Similarly, more time could feel like a life sentence for a team that hasn’t appeared in the playoffs since the 2018-2019 season. Beyond that, the Pistons haven’t had a memorable last ten years in the association. The lack of playoff success has led to seven different head coaches (including one interim) in 14 seasons. For the newest head coach, Monty Williams, time seemed all but assured after his unprecedented contract agreement this past offseason. Even the basket full of high draft picks has made little difference in the trajectory of the Pistons’ organization. Since 2010, they have drafted in the top 15 ten times, with a streak of five straight first-round picks. 

Theoretically, the talent should be there. However, just by looking at the Pistons’ play, those players have faltered or been cast aside. Where does the blame fall? Plenty has been assigned to general manager Troy Weaver as the cause for all the dysfunction, but clearly, more is at play than just a bad GM. Is it possible that the issues are institutional and everything needs to be gutted? Whatever the case, as the calendar approaches February and the Pistons’ win total is an abomination, can anything be done to reboot this once-prestigious franchise? 

Player Evaluation and Development

The Efficiency Landscape. What Jumps Out? pic.twitter.com/PvlSyMpxjo

— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) December 22, 2023

Identifying the exact origin of the Pistons’ fall is a fruitless exercise because there is no clear place. It would be like figuring out where an avalanche started as it’s barreling down the mountain. That is to say that the lows keep getting lower. 

Perhaps not enough ground was covered on the Detroit front office in the introduction of this piece. In the recent history of the Pistons, the architect of a team on the brink of the wrong side of history is Troy Weaver. Weaver took over as the Pistons pointman before the 2020-2021 season. Equipped with cap space, draft picks, and a respected head coach in Dwane Casey, the team was better equipped than most to work through a rebuild. If we examine Weaver’s tenure, player acquisition and development is the place to start. So far, Weaver has accumulated a lot of first-round talent to the roster. 

That list doesn’t include the previous regime selections of Luke Kennard and Sekou Dembouya, in addition to second-round picks Saddiq Bey and Bruce Brown, whom Weaver ultimately traded. Whether or not their contributions while on the Pistons were worthy enough, their play since does reflect poorly on the talent evaluation process. After all, accumulating draft capital and previous high lottery selections sounds responsible for a rebuilding team, but the internal process has to change when a handful haven’t panned out. 

Monty Python And Puzzling Pistons 

Detroit's pursuit of history continues.

The Pistons are just four losses away from tying the longest streak in NBA history.#NBA | #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/xh8w3CIRFQ

— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) December 19, 2023

Was Monty Williams worth the $78 million contract he was offered this last offseason? That depends on your belief in his influence in the Phoenix Suns NBA Finals run. Williams ‘ Suns teams were floundering before adding Chris Paul (minus an eight-game stretch in the Bubble). Williams never could crack the code with the Suns, but roster turmoil and new ownership spelled bad news for Williams to stay longer. After he was let go, many tasty coaching opportunities were available. The Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers, to name a few. Williams settled on the Pistons surely due to the lucrative contract and contract security. In addition, Williams has seemingly latched onto the young and developing teams to sturdy. However, it had looked as though Williams had been in enough contending situations over recent years that he would seek out one of those upper-echelon teams.

What’s most concerning with his coaching job this year is not that the team is 2-27. After all, the Pistons are supposed to be bad this year. The troubling part is that the Pistons cannot compete in any games, even against other bottom-tier squads. Capped off by a defeat to the understaffed Utah Jazz team, the Pistons have fallen to the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies on their disastrous stretch. 

While trying to find answers defensively, the Pistons currently rank last in three-point makes and attempts, a sign that they are behind the modern NBA. It also makes it hard for them to go on runs with a sizeable three-point disparity. Most would like to see a sense of urgency (and imagination) on defense from Williams. However, the performances ultimately fall on the players to buy in. So far, that hasn’t happened. 

What’s Next?

It’s unlikely that Monty Williams will be dismissed after the season. Time is on his side for at least another season. The same can’t be said for Troy Weaver, whose fate is almost certainly termination if not because the Pistons will need to have a scapegoat. The trade deadline in February will also serve as a time for Detroit to prepare for the future. The Pistons’ decision-makers need to identify that their process isn’t working. Therefore, doing what they have done for the past four years, once again this season, would be frivolous. It’s easier said than done, but the Pistons need to look at teams like the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic as examples for rebuilds. Until then, all the Pistons fans can hope for is that their losing streak doesn’t set an all-time record.

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The post The Losing Has Become Toxic For The Pistons appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Boston Celtics gave Brown a staggering $300 million contract extension in early July. The sum (structured and necessitated by Brown’s previously mentioned All-NBA selection) stuck out to many. It wasn’t just critics of Brown’s game that looked at the monetary commitment and scratched their heads. A few, including myself, looked at the extension as a potential poison pill to a roster that had shown flexibility with its cap sheet. Portioning off nearly 25% of the cap to a player of Brown’s caliber was a tough call to make, but Brad Stevens made it. 

As the Celtics moved through the offseason and added Kristaps Porzingis, along with Jrue Holiday, it seemed Brown’s role was going to have less responsibility attached to it. Some projections had Brown as the fourth or fifth scoring option on any night. Repeatedly over recent seasons, it looked as though Brown wasn’t processing the game in critical moments. Opponents noticed and attacked his weaknesses. However, this year, nearing the quarter mark of the season, with the Celtics racing towards another deep playoff run, it might be Jaylen Brown who holds the key to unlocking the Celtics’ success. 

Developing Connections

Where Brown has shown flashes of improved playmaking is with his new teammate, Kristaps Porzingis. The two have been building chemistry on and off the court, as the duo reportedly live in the same apartment building in Boston. Whatever the reason, the chemistry is showing, as Jack Maloney of CBSSports.com pointed out, that over 30% of Brown’s assists have been to Porzingis. 

