Why Jamal Crawford won't join Mark Pope's Kentucky basketball staff

Jamal Crawford will not be joining Mark Pope and the Kentucky men's basketball staff, he confirmed to Kentucky Sports Radio on July 16.

Pope has held an assistant coaching spot open, and there was speculation that the former three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year would be interested in filling the role.

After considering the offer, Crawford has decided to not take up coaching at the collegiate level for the time being. Instead, he will continue to coach AAU and high school basketball in Seattle — his son, JJ Crawford, is a five-star prospect and the No. 1 national recruit in the 2029 class, per ESPN — in addition to his broadcasting career with NBC covering the NBA.

“I can’t do it right now," he told KSR. "I just can’t, not with everything I’m doing. But I have no doubt I will be a coach in the future. Zero.”

Crawford had built a connection with Pope, which is why he heavily considered the opportunity.

“I’ve known Coach Pope for years — for a long, long time," Crawford said. "He’s from up in my way (in the Seattle area), so I’ve always had great respect for him. What’s funny about it is I think the fans started it before he even reached out, so it’s just crazy, but it’s been so cool. It’s been amazing, because our friendships continue to evolve."

Crawford played for the University of Michigan before getting drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2000. Even though he has no affiliation with Kentucky, he considers himself a "fan" and has connections with other former Wildcats, such as Ron Mercer, John Wall, Derek Anderson, Antoine Walker and others.

For now, Pope's final assistant spot remains open as Crawford has declared now is not the right time for him.

Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Why Jamal Crawford won't join Mark Pope's Kentucky basketball staff