Doc and Some Guy.
ESPN is reporting that the Clippers have backed out of talks with the Celtics, leaving the C's without any new players, an elderly star in KG that either has to come back to the team that just tried to trade him or retire, and a coach that obviously doesn't have his heart and soul poured into the franchise anymore.
As complicated as that sounds, the Celtics are merely back to the same position they were in before talks with the Clippers began. KG is old and may or may not be a Celtic, and Doc wants to coach but doesn't want to coach the C's, wants to go back to broadcasting, but doesn't want to be that busy, but wants to take time off to watch Austin play, but Austin sucks so no one wants to watch him.
If Doc doesn't come back to coach the Celtics, their best option is to hire Brian Shaw or Lionel Hollins, whoever the Clippers don't scoop up in the next few days. Shaw was drafted by the Celtics, played 14 years of NBA basketball, and helped coach the Pacers to post season success with a young, inexperienced core. If the Celtics lose KG and/or Pierce, that's exactly what we're going to be left with- a young, inexperienced core lead by a Rajon Rondo whose only post season success has come at the aid of KG and Pierce. As a former point guard, and having seen Rondo's relationship with Doc who was also a point guard, Shaw could be the perfect fit.
Lionel Hollins did similar work with his Memphis Grizzlies, and his tough attitude and demanding coaching style will appeal to the Boston fans. However, Doc is a player's coach and Hollins is far from it, so adjustments would have to be made by the existing players, especially Rondo.
For my money, if Doc does not return to coaching during the coming season, I think the Celtics should promote Tyronn Lue. Currently the Director of Basketball Development, Lue can be seen at every game, sitting behind the bench and advising Doc and the rest of the coaches. He was a smart, undersized, pass-first point guard who won two NBA championships with the Lakers and he and Rondo already have a relationship. If the Celtics are going to be KG and/or Pierce-less, then that relationship will mean all the more.
Celtics Legend of the Day: JR Bremer
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