Why that is important, beyond Brown developing into more of a playmaker, is that the Celtics needed diversification from their offense. To start the year, the Celtics’ core six players met to discuss what sort of sacrifices would be needed to succeed. Each acknowledged that they will have to be selfless for things to flourish. Quickly on their way to their 14-4 start, the Celtics realized they don’t have so much of a pecking order as they do a best-options list due to the unicorn ability of Porzingis (1.56 points per possession on post-ups this season). Add in the play of Derrick White (.630 true shooting percentage), and a balanced offense picture becomes clear. 

Marked this play down in my notes last night. I think it shows Jaylen Brown's improved playmaking but also his willingness to change his style. Just last year he probably would have tried to finish this. pic.twitter.com/Puf47NPUa0

— Matt Strout (@TheRealStrout) November 27, 2023

Telling basketball players to tame themselves, especially when that’s how they have played and succeeded in the league before, is a hard thing to do. Brown is not necessarily asking to be tamed but to alter his play style and, most importantly, pick his spots more effectively. 

Working On Bad Habits

One of the reasons it was hard to justify Brown receiving such a lucrative extension is that he doesn’t have an elite skill to point to. Brown is a terrific scorer who can heat up and drop 40 points on a given night. On the other end of the floor, he’s a big, athletic defender who anticipates well. Scoring 26 points per game and securing All-Star selections is rightfully deserved, but often, Brown has left those watching wanting more. 

An area where Brown has enough of a pedigree to be considered elite would be his transition offense. Due to his size and speed, Brown can outmatch almost anyone when he gets the ball off a steal or with an outlet pass. Rarely is he impeded, so much so that he regularly can finish through contact. So far this season, he is tied for second in the league in points scored in transition, according to data via NBA.com. In addition, Brown finished in the top 10 in the same category in each of the last two seasons. 

Brown can find his niche, and perhaps his elite skill is as a transition playmaker. Although the former number-three overall pick is near the top of the league in transition scoring, his efficiency has fluctuated. Currently in the 44th percentile, Brown suffers from “tunnel vision” when he drives to the basket. The lack of vision, in a sense, led to a 20% turnover rate in transition during the playoffs. With teams clawing at the ball and increasing the likelihood of a turnover, having better composure will lead to more opportunities to dish and score. Combining the finishing he already has with an added focus on keeping his head up, Brown could be an unstoppable force with the basketball.  

The Contract Discussion 

Jaylen Brown was crowned with “Richest NBA Contract Ever,” which distorted his entire perception. His standing in the league’s hierarchy of best players hasn’t fluctuated. Routinely, Brown is placed anywhere in the top  20-30 best players in the entire association. That doesn’t matter to folks if their contract values don’t fit the mold of the meritocracy. The best player should be the highest paid, and so on down the roster. Of course, this ignores contract rules, service time, inflation, and, above all, vacant of any context.

The contract is not the worst in the league. Not even close. Look at current deals signed by other two-guards and analyze the return on investment from those players; Brown’s body of work stacks up better. In three years, it might even look better than a lot of other contracts that have yet to be signed. A $300 million contract now could be dwarfed before the end of this season. At 27, entering his prime, Brown still has a lot of room left in his game. As I wrote back in July when the signing was announced, it’s a risky bet, too. However, he’s gotten better every year, which should entice fans more than worry them.

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The post Boston’s Success Hinges On Jaylen Brown appeared first on Back Sports Page.

When the Celtics have played well, they have looked really, really good. With the added talent in their starting lineup, there have been fewer times this season when Boston has looked disorganized. That’s not to say that stretches against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers didn’t inspire flashbacks of their predictable stalling offense. 

The Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis trades have done what they were designed to – make Boston a more diverse offensive and defensive unit. However, that also seems to have left some blemishes, namely their bench production. When they took in the contracts of Holiday and Porzingis, they sacrificed a deep and sturdy second unit. What once was a staple of the Brad Stevens teams in the mid-2010s has been left to develop into a championship-level group on the fly. 

Does the current bench need more time to settle in as the one-month mark approaches? Or should the Celtics be scanning the league to see who they can potentially add? 

The Right Bench Fit?

During training camp, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned how he could manipulate the starting lineup on a night-to-night basis. With the talent at his disposal and the Celtics having six players who could be starters, Mazzulla warned that everyone will have to sacrifice at times. So far, that really hasn’t been the case. Boston has stuck with the starting lineup of Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Porzingis, with Al Horford serving as the de facto sixth man. That has left bench duties to the trio of Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and Luke Kornet. 

Overall, the raw and advanced metrics would hint at an overreaction. For example, according to lineup data from NBA.com, the three-man bench lineup of Pritchard, Hauser, and Kornet has a plus-13.8 net rating when on the court. Now, context matters in those numbers. The Celtics are playing with a relatively thin bench, and those three primary bench players get to play in lineups with Tatum, Porzingis, and Holiday. Because of that, they have the luxury of playing with three of the top plus-minus players in the NBA. 

NBA plus/minus leaders:

1. Jayson Tatum: +166
.
.
.
2. Jrue Holiday: +111
3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: +108
4. Anthony Edwards: +106
5. Nikola Jokic: +105
6. Aaron Gordon: +99
7. Derrick White: +95
Kristaps Porzingis: +95 pic.twitter.com/uki0zw3Wru

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) November 12, 2023

Maybe the bigger concern is that the Celtics have been a bad team without Tatum on the floor. With Tatum sitting, the Celtics drop to a mediocre offensive team and a putrid defensive team (net rating: +24.6 on/-16.1 off). A big reason for that disparity is the makeup of their bench. The Celtics invested in Pritchard to be a multi-level scorer who could improve his playmaking. So far, with shakey confidence, he looks a lot like the player from last season. Similarly, Kornet has not been consistent in his increased role. 

