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NewsletterDunk artist known as Darvin Ham takes on coaching career
Darvin Ham became a national conversation piece when he shattered a backboard in the 1996 NCAA Tournament, and he shared a spotlight with Kobe Bryant during the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Perhaps unfairly known more for his athletic ability, Ham is now trying to make a name for himself with his basketball knowledge.
After completing his first season as head coach of the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the NBA Development League, Ham is a candidate to join the Nuggets coaching staff after assistant Stacey Augmon left to take a position with UNLV.
“I’m just enjoying teaching the game and trying to help guys like myself, guys that may have fallen through the cracks through no means of their own,” Ham said. “I’m trying to help catapult them to the next level.”
Ham, 37, joined the Nuggets as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech in 1996 and played 35 games with Denver before being traded to Indiana on Feb. 20, 1997. He later averaged 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds while playing three under Nuggets coach George Karl in Milwaukee.
Ten years later, he is hoping to rejoin Karl again in Denver.
“George always made the game fun,” Ham said. “We did our share of work, believe me, but at the same time, he kept it fun and encouraged us give back to the game. I love him for that. He’s one of my all-time favorite coaches and all-time favorite people.”
Ham won an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 2003-04 and played one more season before retiring. He has spent the past six years coaching in the D-League and working as a television analyst for Fox Sports Southwest and NBA TV.
