the Raptors undergoing a coaching transition following the hiring of new head coach Dwane Casey, English's contract was not renewed, and he parted ways with the organization.
English later found a coaching opportunity with the Sacramento Kings, joining the coaching staff under head coach Keith Smart in January 2012. However, his tenure with the Kings was short-lived, as the team underwent changes in coaching staff, and English, along with the other assistant coaches, was not retained for the following season under new coach Michael Malone.
Throughout his coaching career, Alexander English brought his wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to various teams, contributing to player development and team strategies in both the NBA and the NBA G League.

Alexander English's contributions to basketball extend beyond coaching and playing. He has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting the sport and its values globally.
In a significant role, English served as the first-ever director of player programs for the National Basketball Players Association, where he likely played a crucial role in supporting and advocating for the interests and welfare of NBA players.
English's expertise and insights into the game have also been recognized by the media, as evidenced by his role as a color analyst for the SEC Network, where he likely provided valuable commentary and analysis on college basketball games.

Moreover, English has been a dedicated participant in the Sports Diplomacy's Sports Envoy program for the U.S. Department of State since 2014. Through this program, he has traveled to various countries, including Italy, the Republic of Korea, and Chile, where he has conducted basketball clinics and events for youth from underserved areas. By engaging with young people through sports, English has played a part in promoting positive values and fostering community development, aligning with Sports Diplomacy's mission.
Additionally, English has been actively involved in Basketball Without Borders and has served as an NBA ambassador, representing the league and sharing his knowledge and passion for basketball worldwide. His contributions to NBA academies in different countries have likely had a significant impact on the development of young basketball talent and the promotion of the sport on a global scale.