Celtics Off-Season News

[Silas]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

[Celtics2021]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

I don’t think Joe’s done a 180.  I think he was dropped into a situation where neither he  nor anyone could be at their best.  But I’m sure he’s learned some things from last year and will change.

[tonydelk]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

I don’t think Joe’s done a 180.  I think he was dropped into a situation where neither he  nor anyone could be at their best.  But I’m sure he’s learned some things from last year and will change.

I agree.  Joe just had more time to prepare this year.  He was a back of the bench guy thrust into the HC position.  No time to prepare.  No time to develop his plan with his players.  This year he had the entire off season to plan.  He had the whole offseason to install his plan.  He's more confident and has a year of experience to go off of.  Plus he now has a coaching staff that he can lean on that he and the team picked.  It's not that he did a 180.  This is a confident Joe who finally had time to prepare.  I expect a much different coach all year. 

[Vermont Green]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

I don’t think Joe’s done a 180.  I think he was dropped into a situation where neither he  nor anyone could be at their best.  But I’m sure he’s learned some things from last year and will change.

I agree.  Joe just had more time to prepare this year.  He was a back of the bench guy thrust into the HC position.  No time to prepare.  No time to develop his plan with his players.  This year he had the entire off season to plan.  He had the whole offseason to install his plan.  He's more confident and has a year of experience to go off of.  Plus he now has a coaching staff that he can lean on that he and the team picked.  It's not that he did a 180.  This is a confident Joe who finally had time to prepare.  I expect a much different coach all year.

All this about Mazzulla is true, I agree, but the players had a role in last season also.  It became pretty clear by the end of the season that the players were not fully bought in to Mazzulla.  They were blindsided by Udoka being fired.  Everyone is in a better place this season.  I think a Mulligan for last season for Mazzulla is fair, but not this season.  It is his team, his assistants, his preseason, he owns all of it now so fair to expect results.

[tenn_smoothie]

I like the hiring of Van Gundy a lot. From listening to his tv commentary, I love the guy's basketball sensibilities.
Just hope they let his views and opinions have some direct influence on how this team plays.
He is the type of personality who will say in a meeting, " We are taking bad shots and need to change that."
These coaches and players need some straight talk when they are not playing the right way.

[cman88]

Well they've definitely surrounded mazzulla with a really good support staff.

Van Gundy, Cassell, Lee. Technically all guys who could be head coaches

[ChillyWilly]

I've read and watch a lot of people seem excited for JVG. Maybe my old brain has sometimerz but I have no memory of JVG being a good coach. Early career had a couple 2nd round bounces, mid career finals run with a 8th seed team that got hot until the finals where they get molly whopped. After that he was king of the first round exits.

His style of play was outdated and he struggled to related with his younger players. Help me understand the part I'm missing on this.

[Goldstar88]

I've read and watch a lot of people seem excited for JVG. Maybe my old brain has sometimerz but I have no memory of JVG being a good coach. Early career had a couple 2nd round bounces, mid career finals run with a 8th seed team that got hot until the finals where they get molly whopped. After that he was king of the first round exits.

His style of play was outdated and he struggled to related with his younger players. Help me understand the part I'm missing on this.

He’s back office. Not going to be on the bench with the coaching staff. I wouldn’t want him as a HC.

[Vermont Green]

I've read and watch a lot of people seem excited for JVG. Maybe my old brain has sometimerz but I have no memory of JVG being a good coach. Early career had a couple 2nd round bounces, mid career finals run with a 8th seed team that got hot until the finals where they get molly whopped. After that he was king of the first round exits.

His style of play was outdated and he struggled to related with his younger players. Help me understand the part I'm missing on this.

I think that is fair.  Van Gundy was probably an average NBA coach.  I don't know about his ability to relate to younger players, he did seem to relate to veterans pretty well.

