I am curious how everyone feels about Udoka’s start as our head coach.
For me he’s been solid, but perhaps he shouldn’t have been given such a tough task for his first head coaching position. In saying all that, I have no doubt that Wyc will give Udoka at least two seasons before looking to replace him.
I bring this up now because Lakers management are attempting to make Frank Vogel the fall guy for their terrible roster construction and I was curious if anyone would prefer Vogel as the Celtics head coach. It also should be noted that if the Indiana Pacers decide to go into a full rebuild, Rick Carlisle would most likely become available too.
I think Udoka has done a very good job. It is extremely difficult to construct a championship level defensive team, but this group has shown flashes that it is possible. I think the Celtics will be patient and give him at least two years. Successes so far have been Grant Williams playing the right way both ways. Deficiencies so far has been not finding ways to integrate Nesmith and Langford into a motion offense.
I think having Richardson for two years is an indication that Udoka is safe for two years also. Sadly, I don't think Payton Pritchard will fit the system defensively and as much as I love his shooting and effort, I hope he get's traded to a wet coast team that will use him.
Everyone forgets how many 1 year contracts the Celtics have. I think this whole year is a transition time and they may try to load up next off season or even use next year as a transition year. I think the Celtics hoped they could follow the San Antonio model with Tim Duncan: Duncan was drafted in 1997. The championships were 1999 (Robinson), 2003 (old Robinson and Parker Ginobli), 2005 (parker ginobli), 2007 (parker ginobli), and 2014 (old guys and Leonard). With Robinson, they sort of stole a championship in 1999. The contending years were with a big three: Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli. One last hurrah with a new stud Leonard in 2014. Good Karma payback from Duncan helping Robinson win in 1999.
The Celtics are a Tony Parker away from being contenders. Parker was a lucky 28th pick in a draft where Celtics picked Joe Forte at 21. Celtics are still a big two looking for a third star.