2021 Playoff and Offseason Speculation - the playoffs. PLAYOFFS????

[cberry78]

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That's not exactly an inspiring pair.

Wonder if Suns lead assistant Willie Green will get some looks for head jobs this off-season. He's one of the rising stars in the assistant coaching ranks.

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Have to say with how the Hawks are doing post Pierce -- doesn't mean he won't be good with another chance - but under McMillan, the Hawks are so much better. That shouldn't be a good endorsement of Pierce

Willie Green could be the type but when I look around the league - as he is a solid assistant, who has worked his way up. Another name - from the Suns coaching search - David Vanterpool. Long time assistant.

I'm surprised Becky Hammon's name hasn't already been tossed about. I know she's probably Pop's heir apparent, but that's never stopped people from bringing the names up for other teams before.

[Revived]

I hope we don’t lose Willie Green. I think he’s been a big reason why our defense has gotten so much better from a game planning standpoint.

[BobbieL]

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That's not exactly an inspiring pair.

Wonder if Suns lead assistant Willie Green will get some looks for head jobs this off-season. He's one of the rising stars in the assistant coaching ranks.

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Have to say with how the Hawks are doing post Pierce -- doesn't mean he won't be good with another chance - but under McMillan, the Hawks are so much better. That shouldn't be a good endorsement of Pierce

Willie Green could be the type but when I look around the league - as he is a solid assistant, who has worked his way up. Another name - from the Suns coaching search - David Vanterpool. Long time assistant.

I'm surprised Becky Hammon's name hasn't already been tossed about. I know she's probably Pop's heir apparent, but that's never stopped people from bringing the names up for other teams before.

I think its pretty much a done deal she will replace Pop. Might even be next year - I know he coaches the Olympics - but "Gandolf" might retire after this summer. I think I got the Gandolf right - Pop hasn't had a hair cut in a long time!

[WeekapaugGroove]

I hope we don’t lose Willie Green. I think he’s been a big reason why our defense has gotten so much better from a game planning standpoint.

Yeah he's a very well respected tactician and would be a loss. Now with that said I won't root against him getting a head coaching gig.

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[Revived]

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[bwgood77]

Just looked at the schedule and four games are being played tomorrow. Its Kind of weird seeing 4 games on the weekday instead of the weekend where normally four games is being played. But cant complain I love basketball even more especially when my team is in it.

I think they'd like game 7s or game 1s of new series on Sat/Sun.

[bwgood77]

This seems like it could easily backfire. Stevens was one of the best coaches in the league, have fun replacing that. Surprised he's already burned out, I'm sure there's some extra pressure being in Boston though.

I'm not surprised that Ainge is on his way out though. They're in good shape for the future with Tatum and Brown, but it's pretty easy to argue that he blew capitalizing on their treasure chest of draft picks. Pretty decent example of how being hyper value-focused can come back to haunt you.

I think Stevens is a great guy for the FO....solid player relations, very smart, hard worker, economics degree so I bet he will be a cap expert, etc. Great talent evaluator, motivator and a guy that would even work with a coach on the changes a the NBA level.

I have a feeling he will pull coach from the college ranks. I also think if there is one team that could potentially pry Jay Wright from Villanova it would be the Celtics, though I doubt he leaves.

He may go after an overachieving small school college coach like he was, he over coached his talent (as opposed to a big school coach who got great talent and didn't have as big a challenge and help mold them into a great coach, or at least show them the ropes of the changes from college to the NBA level).

[Ghost of Kleine]

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If Steven's will have influence over roster alterations, I wonder if he'll be looking to make any trades, And which players he may make available?? I know that the consensus on the trade board/ general board discussion threads for the Celtics have mentioned that two popular potential candidates to consider moving are Tristan Thompson and Kemba Walker. Although it seems that Walker is very unlikely to moved, As his value is currently very low due to his age, struggles, And of course his 36 million for next season!

Also the Celts asset cache outside of their coveted core are more or less depleted! My question would be, Outside of their core, Are there any players that we should have interest in ( That could strengthen our team) either through trade or free agency, That could be considered reasonably attainable? And does anyone think that they might have interest in a Saric swap for spacing in return for one of their players?

[WeekapaugGroove]

Ainges biggest fault was trying to 'win' too many trades with all those mid to late 1sts he collected. The trades never happened and he straight up missed on most of the actual picks (the later ones, Ainge mostly nailed early picks).

It's interesting that McD was one of his guys and they both kind of had similar issues where they worried too much about asset management. Sometimes you have to just over pay and get the actual players you want.

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[SunsRback4Good]

Just looked at the schedule and four games are being played tomorrow. Its Kind of weird seeing 4 games on the weekday instead of the weekend where normally four games is being played. But cant complain I love basketball even more especially when my team is in it.

I think they'd like game 7s or game 1s of new series on Sat/Sun.

You made a great point I didn't see it from that perspective.

