Did losing Charles Lee hurt?

[Roy H.]

There are a lot of reasons that we're struggling lately, but the number one factor seems to be defense, particularly in the 4th quarter.  Scal and Drew kept mentioning the stat:  we're 27th in eFG% allowed since December 1.

This team looks closer than the 2023 team than last year's champions, despite the personnel changes.  They've played a lot of lazy offense and non-existent defense, and they're missing a killer instinct.

Charles Lee was primarily in charge of our defense last year.  Prior to that, the media and players questioned our commitment to that end, with Joe saying something along the lines of "I shouldn't have to remind professionals to play defense" (or something along those lines, but more snarky.)

Is this 100% on the players, or is the current coaching staff at fault, too?

[MattyIce]

good catch Roy, this has been brought up among those around the team

[Roy H.]

good catch Roy, this has been brought up among those around the team

Thanks for the confirmation.  If it continues long-term, I expect we'll see some comments to the media like we did during and after the 2023 playoffs.

[SparzWizard]

But didn't Joe come up with defensive assignments when he was under Udoka? Makes no sense how they've reverted back to 2023 Celtics.

So we back to square one with Joe having no assistant coaches?

[Roy H.]

But didn't Joe come up with defensive assignments when he was under Udoka? Makes no sense how they've reverted back to 2023 Celtics.

So we back to square one with Joe having no assistant coaches?

Joe wasn't the regular defensive assistant.  He came up with some game plans in the Finals against Golden State, but for the most part he was a "back bencher" under Udoka that season. 

Joe has assistant coaches, but he lost Charles Lee, Jeff Van Gundy, and a couple of others.  Some of the existing coaches got promotions.  One was Matt Reynolds, who was in charge of challenges last year (when we won 69% of them).  That job has shifted to a different coach this year, which is hurt.

But mostly, I think it's fair to say that Lee was probably a better lead assistant than Sam Cassell.

[Goldstar88]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

[Roy H.]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

What's your POV here?  That Cassell is more essential to the team than Lee was?  Or is it that losing Cassell would hurt more because we've already lost Lee?

[Goldstar88]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

What's your POV here?  That Cassell is more essential to the team than Lee was?  Or is it that losing Cassell would hurt more because we've already lost Lee?

Yes, I think Sam Cassell is more essential to the team. He won championships as a player and has a lot more coaching experience. I think the players respect him for that. He also seems to keep Joe in line when he?s about to fly off the handle.

[Roy H.]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

What's your POV here?  That Cassell is more essential to the team than Lee was?  Or is it that losing Cassell would hurt more because we've already lost Lee?

Yes, I think Sam Cassell is more essential to the team. He won championships as a player and has a lot more coaching experience. I think the players respect him for that. He also seems to keep Joe in line when he?s about to fly off the handle.

Interesting.  That's not how I see it, I don't think that's how the Celtics saw it (which is why Lee was the lead assistant), and I don't think that's how teams around the NBA saw it (which is why Lee got a head coaching gig before Sam).

I think Lee is just better.

[Goldstar88]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

What's your POV here?  That Cassell is more essential to the team than Lee was?  Or is it that losing Cassell would hurt more because we've already lost Lee?

Yes, I think Sam Cassell is more essential to the team. He won championships as a player and has a lot more coaching experience. I think the players respect him for that. He also seems to keep Joe in line when he?s about to fly off the handle.

Interesting.  That's not how I see it, I don't think that's how the Celtics saw it (which is why Lee was the lead assistant), and I don't think that's how teams around the NBA saw it (which is why Lee got a head coaching gig before Sam).

I think Lee is just better.

Roy, all I know is that Sam did this. He?s that kind of coach and it means a lot.

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2024/01/31/joe-mazzulla-assistant-coach-sam-cassell-buddy-hield/?amp=1

[Phantom255x]

Is it also possible JVG leaving had an effect too? We lost him too to the Clippers. He was a senior consultant but he also provided input on the roster and helped Brad + Ime.

I think it's really an effort issue and also some guys getting older (notably Jrue + Horford). Maybe they step it up come playoffs. That's all we can hope for. White must also be dealing with an injury

[Roy H.]

No, but losing Sam Cassell would.

What's your POV here?  That Cassell is more essential to the team than Lee was?  Or is it that losing Cassell would hurt more because we've already lost Lee?

Yes, I think Sam Cassell is more essential to the team. He won championships as a player and has a lot more coaching experience. I think the players respect him for that. He also seems to keep Joe in line when he?s about to fly off the handle.

Interesting.  That's not how I see it, I don't think that's how the Celtics saw it (which is why Lee was the lead assistant), and I don't think that's how teams around the NBA saw it (which is why Lee got a head coaching gig before Sam).

I think Lee is just better.

Roy, all I know is that Sam did this. He?s that kind of coach and it means a lot.

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-celtics/2024/01/31/joe-mazzulla-assistant-coach-sam-cassell-buddy-hield/?amp=1

When Mazzulla did that in a game, I hated it, and I don't really like that Cassell did it, either.  A coach physically getting in a shooter's space when they may not be expecting it is dangerous and unprofessional.  Imagine if Nick Nurse did that to Tatum?  I'd want JT to elbow him as hard as he possibly could.

To each their own, I guess.  I loved Cassell as a player.  I think he's a good member to have on a coaching staff.  I'm not sure he's a great lead assistant, or will make a good head coach.