The fallout from the Boston Celtics’ blown 3-1 first-round series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers has been, well, something. Boston’s fanbase is in shambles to say the very least, and blame is being thrown around like bags of peanuts in the stands of Fenway Park.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has perhaps been the most prominent recipient of said blame. Fans, media members, and even Jaylen Brown have all expressed frustration with how the team handled their opening round series. They strayed away from the depth and energetic play that had become their identity over the course of the regular season, and reverted to slower, more limited play of years past.
When Brad Stevens spoke to the media on Wednesday, he sat down and delivered an opening statement that hit on many items, including the coaching staff.
“I thought the coaches did a really good job of helping guys all get better, but there's no step to take,” Stevens shared. “Whether you're in my shoes and or you're in any of our support staff shoes, or if you're in our coaches shoes, or if you're in our players shoes, we got to get better. So that's going to be the charge and the focus. So we'll figure out how best to do that.”
Brad Stevens consistently backed the coaching staff in his press conference
His tone remained the same throughout the availability. Every time Stevens was prompted on the coaching staff, the team’s three-point heavy strategy, or any other decision-making-based question, he consistently steered blame or attention away from the staff and onto the roster itself.
“I think first of all, I know how hard that job is, and I know all that goes into it, and I know [Joe] and his staff are putting everything they can into it.”
He didn’t exonerate them of all blame, pointing out that they can improve, but again, emphasized how there needs to be better talent on the roster to enable them to hit their peak
“I think our coaching staff, like all of us, can continue to improve and get better. That said, I think they're very good, and we need to continue to provide them the resources to grow and get better.”
Adding talent remained the most common thread throughout Stevens’ end of season press conference.
All of this is to say that those who were hoping to see the Celtics part ways with Mazzulla after the team’s disastrous end to the season are going to have to keep dreaming. Stevens gave no indication that anyone on Boston’s coaching staff has anything to worry about.
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