Article on Brad Stevens (The problems facing a rookie coach in the NBA)

[chambers]

At least 2 seasons to adjust. Makes sense. Game is faster, longer and he doesn't know the opposing players nor his own personnel yet.
He's very smart so he'll adjust, but it will take a lot longer than 82 games.
Could be a very long road...

http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach

College and pro basketball are as different as scrambled and hard-boiled eggs. That is, two significantly different forms of the same substance. Which is precisely why Brad Stevens faces a dramatic, and profoundly difficult task as he moves from Butler University and tries to adjust to the demands of the NBA game.

No doubt Stevens has been spending his summer diligently watching as many game tapes as he can fit into his waking hours. Even so, his familiarity with his own players, and most importantly the players of the other 29 NBA teams, will be spotty. This lack of information will inevitably lead to ill-informed substitutions and disadvantageous mismatches.

Also, because the pro game is longer and quicker than the college game, Stevens will be faced with having to make many more in-game decisions at a much faster pace than he’s used to. And his inevitable mistakes will be costly. Indeed, Boston’s players, (especially the vets) will be well aware of every one of Stevens’ errors.

Of course, Stevens will lean heavily on the advice of the only NBA veteran assistant on his coaching staff –  Ron Adams. However, if he relies too much on Adams (deferring to his voice in huddles and practice sessions), Stevens will never develop the credibility and the trust that are absolutely essential for a working relationship with his players.

Moreover, who will be responsible for programming and installing Boston’s offense and defense? Whatever X-and-O strategies Stevens employed at Butler (whose nickname should be the Did-its) will be useless in the NBA. Once again, the danger will be his relying too much on Adams.

Another problematic situation for Stevens will be the paucity of in-season practice sessions. Instead of having two or three days to prepare for upcoming games, the traveling and the density of the NBA schedule will most often reduce game preparation to the shootaround on the morning of the game. This will leave precious little time for Stevens to make between-game adjustments and force him on the fly to make whatever changes he deems necessary.

USA TODAY Sports ImagesIn the college game, the coaches are either benevolent or malevolent tyrants, but all-powerful tyrants nevertheless. Players can be punished for relatively minor lapses in proper behavior by keeping them on the bench, an option not readily available to NBA coaches. Imagine how counterproductive benching someone like Rajon Rondo would be, producing an outrage in the media and among the Celtic fans – as well as inducing a season-long pout by the already obstreperous All-Star point guard.

Indeed, while both Rondo and Stevens have spoken in glowing terms about each other, there will certainly be trouble in paradise when the losses mount. Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

And how will Stevens deal with those disgruntled players who are not in the regular rotation? Especially on a losing team (which the Celtics will certainly be), the guys at the end of the bench perpetually gripe about the playing time they think they deserve. Unlike college players in the same situation, the complaints of underutilized NBA players always become public knowledge.

All things considered, however, the biggest obstacle Stevens will face is the NBA’s corps of referees. They will be out to “tame” Stevens. In so doing, they will show him minimal respect (if any) and T him at every opportunity. And because bad teams routinely get the short end of close calls, Stevens must learn to both keep his seat and keep his mouth shut.

At age 37, Stevens is young enough to maintain his enthusiasm and his sanity throughout the long, grueling season. Even though Stevens is smart enough to be a quick learner, he’ll require at least two full seasons to be up to snuff.

Until then, and until Danny Ainge can rebuild the roster, Celtic fans will find solace only in the glory days gone by.


Read more at http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach#gvbkQMdqlXLOBsZg.99

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[Boris Badenov]

Add to that the issues associated with integrating a roster full of newly acquired and possibly mismatched parts, with several unproven young guys, where the team's best player is returning from a serious injury and its two most proven vets just left a gaping hole in terms of leadership and team culture.

I think almost any coach, even one with NBA experience, would find that daunting.

[LarBrd33]

No worries... he's got a 6 year deal and we expect to be a lotto team for at least a few years.

[LooseCannon]

I think Ainge is inclined to give Stevens time to install a system and to bring in parts that fit that system.