Hauser, A Serious Contributor 

Out of the entire bench group, Hauser has impressed the most. That has resulted in more confidence not only within himself as a player, but it’s been noticeable with the coaches, too. In his career’s most extended playing time to date, the former Virginia Cavalier has continued to advance his outside shooting ability. Through nine games, he holds career-high marks in minutes (19.1) and three-point shooting percentage (45.3%). 

Sam Hauser’s muscle memory is getting stronger within every game. He barely takes his eyes off the basket when he relocates after the pump. Invaluable skills. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/JwSbq3BwOg

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) November 12, 2023

The most notable improvement for Hauser has been his work on the boards. Losing Robert Williams in the Holiday trade pushed rebounding responsibilities down to the forwards and guards. The Celtics have been able to carve out a top-five rebounding team, much to the credit of undersized rebounders. Hauser’s 3.2 rebounds per game are a sign that he is willing to work hard in other areas to earn time. Hard work or “dirty work” was the thing that was sacrificed by not having the likes of Grant Williams and Blake Griffin return. While those qualities can be overrated at times, having players who are willing to do it can help swing games and earn, more importantly, trust.

Who Deserves More Run?

A possible hindrance in Boston’s bench production could be the lack of patience Mazzulla has had with his unit so far. The crop of offseason additions, Dalano Banton, Oshae Brissett, Lamar Stevens, and Svi Mykhailiuk, have accounted for 6% of the Celtic’s total minutes this season. The fact of the matter is they haven’t played enough to be evaluated. Some things have looked promising, like Brissett’s energy on the offensive glass or Mykhailiuk’s willingness to move off the ball. What is puzzling about not testing the bench more is that if there was any time of the year to do it, now would it.

A player that should see the court more often is Stevens. The fourth-year pro started 25 games for a Cleveland Cavaliers team that won 51 games last season. What Stevens would bring to the Celtics is some physicality and toughness. His outside shooting is the unknown, and with the Celtics’ infatuation with threes, Stevens might not fit with that style. Although, he has enough of an offensive bag, particularly carving out space in the mid-range to survive 10-plus minutes a game.

Ultimately, the Celtics don’t need to have the best bench in the league. The firepower they have in their starting lineup is enough to brunt any blow that a weaker bench would cause. On the other hand, it would be smart to examine what contributions players like Stevens, Mykhailiuk, and Banton have to offer. Hope isn’t lost on its non-guaranteed and two-way players, either. Neemias Queta has been out with a foot injury, while Jordan Walsh and JD Davidson are gaining reps in the G-League. While they are a longshot for legitimate playing time, it’s encouraging that they are being used elsewhere because if a worst-case scenario or injury pops up, they will be elevated.

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Matt Strout is an Editor for Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. You can catch Matt frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96.

The post Should The Celtics Worry About Their Bench? appeared first on Back Sports Page.

Only some teams are retooling just four games into the season. However, some are grinding their way through the early part of the season, experimenting with lineups, establishing culture, and incorporating new pieces. One of the many teams that fit that bill is the Boston Celtics. The Celtics overhauled the top part of their roster this past offseason, making two considerable trades to acquire Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Many speculated that the changes were primarily basketball-related. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens talked about how adding players with different skill sets would maximize their potential. Subtly, the new roster has impacted the attitude of this Celtics team, too. 

The new faces brought with them both a breath of fresh air in attitude and a renewed sense of determination. Add in a 4-0 start, and their prospects have all of Boston buzzing about the potential for banner number 18. 

Jayson Tatum’s Maturity 

While not necessarily the improvement that was at the top of everyone’s wish list this past offseason, Jayson Tatum has shown growth pretty much everywhere so far. The Marcus Smart trade, coupled with other decisions, including moving on from Grant Williams, left a unique void. By being the best player, a superstar has a certain amount of expectation that is thrust on him to be a leadership presence. However, that ra-ra, fiery nature that the likes of Smart brought to the Celtics would never be the case with Tatum. 

What has been remarkable to see this season is that Tatum is taking a different approach to leading, and that starts with maturity. One of the main criticisms attached to Tatum has been his tendency to argue with referees. The arguing for calls has drifted into downright complaining, which has negatively impacted his play at times. So far this year, there has been far less barking at officials, mainly because Tatum’s demeanor as a basketball player has shifted.

Tatum shot chart last season vs. this season pic.twitter.com/3r8B2e9oq7

— Max (@lissnx14) November 2, 2023

(above, Jayson Tatum’s shot chart/heatmap shows a much more diverse scorer, which is funny to say, considering Tatum averaged 30 PPG last year. via lissnx14 on x/Twitter)

Tatum has elected to go with the “get to MY spots” approach to start 2023 by averaging 29.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and four assists per game. Digging deeper into those numbers, you can see how Tatum gets his points is what stands out. According to shooting data from Basketball-Reference, Tatum’s percent of field goals attempted by distance shows an increase in frequency at the rim (28.8% compared to 23.5% last year). In addition, his mid-range frequency (10 feet and out) is tracking back to where it was when Tatum started his career. A more mature shot profile is indicative of a more mature player. With Tatum relying on his strength and length as an advantage, it has led to easy opportunities to score.