[darealjuice]

This seems like it could easily backfire. Stevens was one of the best coaches in the league, have fun replacing that. Surprised he's already burned out, I'm sure there's some extra pressure being in Boston though.

I'm not surprised that Ainge is on his way out though. They're in good shape for the future with Tatum and Brown, but it's pretty easy to argue that he blew capitalizing on their treasure chest of draft picks. Pretty decent example of how being hyper value-focused can come back to haunt you.

I think Stevens is a great guy for the FO....solid player relations, very smart, hard worker, economics degree so I bet he will be a cap expert, etc. Great talent evaluator, motivator and a guy that would even work with a coach on the changes a the NBA level.

I have a feeling he will pull coach from the college ranks. I also think if there is one team that could potentially pry Jay Wright from Villanova it would be the Celtics, though I doubt he leaves.

He may go after an overachieving small school college coach like he was, he over coached his talent (as opposed to a big school coach who got great talent and didn't have as big a challenge and help mold them into a great coach, or at least show them the ropes of the changes from college to the NBA level).

Yeah I can see him being good at the job, I'm just curious if it's the best use of his talents compared to coaching at this point in his career. It'll be interesting to see the direction that they go for sure. Also curious what led to this, it was a disappointing season for Boston but injury played a big part in it too.

[bwgood77]

This seems like it could easily backfire. Stevens was one of the best coaches in the league, have fun replacing that. Surprised he's already burned out, I'm sure there's some extra pressure being in Boston though.

I'm not surprised that Ainge is on his way out though. They're in good shape for the future with Tatum and Brown, but it's pretty easy to argue that he blew capitalizing on their treasure chest of draft picks. Pretty decent example of how being hyper value-focused can come back to haunt you.

I think Stevens is a great guy for the FO....solid player relations, very smart, hard worker, economics degree so I bet he will be a cap expert, etc. Great talent evaluator, motivator and a guy that would even work with a coach on the changes a the NBA level.

I have a feeling he will pull coach from the college ranks. I also think if there is one team that could potentially pry Jay Wright from Villanova it would be the Celtics, though I doubt he leaves.

He may go after an overachieving small school college coach like he was, he over coached his talent (as opposed to a big school coach who got great talent and didn't have as big a challenge and help mold them into a great coach, or at least show them the ropes of the changes from college to the NBA level).

Yeah I can see him being good at the job, I'm just curious if it's the best use of his talents compared to coaching at this point in his career. It'll be interesting to see the direction that they go for sure. Also curious what led to this, it was a disappointing season for Boston but injury played a big part in it too.

I imagine he will go back to coaching at some point. He's young. Look at Kerr and Ainge and I'm sure others.

[BobbieL]

Ainges biggest fault was trying to 'win' too many trades with all those mid to late 1sts he collected. The trades never happened and he straight up missed on most of the actual picks (the later ones, Ainge mostly nailed early picks).

It's interesting that McD was one of his guys and they both kind of had similar issues where they worried too much about asset management. Sometimes you have to just over pay and get the actual players you want.

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Agreed - he kept the trade picks and he missed on a lot of mid to late first rounders

I know Presti with OKC has a boat load of picks - he would do well to look at Ainge as maybe in football - multiple players are good. But in the NBA - one guy can be a difference maker. And usually the winner of a trade in the NBA is the team that gets the best player no matter how much quantity is going the other way.

And yes, McD did the same . The one time McD kind of "went for it" - he got Mikal Bridges. Gave up that 2021 FRP and it worked out well. The Celtics were in on trades during the summer and trade deadline and how often did Danny ever just make the trade? Not often.

Stevens will be fine -- might do a good job in the Front Office. Or at Duke next year !

[thamadkant]

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Dang so Stevens essentially retired. Isn't he like 32 years old? Work out with coaching? Pop is like 200 and still coaching his butt off. I'd be massively annoyed if I were a Celtics fan. I'd also be insufferable, whiny, lack self control and common sense, have a horrible accent, and have a shrine to Larry bird in my room if I were a Celtics fan.

No, it also means Stevens has a young family and coaching probably stresses him out too much. Better to keep him internally by promotion than let him go to another team who will meet his needs.

I see him becoming more of a Pat Riley role, but I would not be surprised if he picks up coaching again in several years... but he needs to form a new team moving forward.

[NE1Care]

It drives me crazy that every sports show is talking about how the LAKERS lost and not how the SUNS WON. We were locked in on both sides of the courts. Those missed shots from the Fakers were mostly contested and we can take credit for their poor shooting. We took them out of the game. We WON the game and BEAT la, it wasn't that we lucked out. Please point me to one clip when the media is fully praising the play of the SUNS last night and not going on about lebron and the clowns.