Step one is figuring out if Rondo and Stevens can form a relationship that allows the team to build around Rondo.  That should be Plan A and it sounds like it is.

[BballTim]

At least 2 seasons to adjust. Makes sense. Game is faster, longer and he doesn't know the opposing players nor his own personnel yet.
He's very smart so he'll adjust, but it will take a lot longer than 82 games.
Could be a very long road...

http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach

College and pro basketball are as different as scrambled and hard-boiled eggs. That is, two significantly different forms of the same substance. Which is precisely why Brad Stevens faces a dramatic, and profoundly difficult task as he moves from Butler University and tries to adjust to the demands of the NBA game.

No doubt Stevens has been spending his summer diligently watching as many game tapes as he can fit into his waking hours. Even so, his familiarity with his own players, and most importantly the players of the other 29 NBA teams, will be spotty. This lack of information will inevitably lead to ill-informed substitutions and disadvantageous mismatches.

Also, because the pro game is longer and quicker than the college game, Stevens will be faced with having to make many more in-game decisions at a much faster pace than he’s used to. And his inevitable mistakes will be costly. Indeed, Boston’s players, (especially the vets) will be well aware of every one of Stevens’ errors.

Of course, Stevens will lean heavily on the advice of the only NBA veteran assistant on his coaching staff –  Ron Adams. However, if he relies too much on Adams (deferring to his voice in huddles and practice sessions), Stevens will never develop the credibility and the trust that are absolutely essential for a working relationship with his players.

Moreover, who will be responsible for programming and installing Boston’s offense and defense? Whatever X-and-O strategies Stevens employed at Butler (whose nickname should be the Did-its) will be useless in the NBA. Once again, the danger will be his relying too much on Adams.

Another problematic situation for Stevens will be the paucity of in-season practice sessions. Instead of having two or three days to prepare for upcoming games, the traveling and the density of the NBA schedule will most often reduce game preparation to the shootaround on the morning of the game. This will leave precious little time for Stevens to make between-game adjustments and force him on the fly to make whatever changes he deems necessary.

USA TODAY Sports ImagesIn the college game, the coaches are either benevolent or malevolent tyrants, but all-powerful tyrants nevertheless. Players can be punished for relatively minor lapses in proper behavior by keeping them on the bench, an option not readily available to NBA coaches. Imagine how counterproductive benching someone like Rajon Rondo would be, producing an outrage in the media and among the Celtic fans – as well as inducing a season-long pout by the already obstreperous All-Star point guard.

Indeed, while both Rondo and Stevens have spoken in glowing terms about each other, there will certainly be trouble in paradise when the losses mount. Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

And how will Stevens deal with those disgruntled players who are not in the regular rotation? Especially on a losing team (which the Celtics will certainly be), the guys at the end of the bench perpetually gripe about the playing time they think they deserve. Unlike college players in the same situation, the complaints of underutilized NBA players always become public knowledge.

All things considered, however, the biggest obstacle Stevens will face is the NBA’s corps of referees. They will be out to “tame” Stevens. In so doing, they will show him minimal respect (if any) and T him at every opportunity. And because bad teams routinely get the short end of close calls, Stevens must learn to both keep his seat and keep his mouth shut.

At age 37, Stevens is young enough to maintain his enthusiasm and his sanity throughout the long, grueling season. Even though Stevens is smart enough to be a quick learner, he’ll require at least two full seasons to be up to snuff.

Until then, and until Danny Ainge can rebuild the roster, Celtic fans will find solace only in the glory days gone by.


Read more at http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach#gvbkQMdqlXLOBsZg.99

[/size]

  It's hard to tell the difference between articles like this and your average long(ish) post on celticsblog. Does he actually get paid to write that?

[sed522002]

Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

These are the type of statements that irritate me about writers that have probably never even been around the team before and just sitting behind a computer. They recycle what they've heard as if it's fact.

[Eja117]

Not buying this article. 

[esel1000]

Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

These are the type of statements that irritate me about writers that have probably never even been around the team before and just sitting behind a computer. They recycle what they've heard as if it's fact.