Porzingis in Heaven

That was fun#DIfferentHere pic.twitter.com/R04YLymfEB

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 2, 2023

Kristaps Porzingis has had a smile on his face since he stepped foot in Boston. The smile has only grown more prominent since the season started. With a wonderful debut against his former team on opening night, Porzingis seamlessly transitioned into his role on the Celtics. Due to his size and skillset, the instances in his career where he has been left alone because of double teams are few. That’s changed. With the firepower around Porzingis, the big man now has free reign to knock down three-pointers and post-ups because defenses are scrambling to keep up with Tatum, Brown, Holiday, and Derrick White. 

Although the sample size of four games is very small, the way Porzingis gets his points should be a sign of things to come throughout the season. Strictly looking at his efficiency, he has a ridiculous .724 True Shooting Percentage (a career-high), according to data from Basketball-Reference. Suppose you factor in that Porzingis is also operating at a career-low usage rate of 20%. In that case, the picture becomes clear: this is the best offensive situation Porzingis has ever been a part of, and it rewards him with easy looks. 

A Coaching Course Correction 

Through no fault of their own, the Celtics were underprepared coaching last season. They were left scrambling a week before media day to replace their head coach. Not to mention that a more significant brain drain was taking place on the Celtics sideline. Multiple assistant coaches, including Will Hardy and Damon Stoudamire, left for other jobs. It’s no wonder they floundered at times last year. The coaching staff was frantic in tight moments. Being more prepared has helped so far. 

To ensure that excuse can’t be used this time, not only does Joe Mazzulla have an entire offseason to craft his philosophy and style, but the added security of a team going all in to support him should help relax the 34-year-old coach a little. Some fans had Mazzulla on the hot seat after their loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Brad Stevens was asked during his end-of-season press conference about his belief in Mazzulla. Stevens didn’t waver. More so, he went shopping for proven assistants to help. Sam Cassell, Charles Lee, and Jeff Van Gundy (as a team consultant) are a solid foundation for Mazzulla to build on. 

Reinvesting in Mazzulla was undoubtedly a gamble. With the stakes being a championship or bust, one can’t be blamed for wanting a coach with a little more experience at the helm. However, the Celtics front office believes in Mazzulla a lot. He is one of the only assistants to have stayed on through Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka’s tenures. That not only shows that he cares about the core group but that he has skin in the game, too. 

Summary 

Everyone should take a step back before crowning the Celtics the champions in November. Remember, they have looked this good before. Just last year, they started out with a 21-6 record. Of course, the true hurdle waits in the playoffs, where the Celtics have yet to get over the proverbial hump. For that to occur, they need to be able to answer the following questions. Can Porzingis stay healthy? Will Tatum carry his alpha-dog mentality for an entire season? Can Mazzulla grow quickly enough to make the adjustments that plagued their squad’s last championship run? Those answers will come, but for now, the team has clearly benefitted from Brad Stevens’ offseason upgrades. 

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Matt Strout is a contributor to Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. Matt is frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96. 

The post The Celtics And Tatum Show Signs Of Growth appeared first on Back Sports Page.

With all rosters decidedly set, a complete and clear examination of teams can begin. What better place to start than with the stewards of the group, the head coaches?

Introducing the 2023-24 Head Coach Tiers List! The tiers are not strictly based on who is good and who is terrible at their job. That would be too simple. Ordering them in tiers adds important context and filters coaches based on their situation.

The tiers can and will change this season. So, these rankings are just the first and are not final. Updates will be published at various points during the season.

Tier 2:  Solid, Championship Caliber Coaches

Rick Carlisle

Out of all the coaches in the NBA who have won an NBA title, Rick Carlisle is the furthest removed. After winning with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, Carlisle’s teams were habitually up and down. He never reached those heights again with the Mavericks; actually, he never made it out of the first round after the 2011 title. Still, Carlise’s stature as a head coach hasn’t wanned. 

Why is that? Most coaches would have had their time run out if that was the case. Or, at the very least, their abilities might be questioned. Granted, Carlisle was fired by the Mavericks two seasons ago, but he quickly went back home to his roots with the Indiana Pacers. Although the Pacers aren’t necessarily competing for a championship, the question has to be asked whether Carlisle still has the juice to elevate a young team. 

Last year, he added twelve wins to the Pacers win total, and during the early part of the regular season, the Pacers looked like a formidable play-in team. Those encouraging moments should translate to the current Pacers, who add more veteran leadership with Bruce Brown and more exciting young players like Jarace Walker. Like many coaches in the league, the time to show improvement with teams is coming due. That said, Carlisle gets a little more leeway because of his past success and winds up here on the tiers. Checking back in during the mid-season will be fascinating. 

Tyronn Lue

ICYMI: Asked on Thursday about the trade rumors surrounding Terance Mann, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue indicated that he doesn’t want to see the guard go anywhere and expressed confidence that he’ll stay put. That + more from the Pacific: https://t.co/9BYOGzWGWV

— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 21, 2023

Consistently, Tyronn Lue is singled out as one of, if not the best coach in the league. Quite firmly, he has held that position over the years. How could he not be? Lue was able to steer the LeBron James-led Cavaliers to their first NBA Championship in 2016. More importantly, it revealed a lot that Lue could handle the superstardom of James and the personalities of Kyrie Irving and the rest to win a title. 

Lue’s stature as an upper-echelon coach was confirmed again when he was named one of the assistant coaches on the USA Basketball World Cup team. Much like Carlise, though, the clock is ticking on another signature run. The year after the Bubble, the Los Angeles Clippers fought to the Western Conference Finals without Kawhi Leonard. But so much has changed at that point that the landscape can’t even be compared. 

It’s hard not to think that time has passed the Clippers by. What was envisioned for this team, superstar duo, championships, and a new arena have all failed to muster any sort of credibility. Until we see it, we can’t hope for it anymore. That leaves Lue in the crosshairs after the season if the Clippers fail to meet expectations again. With the Clippers looking to move their new arena in 2024-2025, a new coach won’t be challenging to swing either.

