The Boston Celtics have made it clear that Joe Mazzulla is their head coach moving forward. However, teams manipulate the
media all the time, and I wonder if that’s what the Celtics are doing.
If the Celtics season was to go south next year, I think Mazzulla would be on the hot seat. In that case, here are three
potential replacements for Mazzulla.
No. 1 Boston Celtics replacement for Joe Mazzulla: Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell is the ideal replacement for Mazzulla because he is already on the Celtics staff. I think a big reason why the team
pursued Cassell was to give themselves insurance in case the season goes poorly. Also, Cassell is a former champion with the
Cs, which would bring good mojo to the team.
Being able to build relationships is a crucial aspect of coaching in today’s NBA.
No. 2 Boston Celtics replacement for Joe Mazzulla: Doc Rivers
Although the thought of Doc Rivers returning to the Boston Celtics infuriates most Cs fans, he’s not a bad option for
replacing Mazzulla. Rivers has familiarity with the Celtics and coaching superstars. What made Rivers special with the Cs
was how he got everyone on the same page with Ubuntu back in 2008. I think Rivers would be able to get the best out of
Tatum and Brown.
Another reason Rivers would be a good potential replacement is he would be motivated to win. If Rivers sits out this season
and works for ESPN as a broadcaster, he is going to take some heat from fans. If the Celtics were to hire Rivers, he would be
motivated to prove people wrong.
No. 3 Boston Celtics replacement for Joe Mazzulla: Mike Budenholzer
The fact that Mike Budenholzer did not get quickly hired following his firing from the Milwaukee Bucks is shocking to me.
Budenholzer has led two different franchises to have top offenses in the NBA, and he won a title with the Bucks. Throughout
his career, Budenholzer has shown that if you give him a superstar, you will have a top offense in the league and be a top-
three seed.
I think Budenholzer would be a perfect coach for the Boston Celtics, and I think he could execute Brad Steven’s vision for a
dynamic offense better than Mazzulla. Although Budenholzer has failed in the playoffs over the last two seasons, I think he
would relish an opportunity to lead Tatum and Brown to a title.
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Evaluating Jordan Walsh’s Summer League with the Boston Celtics
As the Boston Celtics continue to reconfigure their roster ahead of training camp, several players from their Summer
League squad stood out.
Of the bunch, today we at the Houdini look at Jordan Walsh.
The Celtics acquired the young forward from the Sacramento Kings, who had selected him with the 38th overall pick in the
second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. During his sole season at the University of Arkansas, Walsh averaged 7.1 points, 3.9
rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 assists per game.
Participating in Boston’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas, Nevada, Walsh proved he had much to offer. His standout
performances impressed the Celtics, leading them to sign him to a four-year, $7.6 million deal.
Walsh appeared in all five games for the Boston Celtics, averaging 16 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 42.2 percent
shooting from the field and 40.7 percent shooting from deep. He also showcased his skills on the defensive side of the court,
swiping a steal throughout the Summer League.
Considering he shot a humble 27.8 percent from three in college, Walsh greatly benefited from the Boston Celtics’ spacing
with how well he fired those shots with confidence throughout the five contests.
The matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers is where Walsh shined the brightest, as he dropped 25 points while getting
eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal on an impressive 10/20 shooting from the field.
He was excellent on both sides of the court, having great shot selection and constantly moving on the court while playing
tough defense on the Lakers. His two-way ability gives a solid indication of why the Boston Celtics traded for his services
during draft night.
However, Walsh did have a few off-nights in the Celtics’ second and fourth contests against the Washington Wizards and
New York Knicks. He combined for 25 points, five assists, and four rebounds but shot an unconvincing 7/25 from the field
and turned the ball over four times.
Walsh has a strong knack for being a catch-and-shoot player when behind the 3-point line, but he could be more effective by
using his off-ball movement as he displayed several moments of high basketball IQ when he did.
Jordan Walsh can develop pressure-free on long-term Boston Celtics contract
Being on a four-year contract is highly beneficial for Walsh. With the Celtics needing wings to back up Jayson Tatum and
Jaylen Brown, Walsh can develop in spurts off the bench while occasionally getting plenty of playing time in the G-League
with the Maine Red Claws during year one.
This will allow him to develop at a steady pace while making the adjustments needed to improve his 3-point shooting and
offensive game as a whole.
If Walsh keeps this up heading into training camp, the Boston Celtics can be satisfied knowing they found a gem in the
second round.
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