Exactly. Like I'm sure that's why KG and Pierce discussed in a heart filled interview that they're really going to miss Rondo and made a friend for life. And that's guys like KG talking...

The guy didn't get along with Ray and butted heads with Doc on occasion and all of a sudden he's "extremely unpopular" in the entire locker room. Nah, he's just unpopular among the media since he won't talk to them in detail...

[LooseCannon]

Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

These are the type of statements that irritate me about writers that have probably never even been around the team before and just sitting behind a computer. They recycle what they've heard as if it's fact.

I'd really like some reporter to interview Rondo and ask him what he knows about analytics and how he feels about the use of advanced statistics.  That would probably give us a clue as to whether or not Stevens can forge a solid relationship with Rondo.

[sed522002]

Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

These are the type of statements that irritate me about writers that have probably never even been around the team before and just sitting behind a computer. They recycle what they've heard as if it's fact.

Exactly. Like I'm sure that's why KG and Pierce discussed in a heart filled interview that they're really going to miss Rondo and made a friend for life. And that's guys like KG talking...

The guy didn't get along with Ray and butted heads with Doc on occasion and all of a sudden he's "extremely unpopular" in the entire locker room. Nah, he's just unpopular among the media since he won't talk to them in detail...

Right, I'm not saying that he can't be difficult (most extremely competitive athletes are) but it's becoming outrageous the amount of "Rondo attitude" articles are being written and most from people that haven't even spoken to him.

[Amonkey]

Sounds like thr most pessimistic person just spilling out the worst case scenario. I agree therell be a lot of adjustments that hell have to make, but it doesnt mean that all those things are gonna happen. Thats why they play the game and thats why this writer writes this weak article in July rather than December when there are more substance to those supposedly scenarios.

[sed522002]

Found some more articles by this particular writer, he's not too found of a couple of Boston players anyways

This was from his Most Over-rated players article

Rajon Rondo’s ornery, petulant attitude is beginning to have more of a negative effect on the old-and-in-the-way Celtics than his effectiveness on the court.

Kevin Garnett is, and always has been, a choker. Expect him to tally beaucoup points in blow-outs, to be a cheap-shot artist, and for his mouth to be bigger than his game.

The term sports writer should be used very loosely nowadays.



Read more at http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-nbas-most-overrated-players#Y3lZUMSHrX2UtcIK.99

[D.o.s.]

At least 2 seasons to adjust. Makes sense. Game is faster, longer and he doesn't know the opposing players nor his own personnel yet.
He's very smart so he'll adjust, but it will take a lot longer than 82 games.
Could be a very long road...

http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach

College and pro basketball are as different as scrambled and hard-boiled eggs. That is, two significantly different forms of the same substance. Which is precisely why Brad Stevens faces a dramatic, and profoundly difficult task as he moves from Butler University and tries to adjust to the demands of the NBA game.

No doubt Stevens has been spending his summer diligently watching as many game tapes as he can fit into his waking hours. Even so, his familiarity with his own players, and most importantly the players of the other 29 NBA teams, will be spotty. This lack of information will inevitably lead to ill-informed substitutions and disadvantageous mismatches.

Also, because the pro game is longer and quicker than the college game, Stevens will be faced with having to make many more in-game decisions at a much faster pace than he’s used to. And his inevitable mistakes will be costly. Indeed, Boston’s players, (especially the vets) will be well aware of every one of Stevens’ errors.

Of course, Stevens will lean heavily on the advice of the only NBA veteran assistant on his coaching staff –  Ron Adams. However, if he relies too much on Adams (deferring to his voice in huddles and practice sessions), Stevens will never develop the credibility and the trust that are absolutely essential for a working relationship with his players.

Moreover, who will be responsible for programming and installing Boston’s offense and defense? Whatever X-and-O strategies Stevens employed at Butler (whose nickname should be the Did-its) will be useless in the NBA. Once again, the danger will be his relying too much on Adams.

Another problematic situation for Stevens will be the paucity of in-season practice sessions. Instead of having two or three days to prepare for upcoming games, the traveling and the density of the NBA schedule will most often reduce game preparation to the shootaround on the morning of the game. This will leave precious little time for Stevens to make between-game adjustments and force him on the fly to make whatever changes he deems necessary.