Frank Vogel

Frank Vogel has a good eye for picking teams. His last two “free agencies” have nabbed him the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns gigs. Vogel has gotten a taste for titles and can’t escape it. That’s pretty much why he picked the Suns job this offseason. The interest went both ways, and Vogel wasn’t looking to rebuild a young team like the Houston Rockets or the Detroit Pistons. No, he wanted a contender he could push, and that’s what he got.

It feels like forever ago, but Vogel was an excellent coach during the Bubble for the Lakers. Apply him to a Kevin Durant–Devin Booker–Bradley Beal trio, and it should be a guaranteed 50 wins. Vogel will have an even more substantial impact on the defensive end. Stretching back to his Indiana Pacers days, Vogel consistently ran out of top-10-ranked defenses. While a league-leading defense won’t be imperative this season because of the offensive firepower in Phoenix, a capable one will suffice. Expect Vogel to be creative with his lineups early to figure out what works. If things go right in the Valley, I forecast some Coach of the Year buzz for him.

Michael Malone

The coach of the reigning champions has its perks. One of which is listed high on the coaching tiers list. One other is experiencing a honeymoon period for the next season. It’s nice to bask in the glory for at least the first few months. The panic meter is on vacation for the first couple of weeks of the season. Well, newsflash, that’s not how Michael Malone will approach the season.

Malone is not the coach who will sit on his hands at the beginning of the year, basking in the prior years’ glory. There is too much work to do for him to do that. The Denver Nuggets lost a couple of their key rotation pieces during the offseason, and it’s up to Malone to work on adding in some of their newer additions. He has a Nikola Jokic-sized cushion to soften any fall. That sort of luxury will be welcomed by any coach, especially when the ingredients on last year’s team worked so well together. Getting back there could take a little time, but the comfort with Jokic should make Malone a lot more confident in his early decisions.

This year could wind up being a historic one for Malone, too. He sits 57 wins away from second all-time in coaching wins for the Nuggets franchise. If the Nuggets can have a similar season, Malone could pass the legendary George Karl.

Tier 1: Hall of Famers

Steve Kerr

“I thank my stars every day. Literally every day. The ability to coach Steph right from the beginning is the only reason I’m still here… The guy’s incredible.”

Warriors coach Steve Kerr giving Steph Curry his flowers

(via @SiriusXMNBA)pic.twitter.com/7WEAbQ0xpE

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2023

It must be nice that the Golden State Warriors keep throwing new challenges at Steve Kerr to figure out; that way, things never get stale. Kerr is well-conditioned in anything that could occur with a basketball team. After his long career in the league as a player, general manager, broadcaster, and coach, Kerr arguably has the most overall experience. He probably welcomes these challenges (maybe not players punching each other), but the challenge of incorporating Chris Paul into their philosophy seems right up Kerr’s alley.

Kerr’s best coaching could come this season. The Warriors have retooled and look poised for another title run. Adding and, more importantly, managing Paul will be Kerr’s primary task. The Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney unit remains a top starting five. Using Paul off the bench makes more sense, but it could be a matchup-based thing where Kerr uses Paul against specific teams.

The nine-time NBA champion (five as a player, four as a coach) has nothing left to prove. The 2023-2024 season feels akin to the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls season in a last-dance sort of way. Kerr must channel his inner Phil Jackson for it to be replicated.

Erik Spoelstra

If there were people who were skeptical that Erik Spoelstra was in the Hall of Fame tier, then last year solidified it. It is written in stone now that he belongs in this tier. Spoelstra’s record with the Miami Heat is very impressive. What’s raised him up is how he has gotten his overlooked teams in 2020 and 2023 to make it to the NBA Finals. Not only were those teams overlooked, but they were undervalued, discounted, and flat-out disrespected.

Spoelstra is a great tactician and prepares his teams better than any other coach. But what separates him from a lot of coaches is his ability to craft an identity. It’s never the case that Spoelstra is out of touch with his team. The Heat will always try to drag teams down to their style, which is physical and aggressive. Ultimately, that’s where the 2023 version of the Heat is going to have to live this season, too. Spoelstra lost some firepower on his roster so the Heat will resort to their old “culture” tricks. We can already see it happening with Udonis Haslem returning to practice to lead by example. The moral of the story is never to count out the Heat, at least until Spoelstra is no longer the head of the snake.

Gregg Popovich  

Gregg Popovich reacts to Steve Kerr saying he's ‘rejuvenated’ with Victor Wembanyama

"What was I being rejuvenated from? Was I in a mental institution or was I depressed and curled up in my bedroom or something? Steve's an a**hole."

(via @hoopshype)pic.twitter.com/yuXvCYvown

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 21, 2023

Last but certainly not least is the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich. Coming into the tiers list, one of the only things I had figured out was where Popovich would land. It would always be one of the top tiers, but I never settled on the blurb underneath. It was going to follow a theme of the aging cowboy who has had this legendary career that still garners him immense respect while simultaneously seeing the game pass him by. Watching Popovich coach in the preseason, you can see that the presence of Victor Wembanyama reinvigorates him.

Popovich is utilizing the first overall pick in a multitude of ways. Clips circulating online of all the wonderous things Wembanyama has done are often due to Popovich’s imagination. In one instance, Popovich showed how he might use Wemby in transition. Because of his athleticism at his size, he will not be used solely as a rim protector but on the perimeter, too. After earning a steal, Wembanyama turned and spirited to the other end of the floor, looking back only when he reached the paint to catch a lob pass already in the air.

It’s safe to say Popovich will be experimenting a lot this season, and that is going to be fun to watch.