I am not sure how much value he is going to bring or how much difference he is going to make.  It is not real clear what his role is going to be.  If it is really just another set of eyes on things to be in conversations to bring a different perspective, it seems he should be good at that.  It was also reported that he would have a role in Portland, not sure what that is or what that will produce.  I am just not sure how much difference this type of role will make.

I guess I could see that Stevens doesn't want to be the one to be mentoring or critiquing Mazzulla but maybe this is something that Van Gundy can do.  Teams go over the tape to break down what players did right or wrong, maybe they will go over the coaching tape in a sense and Van Gundy can say to Mazzulla hey, this line up didn't have enough scoring or rebounding or whatever.  Most coaches wouldn't want this type of input but maybe Mazzulla is going to be OK with it.

[tonydelk]

I've read and watch a lot of people seem excited for JVG. Maybe my old brain has sometimerz but I have no memory of JVG being a good coach. Early career had a couple 2nd round bounces, mid career finals run with a 8th seed team that got hot until the finals where they get molly whopped. After that he was king of the first round exits.

His style of play was outdated and he struggled to related with his younger players. Help me understand the part I'm missing on this.

I think that is fair.  Van Gundy was probably an average NBA coach.  I don't know about his ability to relate to younger players, he did seem to relate to veterans pretty well.

I am not sure how much value he is going to bring or how much difference he is going to make.  It is not real clear what his role is going to be.  If it is really just another set of eyes on things to be in conversations to bring a different perspective, it seems he should be good at that.  It was also reported that he would have a role in Portland, not sure what that is or what that will produce.  I am just not sure how much difference this type of role will make.

I guess I could see that Stevens doesn't want to be the one to be mentoring or critiquing Mazzulla but maybe this is something that Van Gundy can do.  Teams go over the tape to break down what players did right or wrong, maybe they will go over the coaching tape in a sense and Van Gundy can say to Mazzulla hey, this line up didn't have enough scoring or rebounding or whatever.  Most coaches wouldn't want this type of input but maybe Mazzulla is going to be OK with it.

Getting to the playoffs is hard.  You have to be at least a decent coach to get there and to even advance.  I don't think this is about Van Gundy coming in and changing the way things are done.  He's there to help make it better.  This team has a lot of young guys and young coaches.  What is needed is experience and knowledge.  That's what Van Gundy brings.  I don't think anyone wants to see him on the sidelines.  If that happens that means the team has failed and Sam who should be the backup plan doesn't get a shot either.

[Kernewek]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

I don’t think Joe’s done a 180.  I think he was dropped into a situation where neither he  nor anyone could be at their best.  But I’m sure he’s learned some things from last year and will change.

I agree.  Joe just had more time to prepare this year.  He was a back of the bench guy thrust into the HC position.  No time to prepare.  No time to develop his plan with his players.  This year he had the entire off season to plan.  He had the whole offseason to install his plan.  He's more confident and has a year of experience to go off of.  Plus he now has a coaching staff that he can lean on that he and the team picked.  It's not that he did a 180.  This is a confident Joe who finally had time to prepare.  I expect a much different coach all year.

This is key, I think. Last year was an absolutely a trial by fire, and this season is anything but. We’ve got a different team, of course, but I think it’s fair to say barring injury we mostly expect a top three seed out of the regular season and an ECF appearance at worst?

[Silas]

Bobby Manning: Jeff Van Gundy will oversee all basketball operations while he’s around, not just coaching. Joe Mazzulla said he’ll provide a bird’s eye view, and he won’t be on the bench. – via Twitter RealBobManning

“Anytime you can add like high-character, high-level, professional people, I think it’s a no-brainer,” Mazzulla said. “Fortunate enough that he’s here, not just for the coaching staff, but for everybody and he’s been through every imaginable situation in the NBA, in coaching, FIBA, NBA and so we’re just lucky to have him. And he’s a great listener and a great worker. So he’s added a lot of value, even in the first couple of weeks.”

