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Coaches are not the primary reason that basketball teams do well or not, win titles or not; they affect winning, but not as much as the players do, including the health of the players. But I feel that if you coach a team to a title, that does mean something. Not the end all, maybe more of a floor.
I generally give Mazzulla a pass on the meltdown in 2022-23. I think that was about a lot more than good or bad coaching. But Mazzulla has to own the good of 2023-24 and the bad of 2024-25. I still believe that winning or not is more about the players than the coach, but the coach does not get a pass when a team underperforms.
2025-26 is now a lost season that will have no bearing on how good of a coach Mazzulla is. But 2026-27 and beyond, the team needs to perform. I am fine with giving him that much leash based on the title. The extension doesn't really mean much. He will still be fired if the team doesn't perform. No luxury tax or other penalties associated with that salary.
I like what Brad is doing with the roster. It makes no sense to be competitive for a top-6 seed and then first or second round exit. All these moves are about resetting for a second title window. Sure would like to see this group get at least that second banner that fortune stole from the Kevin Garnett Celtics. The only move I have a problem with ....... and it is a huge problem, is extending Mazzulla. When Tatum returns with a rebuilt roster, we need a competent coach. Spin that title all you want, but I watched a microcosm of what is wrong with Mazzulla in Games 1 & 2 during the Knicks series this past season. A terribly flawed offense and a stubborn mind.
IMO, he's just another Doc Rivers. Doc won a title in Boston, beside himself. He really couldn't not win it and that's what I feel Joe is. That said, unless there is a replacement that jumps out, then stay the course. I here that all of the time, you want to fire someone, but who are you replacing him with.
The only reason I have for being ok with Joe is that Brad seems to like him.
Okay, Many of us want to trade A Simons. I still want to see him play. Well how about this, we let Simons start the season and let's say he puts up some good numbers.
Then, we put a package with him in it for Zion Williamson. Here is the thing, the Pelicans drafted Queen, who looks like he can fill Zion's role. Zion can't stay on the court. So, why do it for us? I would be willing to take a chance on Zion and this seems like the Perfect season to do it. Roy and others can weigh in on his contract, but I thought I read the last 3 years are now not guaranteed because of all the games he missed. If that is true, let's take a swing for the fences and see if our team can help him stay on the court. When healthy he is an incredible talent and would fit amazing with the Js.
yes. Unless Zion played most of the season I'd expect Boston to be in the lottery this year so I wouldn't want to trade the pick, but I'd probably do 2, maybe 3 future picks. I wonder if Boston could get Missi as well with that 3rd pick and maybe ScheiermanI wouldn't trade the 26 pick, but any other is fine. And I'd do that easily without a 2nd thought. Zion is less healthy than Embiid, but when he plays he is REALLY REALLY good. Efficient skilled, and everything you'd want a PF to be (well not everything, as he is a poor defender). He is the right kind of gamble to take.
Just curious, why do you want to hold onto the 2026 pick?
I am assuming that with Tatum out, this pick is expected to be much better than would be expected for a pick in 2027 and beyond.
I wouldn't trade the 26 pick, but any other is fine. And I'd do that easily without a 2nd thought. Zion is less healthy than Embiid, but when he plays he is REALLY REALLY good. Efficient skilled, and everything you'd want a PF to be (well not everything, as he is a poor defender). He is the right kind of gamble to take.
Just curious, why do you want to hold onto the 2026 pick?