FRISCO, Texas — Eduardo Najera, the first Mexican-born player drafted in the NBA and former University of Oklahoma standout, retired Wednesday to become the coach of the NBA Development League's Texas Legends.
Najera was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2000. He played 12 NBA seasons with Dallas, Golden State, Denver, New Jersey and Charlotte.
The Legends said Najera will now be the first Mexican-born head coach under the NBA umbrella. The deal also includes Najera becoming a minority owner of the Legends, who are co-owned by Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, and holding a front-office position with the NBA team.
“This is a dream come true,” Najera said. “I have long wondered what would be in store for me when I hung up the basketball playing shoes, and this is the perfect opportunity for my post-playing career. The chance to develop as a coach, while also assisting Mark (Cuban) and Donnie with the Mavs, is an ideal situation.”
Najera succeeds Del Harris as the Legends' coach. Harris is still with the team as general manager.
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