Just one month out from the start of the NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics have received a hammer blow with the news that their lead assistant coach, Damon Stoudamire, will be leaving the team to take up the at Georgia Tech.
ESPN reporting with : Boston Celtics assistant Damon Stoudamire is finalizing a deal to become Georgia Tech’s head coach. Stoudamire has informed the Celtics that he’s accepting job and making the leap to the ACC.
— Adrian Wojnarowski ()
“ESPN reporting with : Boston Celtics assistant Damon Stoudamire is finalizing a deal to become Georgia Tech’s head coach. Stoudamire has informed the Celtics that he’s accepting job and making the leap to the ACC,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on March 13.
Stoudamire joined the Celtics coaching staff ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season to work under Ime Udoka but remained with the team this off-season when Udoka was suspended for breaching organizational policy and later removed. Stoudamire stepped up to be the head coach for a brief moment this season, stepping in for Joe Mazzulla who missed some time after suffering a scratched cornea.
The timing of Stoudamire’s exit will hurt Boston, as the playoffs are right around the corner, and the team is in the hunt for their first championship since 2008. It’s unlikely that Mazzulla or Brad Stevens will move to hire a new coach this season, but there will undoubtedly be some movement on that front throughout the summer.
Celtics Could Trade Mike Muscala
Unfortunately for Stevens, finding some additional coaching staff to ease the pressure on Mazzulla this summer will only be one of his problems, as he will also be tasked with finding ways to improve the current roster, either via trade or free agency.
According to an Eastern Conference GM, who spoke with Heavy on Sports’ under the condition of anonymity, recently acquired big man Mike Muscala could emerge as a potential trade candidate this offseason.
Luke Kornet & Mike Muscala went 1 on 1 at the final practice before their west coast trip. Check out the highlights!
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— Celtics on CLNS ()
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Source:: Heavy.com