Is this Doc's last season?

[JBcat]

Hate to say it...but I kinda hope so.

As much respect as I have for Doc, I don't think he's the best at motivating his players (just my two cents.)

In the 2007-08 year, it seemed like there was a fire in Doc to lead his team to a title and dominate the NBA.

Now, it just seems like Doc takes the "back door" approach, meaning sacrificing the 1 seed as long as it means "resting" his players.

Quite frankly, I think Doc tries too hard now to appease his players. After this year, the team might need a coach with more fire and a better motivator.

Yes I know KG, Ray and Paul all love Doc...yadada.

But a coach is suppose to be a guy that players are kind of intimidated by, not a guy that players exchange golf tips and phone numbers with.

What is wrong with resting players in their early to mid 30s?  We all saw what resting did for our players last year before the playoffs started.  Nobody outside of Boston really gave us a chance and the extra rest might have rejuvenated the older guys for the playoffs.

For what's it's worth I think the big 3's minutes have been up the last month or 2 and Doc in my opinion needs to carefully monitor the minutes the rest of the way as it's a long long season.  Ray Allen probably the most conditioned 35 year old player out there always talks about getting the proper rest.  

[gpap]

Hate to say it...but I kinda hope so.

As much respect as I have for Doc, I don't think he's the best at motivating his players (just my two cents.)

In the 2007-08 year, it seemed like there was a fire in Doc to lead his team to a title and dominate the NBA.

Now, it just seems like Doc takes the "back door" approach, meaning sacrificing the 1 seed as long as it means "resting" his players.

Quite frankly, I think Doc tries too hard now to appease his players. After this year, the team might need a coach with more fire and a better motivator.

Yes I know KG, Ray and Paul all love Doc...yadada.

But a coach is suppose to be a guy that players are kind of intimidated by, not a guy that players exchange golf tips and phone numbers with.

What is wrong with resting players in their early to mid 30s?  We all saw what resting did for our players last year before the playoffs started.  Nobody outside of Boston really gave us a chance and the extra rest might have rejuvenated the older guys for the playoffs.

For what's it's worth I think the big 3's minutes have been up the last month or 2 and Doc in my opinion needs to carefully monitor the minutes the rest of the way as it's a long long season.  Ray Allen probably the most conditioned 35 year old player out there always talks about getting the proper rest.  

One big problem with that though. Last year, the Celtics didn't grab the one seed did they? Nor where they ever concerned with the one seed. So, they didn't have home court vs. LA in the finals and kiss it gooodbye.

Home court advantage is MUCH more important than people realize. Especially the Celtics (actually most teams) where they just aren't the same team on the road as they are at home.

Last night's game, anyone?

[looseball]

Hate to say it...but I kinda hope so.

As much respect as I have for Doc, I don't think he's the best at motivating his players (just my two cents.)

In the 2007-08 year, it seemed like there was a fire in Doc to lead his team to a title and dominate the NBA.

Now, it just seems like Doc takes the "back door" approach, meaning sacrificing the 1 seed as long as it means "resting" his players.

Quite frankly, I think Doc tries too hard now to appease his players. After this year, the team might need a coach with more fire and a better motivator.

Yes I know KG, Ray and Paul all love Doc...yadada.

But a coach is suppose to be a guy that players are kind of intimidated by, not a guy that players exchange golf tips and phone numbers with.

What is wrong with resting players in their early to mid 30s?  We all saw what resting did for our players last year before the playoffs started.  Nobody outside of Boston really gave us a chance and the extra rest might have rejuvenated the older guys for the playoffs.

For what's it's worth I think the big 3's minutes have been up the last month or 2 and Doc in my opinion needs to carefully monitor the minutes the rest of the way as it's a long long season.  Ray Allen probably the most conditioned 35 year old player out there always talks about getting the proper rest.  

Here is a comparison of minutes played by the big threes of three teams with older stars (with ages in parentheses):

Boston
Ray (35)  36 mpg
Paul (33) 35 mpg
Kevin (34) 31 mpg

San Antonio
Parker (28)  32 mpg
Ginobili (33) 31 mpg
Duncan (34)  29 mpg

Lakers
Gasol (30)  37 mpg
Kobe (32)  34 mpg
Odom  (31)  32 mpg 

[greenpride32]

I think Doc felt the window closed last year when the C's played .500 down the stretch and that's when he decied it was time to walk away.  But after the C's run to the Finals he knew they still had something left in the tank for another run and wanted to come back for it.  For Doc next year, first issue is if there will even be a season; and if so the second issue is will our team still be competitive. 

[LarBrd33]

Larry Bird or bust

[housecall]

Personally i was hoping Danny would have coaxed Tibbs into staying around by promising him the head coaching position once Doc stepped down...I feel he could've taken over and the team wouldn't have skipped a beat.Im sure Danny and Doc worked out a timeframe in which Doc plans to make his exit.If it was in 1 season then you'd think Tibbs would have held on?Thats why i don't think this is Doc's last season as the coach of the Boston Celtics.

[barefacedmonk]

Maybe we will have a lockout and he gets the year off anyway...then comes back as our head coach again.

[LooseCannon]

I tried looking up Ainge's assistants when he coached in Phoenix.  Scott Skiles is the most prominent one I could find (signed through 2013 by the Bucks).  Former BYU coach Roger Reid is another.  I don't know which of his former players are working as coaches somewhere.

Clearly, though, any future head coach is just keeping the seat warm for Austin Ainge.

[dark_lord]

id be willing to roll the dice with this guy:

[GreenFaith1819]

Lord, I hope not.

It's funny how fast fortunes change in sports, though. I saw an article here on the blog a few months ago about Doc staying for a few years - into the post-Big Three era.

I was somewhat shocked to see Doc's pic on ESPN - along with Phil Jackson for potential coaching changes.

Phil? Sure - he's been rumored to be leaving for last few years now.

Doc? Just seems like all of a sudden his name is now popping up.

I wonder if it is a culmination of things...the Trade, the Celtics' mini-slump, his family.....whatever.

Doc is still a top 3 coach in the NBA...able to mesh together many pieces, motivate players, very intelligent and gifted coach, and former player.

Without knowing the exact specifics, have Phil or Popovich had to deal with the myriad number of player changes with this team over the last few years? The injuries....the roster shuffling...etc?

Doc has, and he's been Masterful with it, IMO.

For me? I'd love him back. The recent changes with this team is no reason to start saying sayonara to him now.