Dallas’ assistant Melvin Hunt is right where he wants and needs to be

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of sitting courtside for pre-game warmups a bunch of times for the Dallas Mavericks this season and there’s something that’s remained constant throughout the entire season.

Dallas assistant coach Melvin Hunt is all jokes, laughs and playful encouragement. He teases center Salah “The Mej” Mejri about his shooting form as the two compete in an around-the-world type shooting contest with Mejri showing surprising touch from deep. Hunt, a former three-year starter for the Baylor Bears from 1987-91 (he was also a four-year letterman) is no slouch himself.

The camaraderie between the two is evident. As much as Mejri’s playful barking at the ball boys has become a pregame spectacle in and of itself, Hunt’s contribution to bringing out this side of Mejri is just as apparent.

The Mavericks’ assistant coach took a few minutes to chat with me before Tuesday’s home game against the Portland TrailBlazers and talked about how, in college, he “never, ever” thought he’d be coaching. The full interview is below:

Z – I notice when you’re out here working players, you and Salah sometimes have those shooting contests. How important is it to have that friendly mojo with the players?

Melvin – Well, the first thing is you’ve got to take your time to get to know your clientele. I may work out three different guys, but I try to bring whatever they need. Me being able to be as genuine with them as I can helps with that mojo. If you don’t get to know them, you can’t really help him. I take the time to get to know each and every one of them and what gets their juices flowing.

Z – What’s your relationship with Dennis (Smith Jr.) been like?

Melvin – It’s so much more than just pick-and-rolls and defensive assignments. We’ve connected as a young man and another dude. It’s not always about the stuff on the court. It’s about having a relationship where he can trust me. He’s had his share of adversity and some nicks and bruises, but it’s been great navigating that with him.

Z – Have there been times where he’s been unsure of things and he’s come to you for advice or help about basketball things or something totally different?

Melvin – It’s funny. We’ve all had our opportunities to help him get through things. There’s been moments where we’ve educated him, but we’ve also tried to trick him. He’s a sharp dude and he doesn’t fool easily.

Z – How’s he done with the rookie duties?

Melvin – He looks good in that backpack man, it’s so cute. He’s done a good job of being a good rookie which makes me know that he’s going to be a good vet. Typically the guys who are good rookies, typically they turn into good vets.

Z – Have there been times where a player has trouble maybe receiving coaching or advice from Carlisle or another coach and they’ve come to you since you’re a different personality?

Melvin – It goes both ways, it’s funny. Rick and Dennis have a secret handshake. They have their own private handshake. There are so many different levels of the relationship. There are times where they come to me for different things and come to Rick for different things, (coach Jamal) Mohsley, Caleb (Canales) and all of us. The load or the burden is not on one person. They have a whole village of folks that are wanting to pour into him and help him.

Z – Tell me some thoughts about your journey here to the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks.

Melvin – It’s funny. In college, I studied marketing. I had a business/sports master’s degree. I never ever even considered coaching until long after I was out of college and long after I’d had a couple other careers. I never grew up wanting to be a coach. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My real title on a business card would be a teacher. That’s what my journey has been all about since day one. I use this basketball as a camoflauge to teach these guys whether it’s basketball or life lessons.

I’m a man of God, this a great camouflage, you’ve got them thinking about the basketball and before you know it, you’ve affected them as family men, you’ve touched their lives as productive citizens. I’ve talked to guys from everything to voting, getting their license to drive, to dating advice. Think about it. Dennis is 20, my son is 17 and my daughter is 20. I’ve had similar conversations with all of them. That’s been the great part of my journey. I haven’t a bad season yet in my 20 years of coaching because I’ve gotten a chance to pour into the lives of young people.