USA TODAY Sports ImagesIn the college game, the coaches are either benevolent or malevolent tyrants, but all-powerful tyrants nevertheless. Players can be punished for relatively minor lapses in proper behavior by keeping them on the bench, an option not readily available to NBA coaches. Imagine how counterproductive benching someone like Rajon Rondo would be, producing an outrage in the media and among the Celtic fans – as well as inducing a season-long pout by the already obstreperous All-Star point guard.

Indeed, while both Rondo and Stevens have spoken in glowing terms about each other, there will certainly be trouble in paradise when the losses mount. Even when the Celtics were winning, the outspoken Rondo proved to be extremely unpopular with his teammates and with the since-departed Doc Rivers. How will Stevens handle Rondo?

And how will Stevens deal with those disgruntled players who are not in the regular rotation? Especially on a losing team (which the Celtics will certainly be), the guys at the end of the bench perpetually gripe about the playing time they think they deserve. Unlike college players in the same situation, the complaints of underutilized NBA players always become public knowledge.

All things considered, however, the biggest obstacle Stevens will face is the NBA’s corps of referees. They will be out to “tame” Stevens. In so doing, they will show him minimal respect (if any) and T him at every opportunity. And because bad teams routinely get the short end of close calls, Stevens must learn to both keep his seat and keep his mouth shut.

At age 37, Stevens is young enough to maintain his enthusiasm and his sanity throughout the long, grueling season. Even though Stevens is smart enough to be a quick learner, he’ll require at least two full seasons to be up to snuff.

Until then, and until Danny Ainge can rebuild the roster, Celtic fans will find solace only in the glory days gone by.


Read more at http://hoopshype.com/columns/rosen/the-problems-facing-a-rookie-coach#gvbkQMdqlXLOBsZg.99

[/size]

  It's hard to tell the difference between articles like this and your average long(ish) post on celticsblog. Does he actually get paid to write that?

I know nothing about HoopsHype, but it wouldn't particularly surprise me either way.

[LooseCannon]

I really only use hoopshype because they aggregate rumors and tweets.

The author of this particular article is 70-something-year-old Charley Rosen, who may be best known for co-writing More Than a Game with Phil Jackson (with whom he was an assistant coach for the Albany Patroons).  He wrote The Pivotal Season, about the 71-72 Lakers, and Bullpen Diaries, about the Yankees, so obviously he must hate Boston sports.

[chambers]

Sounds like thr most pessimistic person just spilling out the worst case scenario. I agree therell be a lot of adjustments that hell have to make, but it doesnt mean that all those things are gonna happen. Thats why they play the game and thats why this writer writes this weak article in July rather than December when there are more substance to those supposedly scenarios.

I mean he hams up the Rondo/team mate friction stuff but I don't see what's overly anti-Celtic about it. He's just stating the obvious.
*new players
*new coach
*new system of basketball for that coach who's used to the college system- it will take a significant amount of time for him to adjust. Doesn't matter who you are it will be hard to move from college to the NBA.
*star player has attitude history. I think it's perfectly reasonable to at least question Rondo's attitude once the losses start adding up.
*He's coaching against the best players and best coaches in the world. It's going to take him some serious time to adjust- odds are that he'll be an amazing coach in the NBA after a few years.
*Author is just saying that these are the challenges facing a rookie coach. Is he wrong about the referees? The grueling season, or trying to become the trusted leader of an NBA player group WHILST learning without deferring  to his assistants too much in this period of transition?

Personally I'm excited to see Rondo man up and lead the team through a tough season or two. He has an image around the NBA as a bit of a punk who's only good with Hall of Famers around him which I think is bogus.

If he does prove himself then I want him re-signed for a near max or max contract in 2015. If not, then he can go to New York with Lebron and Melo. (Latest rumor is that Melo will pick his own players in 2015).

Major over reaction here IMO.
If you think it's not going to be tough for Stevens have a think about Calipari.