[spanishninja]

It drives me crazy that every sports show is talking about how the LAKERS lost and not how the SUNS WON. We were locked in on both sides of the courts. Those missed shots from the Fakers were mostly contested and we can take credit for their poor shooting. We took them out of the game. We WON the game and BEAT la, it wasn't that we lucked out. Please point me to one clip when the media is fully praising the play of the SUNS last night and not going on about lebron and the clowns.

we won't be viewed as a good team until we eliminate the Lakers. Then I think the league has no choice but to hype us up as "kingslayers" even though we were the better team to begin with. I don't think we would be viewed as the underdogs against either Denver or Portland, since we actually can play defense and have a deeper team.

[BobbieL]

It drives me crazy that every sports show is talking about how the LAKERS lost and not how the SUNS WON. We were locked in on both sides of the courts. Those missed shots from the Fakers were mostly contested and we can take credit for their poor shooting. We took them out of the game. We WON the game and BEAT la, it wasn't that we lucked out. Please point me to one clip when the media is fully praising the play of the SUNS last night and not going on about lebron and the clowns.

we won't be viewed as a good team until we eliminate the Lakers. Then I think the league has no choice but to hype us up as "kingslayers" even though we were the better team to begin with. I don't think we would be viewed as the underdogs against either Denver or Portland, since we actually can play defense and have a deeper team.

If the Suns win tonight - especially tonight - more of ESPN tomorrow like Get Up and First Take will be what happened to the Lakers and not why the Suns won. And yes, AD44 getting hurt - was a big deal. And James not being 100%. But the rest of that team is not good. Caruso is good off the bench - but the rest - there isn't much there, there.

[King4Day]

Ainges biggest fault was trying to 'win' too many trades with all those mid to late 1sts he collected. The trades never happened and he straight up missed on most of the actual picks (the later ones, Ainge mostly nailed early picks).

It's interesting that McD was one of his guys and they both kind of had similar issues where they worried too much about asset management. Sometimes you have to just over pay and get the actual players you want.

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Ainge really wasn't very good there. His tenure was masked by that lopsided trade which allowed him to fall into all those great assets. Had the Nets remained great, he probably would have been fired years ago.

He drafted well but he had high picks.
The Irving trade was his best move.

But all of his moves were predicated on that Nets trade.

If the rumors were true that he could have had Turner and McDermott for Hayward, but turned it down because he wanted a first thrown in, then that goes to show he just isn't with it.
Maybe this was Boston ownership "firing him" but giving him the dignity to step down instead.

[spanishninja]

It drives me crazy that every sports show is talking about how the LAKERS lost and not how the SUNS WON. We were locked in on both sides of the courts. Those missed shots from the Fakers were mostly contested and we can take credit for their poor shooting. We took them out of the game. We WON the game and BEAT la, it wasn't that we lucked out. Please point me to one clip when the media is fully praising the play of the SUNS last night and not going on about lebron and the clowns.

we won't be viewed as a good team until we eliminate the Lakers. Then I think the league has no choice but to hype us up as "kingslayers" even though we were the better team to begin with. I don't think we would be viewed as the underdogs against either Denver or Portland, since we actually can play defense and have a deeper team.

If the Suns win tonight - especially tonight - more of ESPN tomorrow like Get Up and First Take will be what happened to the Lakers and not why the Suns won. And yes, AD44 getting hurt - was a big deal. And James not being 100%. But the rest of that team is not good. Caruso is good off the bench - but the rest - there isn't much there, there.

This is why the league should really think twice about continuing to favor the Lakers the rest of the series. They have seen five games that indicate that this team is simply not entertaining if Lebron and Davis continue to not be at 100%, and they would get absolutely murdered by the Nuggets or Blazers in the second round if they make it that far.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Ainges biggest fault was trying to 'win' too many trades with all those mid to late 1sts he collected. The trades never happened and he straight up missed on most of the actual picks (the later ones, Ainge mostly nailed early picks).

It's interesting that McD was one of his guys and they both kind of had similar issues where they worried too much about asset management. Sometimes you have to just over pay and get the actual players you want.

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Ainge really wasn't very good there. His tenure was masked by that lopsided trade which allowed him to fall into all those great assets. Had the Nets remained great, he probably would have been fired years ago.

He drafted well but he had high picks.
The Irving trade was his best move.

But all of his moves were predicated on that Nets trade.

If the rumors were true that he could have had Turner and McDermott for Hayward, but turned it down because he wanted a first thrown in, then that goes to show he just isn't with it.
Maybe this was Boston ownership "firing him" but giving him the dignity to step down instead.

Kyrie as the best move? Not sure I can agree with that. I don't fault him for making that trade but it didn't really work out. Kyrie didn't lead them anywhere and was pretty toxic for the lock room that final year.

The trade down and draft Tatum was his best move.

Ainge is a good example why GMing is **** hard. You can do the right thing and it can still blow up on you. Like look at the Hayward signing, that's something every GM would have loved to do and it still ended up turning out like **** due to injury. The Kemba signing is another one that was widely loved at the time and has been ****. Now that one there is an argument that his knee issues were known in league circles and it was more risky than the media made it out to be.

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