Van Gundy was an NBA coach before his time on TV. He had a 430-318 record in 11 seasons as a head coach for the Knicks and Rockets. He also led New York to the 1999 NBA Finals, losing to the Spurs. He’s a respected voice in the NBA, and the Celtics get to pick his brain consistently. “Try to run a lot of stuff by him,” Mazzulla said. “It’s good to get a guy who hasn’t been here before that can kind of have an unbiased opinion as to where he thinks things are, and where they need to go. And so he’s kind of like a fresh set of eyes because he’s not around all the time. And he’s looking at it from an unbiased position, which kind of gives us an advantage because you kind of see it in a different perspective.”
– via Souichi Terada @ Booth Newspapers

Sounds like everyone is on the same page.

If I remember correctly, last season many people on this forum were calling Joe stupid and other names.  Listening to what he is saying now and his game management so far makes me think we are seeing a man who has done a 180.  Still early, but with his own assistants and an offseason to prepare I feel good about where this team is going.

I don’t think Joe’s done a 180.  I think he was dropped into a situation where neither he  nor anyone could be at their best.  But I’m sure he’s learned some things from last year and will change.

I agree.  Joe just had more time to prepare this year.  He was a back of the bench guy thrust into the HC position.  No time to prepare.  No time to develop his plan with his players.  This year he had the entire off season to plan.  He had the whole offseason to install his plan.  He's more confident and has a year of experience to go off of.  Plus he now has a coaching staff that he can lean on that he and the team picked.  It's not that he did a 180.  This is a confident Joe who finally had time to prepare.  I expect a much different coach all year.

This is key, I think. Last year was an absolutely a trial by fire, and this season is anything but. We’ve got a different team, of course, but I think it’s fair to say barring injury we mostly expect a top three seed out of the regular season and an ECF appearance at worst?

Ok...maybe a 90+.

[Vermont Green]

Here is some news:

According to the G League's official transaction page, Pinson's G League rights were traded (on Friday) from the Maine Celtics (G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics) to the Texas Legends (G League affiliate of the Mavs).

In the deal, the Maine Celtics will acquire the G League rights to Grant Riller and James Banks III (who both played for the Texas Legends last season).

[Yuckabuck33]

Re: Van Gundy-
I think the context for this is the call that went out for former Celtics to get involved. So there's been a lot of hoopla around the team saying everything looks great. I think Brad is trying to balance it out by bringing on somebody without a stake in the team to give an unbiased outside perspective.

[Goldstar88]

Sam Cassell has worked with Jayson Tatum during Celtics camp, but Joe Mazzulla hopes he helps out with everyone

As many assistant coaches in the NBA typically work 1-on-1 with a few players, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that pairing Cassell with Tatum was pretty simple.

“‘Hey JT, do you wanna work with Sam?’ I just asked him if that’s what he wanted,” Mazzulla said of how Tatum began working with Cassell.

“Sam Cassell, it’s always great to have a former player,” Tatum told reporters of Cassell earlier in October. “He talks more than anybody I’ve ever met in my life. … But Sam’s great. He’s full of energy every day. He also has a ton of stories.”

“Sam worked with [Tyrese] Maxey and they had the same shooting time as our guys, so I was able to observe what Sam was doing pregame with Maxey and some of the other players,” Mazzulla said.

“During the hiring process, talking to Sam and Doc about what Doc relied on Sam for and what he was able to do, it just kind of made the most sense,” Mazzulla said.

“It was very simple, ‘If you don’t hire him, someone else will,'” Mazzulla added on what Rivers told him. “Doc spoke very highly of him. It was a no-brainer. That was it.”

“Sam’s been through every situation in the game as well,” Mazzulla said. “He’s worked with players on the court and off the court. As much as he’s working with Jayson, we need him to have 1-on-1 conversations with Jaylen [Brown] and develop Jaylen. Sam worked out with Dalano [Banton] yesterday. Sam’s been around a long time. He’s been relied upon by really good coaches to navigate the roster because of all of his experience.

“Yes, he’s working with Tatum. But we really need him to navigate the roster, meet each individual guy, see where he’s at, and then help them get to where they need to go.”