More information is emerging about whom the Celtics are looking to hire as their next head coach.
In a recent story, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer says the Celtics are prioritizing Black candidates. "Team personnel contacted by B/R maintain that hiring a Black candidate is another top priority for the Celtics," Fischer writes. "If Boston can also land someone who has previous head coaching experience, that person would further meet the Celtics' criteria, sources said."
The Celtics have reached out to five candidates about interviews: Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups, Bucks assistants Darvin Ham and Charles Lee, Nets assistant Ime Udoka and Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley.
Notably, three of those individuals possess NBA playing experience (Billups, Ham and Udoka), while Lee and Mosley played professionally overseas.
Bleacher Report adds the Celtics are eyeing Nate McMillan, though it seems inevitable he'll be named Atlanta's full-time coach.
Regardless, the Celtics must ensure their next coach receives Jayson Tatum's blessing, given the power of superstars in the league. It would be notable for Brad Stevens to hire a Black successor: Though the NBA is 74.2 percent Black, there are just seven Black head coaches.
There are also calls for the Celtics to hire the first woman head coach in NBA history. A nutrition company put up a billboard on the Mass Pike imploring the team to target Kara Lawson or Spurs assistant Becky Hammon.
Earlier this month, ESPN's Jay Williams also endorsed Lawson, who is Black, for the job. "What a statement would it be for the Boston Celtics to hire the first woman head coach of the NBA," he said.
