The rafters at TD Garden shook this morning when the 'Woj Bomb' dropped that Danny Ainge was retiring as President of the Boston Celtics, and now former coach Brad Stevens would be taking over. A shocking series of moves that have left Celtics fans and media alike with spinning heads. Many felt change was coming after a disappointing season, and more disappointing five-game elimination at the hands of Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets. But this is perhaps more significant than expected. Because it's Boston sports we shouldn't be surprised when a team's hierarchy and coaching core is altered drastically on a Wednesday. That's just how we do.
So, who will be the next person to try and steer the Green to Banner 18, something owner Wyc Grousbeck said he and Brad Stevens will win or die trying? Well, we know it won't be Evan Turner! Or at least so he says. Shortly after Woj and Shams broke the news, several names have already surfaced as potential candidates for the vacancy (Chauncey Billups and Juwan Howard would be my top choices, but I'm not Stevens ... well, actually I am, just a different one). Expect this to be a coveted position, the merits of many debated fiercely in the coming days. In addition to the aforementioned candidates, here are a few more out-of-the-paint suggestions for HC of the BC:
IME UDOKA
Udoka is a current assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets, so you could take from your conqueror in the process of trying to improve. He's a former journeyman NBA player who has experience aplenty on the court and on the bench. He eventually transitioned to coaching in 2012 as an assistant to Greg Popovich in San Antonio. He's young (43), well respected and doesn't bring any Celtics-centric baggage to the bench, unless Kyrie tried to poison his mind about working here. Let's hope not.
JEFF VAN GUNDY
The former Knicks and Rockets coach would represent the veteran coach choice, sort of a "maybe someone who's been there can get these guys to listen" type of candidate. Van Gundy, who's great to listen to as an analyst on games, has been with ESPN/ABC since his dismissal from the Rockets in 2007. While we're not sure as to his interest in returning to the bench, we know his knowledge of the game is solid and he doesn't come across as someone who the game has passed by. Be a shame to break up one of the best broadcast teams in pro sports, but to maximize the potential of Tatum, Brown & Co. it would be a worthy sacrifice.
HOWARD EISLEY
Eisley was a household name in the area in the 1990's, first as a member of the BC Eagles from 1990-1994, then as a member of the dominant Utah Jazz alongside Karl Malone and John Stockton (one of the best "great team no titles" squads ever). His pro playing career spanned more than a decade before he retired, returning to the league in 2010 as an assistant coach with the Clippers (with AC stops in Washington and New York along the way). He's currently an assistant to Juwan Howard, who's been mentioned as a potential candidate for the C's himself, at the University of Michigan. Stevens came to Boston off the success of his time at Butler, so if Stevens is looking to poach from the positive-minded success of one of the hottest programs in college, and Howard isn't available, then perhaps grabbing one of his assistants who has local ties could be a worthy plan.
KARA LAWSON
Spurs assistant Becky Hammon's name has been thrown about a bit at the onset of the Celtics coaching search, as she's got great experience, is well liked and would seem a logical choice as the first female NBA head coach. But another name that might make more sense is someone who's actually coached for the C's in Kara Lawson. Lawson was with the C's for the 2019-2020, following her successful 13-year WNBA career. She has high-level broadcast experience, having been the first female analyst on a national broadcast (ESPN in 2007), as well as working as a TV analyst for the Nets in 2017. Big markets and big challenges don't seem to phase her, which would serve her well on the Celtics bench. Lawson is currently the Duke women's basketball coach, though the first season only lasted four games due to the COVID crisis. While that might be a hurdle, if the two sides wanted it enough I can't imagine Lawson would back down from another challenge.
KEVIN GARNETT
You know he loves the town and the team, and respects the hell out of the logo. And while he doesn't have much coaching experience aside from yelling at Rondo to his credit, there are few who can get a group of men on a court to respond with more fire, intensity and passion. Effort and desire would never be questioned under Coach KG, whose popularity around the league, as well as in Boston, is as high as ever. Those who say the team lacks an edge would love to see the man who said his green team was "all grit and balls". Maybe this is the half court buzzer beater Hail Mary choice, but hey ... wait for it ... anything is possible, right?