The post The 2023-2024 Nine NBA Coaching Tiers: Part Five appeared first on Back Sports Page.

With all rosters decidedly set, a complete and clear examination of teams can begin. What better place to start than with the stewards of the group, the head coaches?

Introducing the 2023-24 Head Coach Tiers List! The tiers are not strictly based on who is good and who is terrible at their job. That would be too simple. Ordering them in tiers adds important context and filters coaches based on their situation.

The tiers can and will change this season. So, these rankings are just the first and are not final. Updates will be published at various points during the season.

Tier 3: Better Than Average, But Slightly Overrated 

Jacque Vaughn 

No coach had a tougher job last season than Jacque Vaughn. After serving as an assistant coach for Steve Nash in seven games, Vaughn was elevated to head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. At that point, the Nets were a team with Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant, and their record was 2-5. Vaughn turned them into a 45-win team and a six-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Oh, and I forgot to add that Simmons only played in 42 games, and both Durant and Irving were traded? Truly a remarkable job by Vaughn. 

What caused the Nets turnaround? Well, Vaughn empowered new additions Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges to be scorers. He also emphasized the defensive capabilities of their team, pushing them into the top 15 in Defensive Rating at the end of the year. 

While not much happened in the playoffs for the Nets, making it there after all the dysfunction and unhappiness during the first part of the year, Vaughn deserves a lot of credit and praise for that. That is why he lands here on the tiers list. Although, as we shift to this season, it’s not like the Nets can take a victory lap or anything. The East will be competitive, and being a six-seed is no guarantee. One thing to look out for is whether Vaughn pushes the pace like he did last season with Ben Simmons this year.  

Chris Finch

Look at the situation Chris Finch is in, and you’d see a potential for a scapegoat at the end of the year. The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the 2023-2024 season with a lot to prove. After a campaign filled with injuries, animosity, and failed expectations, a lot is riding on the T-Wolves bouncing back this season. Not to mention that the Timberwolves have a relatively new ownership group and general manager. Perhaps, indicating that they wouldn’t be afraid to move on. 

In large part, using Finch as a scapegoat would be counterintuitive. For all the reasons listed above, injuries, animosity, etc., could be used in the opposite way to defend Finch from that end. Entering his third full season, Finch has led the T-Wolves to back-to-back playoff appearances. In 2021-2022 ,he helped max out a roster, and with the addition of Rudy Gobert in the offseason, it looked like they were at the very least going to be on the same schedule. What happened was a season of floundering in Minnesota. 

Pretty much the same roster is coming back this year. Finch had his team operating well defensively, as they finished with a top-10 defensive rating. However, even that could be justification for moving on, as the inclination from most is to look at their roster and expect more. That goes for the coach, too. 

Quin Snyder 

Utah Jazz Offensive Rating under Quin Snyder:

2022: 116.2 (1st)
2021: 116.5 (4th)
2020: 111.8 (9th)

Where will the Hawks rank next season? pic.twitter.com/35fHysmQ7n

— #InSnyderWeTrust (@dlee4three) October 14, 2023

When Quin Snyder was let go by the Utah Jazz after the 2021-2022 season, many predicted he wouldn’t be without a job for long. Those people were correct. Snyder wasted no time taking a new gig after the Atlanta Hawks coaching position opened up. Not only did he take the job, but he committed to Atlanta for the long term with a five-year deal. 

Snyder went from relative unknown to being considered one of the best young coaches in the league with the Utah Jazz. That has faded after some bad playoff results, but the type of coach Snyder was in Utah is the prototypical coach for this Atlanta Hawks team. What the Hawks could become in the regular season is tantalizing. Potentially a 50-win team. With the highs come the lows, and on the opposite side of things, there are some problematic similarities between them and those former Hawks teams. 

Snyder wasn’t able to solve those problems then, ;ould a second attempt turn out any better? WhTheawks’ chances hinge on ishow Snyder canncorporate the guys around Young into the offense. Remember, back in Utah, Snyder was able to get Joe Ingles and Jae Crowder to be effective playoff performers. Can the same happen in A-Town with Saddiq Bey, Onyeka Okongwu, and AJ Griffin?

Darvin Ham

Risking my safety by including Darvin Ham in this tier because of Los Angeles Lakers fans. The “But Slightly Overrated” is meant to be endearing, like, “Sure, these coaches are good, but slow down a second on the whole great thing.” That would appropriately define Ham. 

Considering that the Lakers missed the playoffs before Ham took over, and his success last season looks even better. Narrow it even further and focus just on the second half of the year, and Ham was incredible in his role. The cherry on top of it all was a first-round win over the Memphis Grizzlies. What makes it so impressive is that the Lakers also had a tremendous amount of roster fluctuation, and Ham had to make it all work. He was able to deploy Rui Hachimura and Jared Vanderbilt expertly while empowering Austin Reeves to be a playmaker. 

Many coaches have had good first seasons with their teams and struggle in the next one. In what ways can Ham prevent a step-back? Having Anthony Davis and LeBron James will help, but the more Ham can orchestrate them on both sides of the ball, the better they will be. It’ll be interesting to see how Ham integrates more new faces into the rotation. If it goes like last year, he will get bumped up on the tiers list sooner rather than later. 

Taylor Jenkins

Where would the Memphis Grizzlies be without Taylor Jenkins? That’s not one of those complimentary rhetoricals spoken frequently on talk shows. No, it’s a legitimate question. Would the Grizzlies be worse off without Taylor Jenkins? Better even? Perhaps they would stay the same? This is the question facing the fifth-year coach as he enters an important season. 

