Ime Udoka is the new head coach (Merged)

[Roy H.]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

[BudweiserCeltic]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

His defensive woes are greatly exaggerated.

[Celtics2021]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

I'm very hopeful that he finds a Western Conference team that will pay him $15-20 million a year for 3 years, who is willing to accept a 2nd round pick from us so that Fournier can be outgoing salary in a 3-way trade to bring in a major contract.  Don't think it's likely, but it's what I'm hoping.  For example, Fournier to my hypothetical team, Thompson, and one of Langford/Nesmith is enough outgoing salary to bring back Beal.

[vjcsmoke]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

I'm very hopeful that he finds a Western Conference team that will pay him $15-20 million a year for 3 years, who is willing to accept a 2nd round pick from us so that Fournier can be outgoing salary in a 3-way trade to bring in a major contract.  Don't think it's likely, but it's what I'm hoping.  For example, Fournier to my hypothetical team, Thompson, and one of Langford/Nesmith is enough outgoing salary to bring back Beal.

If we get Beal back without losing Brown or Tatum, I'll drive Fournier to the airport myself!  LOL   

[PAOBoston]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

His defensive woes are greatly exaggerated.

Agreed considering the guy came in at the trade deadline and literally played like 20 games overall for the Cs (with a battle with covid during that stretch as well).

[Kuberski33]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

Fourner wasn't the only one guilty of mediocre defense.  Add Smart, Tatum, Jaylen, Kemba and just about everyone else on the roster save for Langford.  Smart I thought had the worst season of his career defensively.

[gouki88]

Nice interview with Ime on Zolak & Bertrand.  Among other things:

1. He spoke very highly of Smart, and said that he is very much a part of the future.
2. He spoke very highly of Rob Williams, and said they had spoken a lot, and that he is not concerned with his injury history.
3. Mentioned that the Nets focused on attacking guys other than Smart and Tatum. (uh oh Fournier)
4. Said that he thinks this team with some free agents has the foundation to compete with the Nets. Also with the further development of its young guys.
5. Emphasized wanting to structure the team defensively, particularly guarding the 3 point line better.

My takeaway:  Ime may be luke warm on the Celtics trying to re-sign Fournier.  Obviously he didn't say this, but I'm extrapolating here from the info that was revealed.

Link:

https://985thesportshub.com/2021/06/29/celtics-head-coach-ime-udoka-brad-stevens-is-no-threat-to-his-coaching/

Fournier is a good defender though. Why do you assume he was referring to him? I'd think Kemba was the most obvious choice of who the Nets were attacking as a defensive weak spot.

They went at Fournier a lot, and he played almost double the minutes of Kemba.  I think Fournier is a pretty safe guess as being one of the culprits.

No way they bring him back

Ime would need a costco size aspirin by his side

Mediocre defense

So, how do you replace very good offense, mediocre defense if we let Fournier walk?

Fourner wasn't the only one guilty of mediocre defense.  Add Smart, Tatum, Jaylen, Kemba and just about everyone else on the roster save for Langford.  Smart I thought had the worst season of his career defensively.

It was his worst defensive season by far.

Was no longer able to make nearly as many defensive plays as before, people were scoring on him more easily, his DBPM was -0.2, his previous career-low was 0.6 in 16-17, career average before this season was 1.3, and his DRaptor was -0.1, with his previous career-low at 1.9 twice in his career, his defensive rating was a career worst (113 compared to average of 106), he was getting steals at a career-low rate

So by the eye test, basic metrics and advanced metrics it was his worst defensive season by a significant margin.

[liam]

Udoka is working with Tatum already. This is good news. I wish Jaylen was there too.


https://www.yahoo.com/sports/jayson-tatum-injury-gregg-popovich-215917560.html

[gouki88]

Udoka is working with Tatum already. This is good news. I wish Jaylen was there too.


https://www.yahoo.com/sports/jayson-tatum-injury-gregg-popovich-215917560.html

This had me wondering earlier. Kept hearing about how Udoka was going to be involved in the USAB team but when the coaches were announced he wasn't on the list.

Glad he's there

[Big333223]

Udoka working with Tatum in the post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhu-Gm1PzXU

[Celtics4ever]

I like that he is banging him and making contact.  Tatum needs to learn how to beat that and over come that but take the contact to get the FTA.

[gouki88]

Udoka working with Tatum in the post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhu-Gm1PzXU

Love having a coach who looks like he could still suit up

[hwangjini_1]

Udoka working with Tatum in the post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhu-Gm1PzXU

Love having a coach who looks like he could still suit up

why? what does that have to do with being a good coach?

[gouki88]

Udoka working with Tatum in the post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhu-Gm1PzXU

Love having a coach who looks like he could still suit up

why? what does that have to do with being a good coach?

Nothing at all, but we haven't had a championship coach who didn't play NBA since Bill Fitch, so maybe there's something to it

[tstorey_97]

I think Udoka was the correct choice.

I think the injury/covid mess that was last season needs to go away.

I think Udoka (as a Popovich guy) will use his "new sheriff in town" leverage to get the defense back on track.

Still not sure about Fournier as a 3 year deal for him might only be for his addition in a "big trade" for the mythic "third player" to join the J's in 2023/'24. It depends how Stevens is going to time the above.