Ime Udoka has interviewed "multiple times with the Celtics" according to Jeff Goodman.
I take that to mean more than a couple of times which would seem to indicate a more thorough vetting.
Some people I've read say an announcement could be forthcoming very soon (maybe today) on Udoka.
He's the guy who has experience with our players, and who has mentored on some really good staffs. Plus he has a ring.
My only worry is that Udoka seems passive (outside looking in) and was only a role player during his time in the NBA
Tatum seems to dig the limelight/rubbing elbows with stars like Durant/Irving. Bryant is his ultimate idol
A guy like Billups could "push" more out of him vs "What do you know, you were only a sidekick and I'm already a star"
A guy like Udoka might also be an easier relationship for Stevens Vs someone like Billups who has a bolder personality. Override Stevens at times
What my fear is... don't hire the "comfortable/easy going" coach that caters to others (stars/gm etc) ... but can push the right buttons and take this current unit to the finals
I don't know if Udoka can be all of these things. But I would bet that Billups would be more difficult/demand more from the players. And has the credentials to back it up
Yeah I know some dislike him due to his past. But many of the young stars don't seem to be bothered with what Kobe did either
It is a fine line between over demanding/derail vs extracting that extra. This current Celtics team (from last season) ... needs to go through bootcamp imo
Some new strategic/Xs and Os won't solve much
I agree with some of the points, but after listening to Udoka his philosophy of playing as a team, playing tough defense and being tgether on and off the court is consistent to what we have, but maybe from a different perspective.
He's helped Spurs players get better including Leonard in the off season. Now when it comes to challenging the refs and being tough on the court, don't know haven't seen him that much to know what he can and can't do coaching wise.
But Tatumn,Brown and Smart all loved him, and if he wasn't good, he wouldn't be part of team USA coaching staff. Now do they like him because of his coaching ability, or because they could push him to do what they want.
But there were times people thought Stevens was too quite then you heard about his blow ups at half time in the locker room and then the teams came out and played. So becuase it's all peace and calm on the inside doesn't mean there isn't a fiery beast on the inside. Stevens just didn't tap into it enough.
Now when it comes to how much of a player role Udoka had, I don't think thats a huge deal, Stevens had non and his first few seasons he was really good, last season was his worst, and I tribute more of the over all issues of the past season leading up to this, than him over all.
Spoelstra was a film guy, and we thought most of his coaching was LEbum and crew, but he's proven to be pretty good. So if this is the choice, I'm in, but cautious.