If Doc leaves, a leading candidate to coach the team is... Kevin McHale?

[Roy Hobbs]

I know there's been a little bit of talk about Kevin McHale coaching the team if Doc steps down, but this is the first time I've seen it linked to a source:

If Doc Rivers decides not to return to the Celtics next season, many believe that Kevin McHale may coach the team.

A number of NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that McHale would receive strong consideration for the job should Rivers walk away.

He has been working as an analyst after a long stint with the Timberwolves in multiple roles.

McHale's name has also been linked to the Bulls.

Link

Interesting.  While I'd probably prefer a more established coach if Doc leaves, I'm intrigued by #32 potentially returning to the organization.  Still, I hope Doc stays.

[rondohondo]

I would much rather have a coach with experience. Larry Brown or Van Gundy would be good. I would even rather have Danny take over as coach. He did a good job while in Pheonix.

[Who]

Interesting.  While I'd probably prefer a more established coach if Doc leaves, I'm intrigued by #32 potentially returning to the organization.  Still, I hope Doc stays.

My reaction exactly ... I like the idea of McHale opening up the team's offense and letting the team push the ball more often. Not sure of his defensive credentials though.

[Andy Jick]

Interesting...  I would think a lot hinges on what direction this team takes next season.  I don't see McHale linking himself to a potential "rebuilding" situation, which could be the case if a number of things play out (Pierce opts out, Ray leaves - but I doubt this).

The connection of McHale to Ainge gives this story credibility, and I really believe that he could succeed provided he gets a couple of solid assistants. 

My gut tells me that Doc is done...  I don't think he'll put himself through another grinding season, which is what next year will be should the same cast return.  But in watching the '08 Finals game (ESPN Classic) the other day, it's apparent that this current Celtics team is not as good as those guys, with KG being the most notable.  Whomever coaches this team will have a bit of a tough road ahead of him...

[guava_wrench]

Interesting...  I would think a lot hinges on what direction this team takes next season.  I don't see McHale linking himself to a potential "rebuilding" situation, which could be the case if a number of things play out (Pierce opts out, Ray leaves - but I doubt this).

The connection of McHale to Ainge gives this story credibility, and I really believe that he could succeed provided he gets a couple of solid assistants. 

My gut tells me that Doc is done...  I don't think he'll put himself through another grinding season, which is what next year will be should the same cast return.  But in watching the '08 Finals game (ESPN Classic) the other day, it's apparent that this current Celtics team is not as good as those guys, with KG being the most notable.  Whomever coaches this team will have a bit of a tough road ahead of him...

I would think that McHale would be more likely to join the Celtics as a rebuilding project than the established coaches other mentioned. If McHale wants a long term job with a team he has a history with, why wouldn't he be interested? He was with the Timberwolves for a long time and Ainge has a history of sticking with coaches that he picked, even when the team is bad.

[PosImpos]

I'd take him.  Much prefer Doc, but if we can't have Doc, McHale seems like a good choice.

[Fafnir]

I'd be okay with that, I liked what I saw out of McHale as a coach.

As a GM, not so much.

[wiley]

I'd be okay with giving McHale a go....I might prefer Avery Johnson though....I like that guy's communication skills.....sort of a Doc level communicator imo.....

[birdwatcher]

If I can't get Jeff Van Gundy, I'd really like a former PG as our coach. Aside from being a great motivator and solid x&o guy, Doc has a lot to do with the player Rondo has become. With that in mind, Avery Johnson or Mark Jackson are the top of my list, especially if Rondo is the cornerstone of the franchise going forward.

[Jon]

Interesting.

If we're talking former C's, what about Dave Cowens?  He played and coached a very tough brand of basketball that might play out well here. 

Still don't think Doc walks.  I think he was B.S.-ing when he said it two months ago, and even if he wasn't, a lot has happened since he said it to change his mind.

I don't think he'll be here forever, but I'd say there's a 90+% chance he coaches this team next year.  

[Who]

If we're talking former C's, what about Dave Cowens?  He played and coached a very tough brand of basketball that might play out well here.    

I would be happy with Cowens. I thought he did a great job with the Hornets in 1997 and 1998.

I loved those Hornets teams. Anthony Mason running point forward from the power forward position. The multi-talented Vlade Divac at center. Glen Rice and Dell Curry bombing away three pointers on the wing and little Muggsy Bogues at the point. Matt Geiger bringing some muscle of the bench. Bobby Phills. BJ Armstrong. Tony Delk.

I thought Cowens did a very good job running that basketball team ... and Paul Silas did a very good job after the team tuned Cowens out. I would be happy with either one of those ex-Celtics.

[jr_3421]

I don't see McHale linking himself to a potential "rebuilding" situation, which could be the case if a number of things play out (Pierce opts out, Ray leaves - but I doubt this).

The fact that we have proven building blocks in Rondo and Perkins (two of the hardest positions to fill), the rebuilding process won't be as bad you think. When teams rebuild, they often start with young, unproven players which we all know ends up bad more times than not. But we have 2 young, championship tested veterans to get us started with a superb back big in Baby. This situation may be more appealing than you are giving credit to.

[Onslaught]

I'm not sure this would be a good idea. I'm a big McHale fan but I'd think his friendship with Danny could be a problem. Would you really want to work for one of your best friends?

[jr_3421]

^^^ Isn't that what the Celtics have been doing for years?

[Onslaught]

They did a long time ago. But I'm not sure if anyone was as close as these two seem to be. Other than Red and Russell obviously.