Boston Celtics: The top 3 candidates to be next head coach
By Jack Simone
Brad Stevens moving to the front office shocked the world this offseason. Danny Ainge decided to retire, forcing the Boston Celtics to make important staffing decisions.
With Stevens switching roles there is an obvious need for a new head coach. While the process of hiring a new one started in recent weeks, the big question is what direction the C’s will choose to go in.
Based on various reports, as well as the list of candidates so far, the Boston Celtics clearly have some priorities in mind. Many of the people he interviewed are Black coaches with some playing experience.
The examples that jump out immediately are Sam Cassell and Chauncey Billups, but most of the other candidates fall under these categories as well. Ime Udoka and Darvin Ham spent time in the NBA as well.
Not all of the candidates are Black coaches, but the large majority have professional playing experience. Mike D’Antoni played in the NBA, while Jay Larranaga, Charles Lee, Jamahl Mosley, Becky Hammon, and Kara Lawson all played professionally in various leagues.
Clearly, the Boston Celtics hope to hire a coach that can relate to their players. Stevens did a great job in his role, but a new era of Celtics basketball means new priorities.
Some questioned Stevens’ ability to gain control of the locker room due to his timid nature. Well, a former player might be able to create a spark Stevens never knew how to.
Whether the coach played in the NBA, WNBA, or overseas, former players possess knowledge of professional locker rooms that others simply don’t. Based on that supposed requirement, these should be the top options for the Boston Celtics this offseason.