It would be a mistake to look at Ja Morant’s suspension and think one, the Grizzlies will punt on the season, and second, the Grizzlies can’t win the West. They have a unit of versatile players, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Steven Adams, and now Marcus Smart. Those guys are all hungry and motivated, especially when their stars are out. Don’t believe me? Well, believe the record of the Grizzlies when Morant has been out (37-24 all-time). 

That brings us back to Jenkins and his spot on the tiers list, who has been at the helm of this team since the 2019-2020 season. As a thought experiment, re-run last year’s playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, but Jenkins isn’t coaching. Injuries aside, would another coach have been able to maximize the Grizzlies a little more? Adjustments were needed, and they either happened too late or not at all. Some of this criticism might be too nitpicky, considering Jenkins has not had the full deck in terms of roster availability over recent seasons (they still earned a two-seed). However, it just seems clear that the Grizzlies have more potential, and I’m not sure Jenkins can extract it.

Nick Nurse

#Sixers coach Nick Nurse on if it was a mutual decision to not have James Harden partake as a player or coach in the Blue X White Scrimmage and be introduced with his teammates: pic.twitter.com/QQAtXU7lqp

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 14, 2023

In an upcoming tiers article titled “Solid Championship Caliber Coaches,” a notable omission is Nick Nurse. The snub is noticeable because out of the current coaches who have won championships, Nurse isn’t included. To be clear, Nurse is a good coach. Arguably, he is one of the more aggressive coaches who consistently bucks conventional basketball wisdom. That being said, since the 2019 NBA Finals, he hasn’t come close to reaching those heights again. 

No longer the lead man for the Toronto Raptors, Nurse stays in the Atlantic Division but moves to the Philadelphia 76ers to coach. If the job description was just, “Come be the coach of our team that was one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals and that has the reigning MVP,” that would be a sweet gig. However, we all know another job requirement is being thrust into a destructive breakup between Daryl Morey and James Harden. As of now, the stalemate continues in Philadelphia while Nurse tries to conjure up some sort of basketball team. Once again, tactics are Nurse’s bread and butter, but with the anonymity boiling under the surface in Philly, he could be spreading it with a dull knife.

His last season in Toronto did not conclude with a happy ending, and he won a championship with those players. Imagine what the worst version could look like with the 76ers.

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Matt Strout is a contributor to Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. You can catch Matt frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96.

The post The 2023-2024 Nine NBA Coaching Tiers: Part Four appeared first on Back Sports Page.

With all rosters decidedly set, a complete and clear examination of teams can begin. What better place to start than with the stewards of the group, the head coaches?

Introducing the 2023-24 Head Coach Tiers List! The tiers are not strictly based on who is good and who is terrible at their job. That would be too simple. Ordering them in tiers adds important context and filters coaches based on their situation.

The tiers can and will change this season. So, these rankings are just the first and are not final. Updates will be published at various points during the season.

Tier 4: Good Coaches of Young Teams… And Mike Brown

(Leah Hogsten/The Salt Lake Tribune)

Will Hardy

Introducing my favorite spot on the rankings, Tier 4; starting off is Will Hardy. A wunderkind of sorts for NBA coaches, teams have had their eyes on him as a head coach for years. In his first year as Utah Jazz head coach, Hardy helped the team exceed expectations in exceptional fashion. Utah’s win total last year was projected to be around 25 wins. In reality, the Jazz won 37. Moreover, another reason Hardy was looked at so fondly was how much his presence was missed by his former team, the Boston Celtics. The step back the Celtics took on defense hails back to losing their lead defensive assistant. 

Having a similar season to last year will be an uphill climb for a team in the packed Western Conference. The Jazz bring back a lot of the same unit that was responsible for last year, including second-year center Walker Kessler who is already one of the best rim protectors. Building the defense around him will make Utah a serviceable defensive team. On the offensive end, it’ll be a mix of a lot of different players who are playmakers, and that’s the point. Utah doesn’t have an alpha yet (sorry, Lauri Markannen), so distributing the touches around will give defenses a lot of different looks. 

Hardy’s career through one season was similar to Brad Stevens’ as a coach. In year two, Stevens brought the Celtics to the playoffs. Oh no, his general manager is Danny Ainge, too! Okay, it’s a lock. Hardy is going to be really good. 

Mark Daigenault 

The team that everyone expects to be the team to make a Sacramento-like leap this season is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Led by Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and a cast of young players, the Thunder have of us all eager to watch. One of the reasons the Thunder are in this position is because of their coach, Mark Daigenault. 

Hired to not much fanfare two seasons ago, Daigenault has made his imprint on the team just as much as anyone else involved. What is that imprint? Look at how the core has developed under him. Shai Gilgeous Alexander has gone from 23.7 points per game to 31.7 in 2022-2023. It’s not just statistics, either. SGA has been empowered by Daigenault’s offensive scheme to work at his pace. Go down the line of the roster, Josh Giddey, Lougentz Dort, Jalen Williams, etc., all those guys have shown improvement year over year or throughout a singular season.

The biggest reason to get behind Daigenault is the results he achieved last season. Beyond the 40-42 record, a 16-win improvement, the Thunder were also top-15 in both offensive and defensive ratings. It was all done without playing an actual center. Add Chet Holmgren’s versatility to this unit, and Daigenault will have an embarrassment of riches with which he crafts rotations. 

Monty Williams

Monty Williams has agreed to a six-year, $78.5 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. It’s the largest coaching deal in NBA history.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 1, 2023

Out of all of the new head coach signings in the offseason, Monty Williams’ deal with the Detroit Pistons prompted a lot of head turns. That might have something to do with the size of his contract (six-year $78.6 million). Williams might also have acted so quickly in finding a new squad to lead after being fired by the Phoenix Suns. Similarly, the exploration process on the outside looked rushed. 

From a contender’s perspective, Williams would be the type of coach to run a team that is close to winning a championship. His resume includes loads of playoff appearances and an NBA Finals appearance. The teams that came to mind then were the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Williams said, “No, thank you,” and if you take a deeper look at the Pistons, you’ll see why that makes sense. 

Williams has always done his best when he can mold a culture with young players. He started as a coach with the New Orleans Pelicans and built those teams up with Anthony Davis to become a playoff team. When he moved to Phoenix, he had a similar effect. He now hopes to do the same with the Pistons, who have been stuck in the same spot for about a decade. Williams is attracted to working with young players, and Detroit fits him. No one should be shocked to see improvement right away from the Pistons. 

Ime Udoka

It’s weird talking about Ime Udoka because ask any basketball mind, and they will go on and on about how good a coach Udoka is. Take his former players’ word for it too. Many of them have waxed poetic about how he is able to connect with players like very few coaches can. That’s why, if you were paying attention last year, the Celtics had a hard time getting past Udoka’s suspension. A what-if that a lot of fans wanted to see was how he would have handled year two with the Celtics. 

The weirdness comes into play for the Houston Rockets because of how Udoka was suspended. Trying to compartmentalize the excitement of Udoka’s coaching with the unease of his dismissal is tricky to navigate. Couple it with the fact that he hasn’t coached in a year, and there certainly is some suspicion to consider. (Even harder to evaluate if you’re trying to create a coaching tiers list!)

What has been encouraging through preseason is the attitude of this Rockets team. There has been a stark contrast between the Stephen Silas and Udoka regimes. With the emphasis on accountability, all the Rockets are doing and saying the right things. How all those ingredients mix together will be fascinating because of the individual personalities (Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green). Still, if one thing is for sure, Udoka will be there to call them out. That could be all that’s needed.

Mike Brown

Kings HC Mike Brown heard his players screaming during media day and didn't hold back

(via @James_HamNBA)pic.twitter.com/mWBnKtD66j

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2022

Who doesn’t love Mike Brown? Seriously, how can you not like this guy? A personable coach, first and foremost, Brown likes to make sure his teams are having fun. And how much fun were the Sacramento Kings last season? They earned their first playoff berth in 16 seasons. They set the record for the best offensive rating in NBA history (119.4). Did I forget to mention the beam? LIGHT THE BEAM! 

Honestly, Brown should be higher on the tiers list for all the good that he did in Sacramento last season. Not to mention, Brown is a veteran coach who has coached in multiple NBA Finals as both an assistant and head coach. His stature and pedigree is unquestioned. The worry is that the Kings won’t reach the heights of last season. That will not necessarily be Brown’s fault. 

Simply, it’s hard to reproduce a season where you break records. The Kings probably won’t be near the 119.4 offensive rating last year for two reasons. First is statistical and shooting regression, which will likely hit the Kings. Secondly, teams now have a year’s worth of tape on the Kings, and scouting departments are good at taking away the best part of teams. It feels like a hard battle to win, so in preparation for a Kings season that could regress, Brown is being placed lower on the tiers first.

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Matt Strout is a contributor to Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. You can catch Matt frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96. 

The post The 2023-2024 Nine NBA Coaching Tiers: Part Three appeared first on Back Sports Page.

With all rosters decidedly set, a complete and clear examination of teams can begin. What better place to start than with the stewards of the group, the head coaches?

Introducing the 2023-24 Head Coach Tiers List! The tiers are not strictly based on who is good and who is terrible at their job. That would be too simple. Ordering them in tiers adds important context and filters coaches based on their situation.

The tiers can and will change this season. So, these rankings are just the first and are not final. Updates will be published at various points during the season.

Tier 7: Are They Burnt Out?

Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan is the betting favorite as the coach who will be fired first, per @BetOnline_AG. pic.twitter.com/txypgPYNPA

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 4, 2023

It seems like Billy Donovan has been an NBA coach for over 15 years. In reality, his service time is just eight seasons (entering his ninth), but it might seem like he’s been around awhile because both of his tenures have felt arduous. That has certainly been the case during his time with the Chicago Bulls. 

Whether it has been a change in management structure around him or players suffering injuries at the wrong time, Donovan’s time in Chicago has been a struggle. Outside of the 2021-2022 season, the Bulls have failed to make it into the playoffs. Even though it’s only been three years on paper, the agony of being average hasn’t gotten any better for Bulls fans. What’s been difficult to understand is how Donovan can get his team to go on stretches of brilliance, only to come crashing back down to earth. 

Again, the downturns have coincided with unfortunate injury luck, and that toll has been noticeable on Donovan. Historically, the former collegiate coach has shown flashes of feistiness, but crowds have seen less and less of that from him in recent years. Just once, let’s hope that his team can have good health this season, or you might see some somber sideline in Chicago. 

Steve Clifford

When Steve Clifford was tapped to be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets last season, he wasn’t the first choice. Clifford may not have even been the second choice after Kenny Atkinson took the gig, only for the former Brooklyn Nets coach to reverse his decision. The timing wasn’t ideal, but Charlotte couldn’t head into the season without a coach. So, they settled on Clifford. 

No one can blame the Hornets for making a hasty coaching move during that point. However, bringing on Clifford, who had been out of coaching for a year, seemed like a questionable choice at the time. Considering that the Hornets had shown results under James Borrego, it’s not clear why the Hornets went away from a coach whose young personality could keep up with a similarly young squad. Even more puzzling is that after a year when the Hornet’s roster was crumbling on and off the courts, Clifford was kept on. 

A lot has gone wrong in Charlotte, which is not all Clifford’s fault. Things could be changed under new ownership; it’s just that, as a coach, he can’t manage all the different directions this team is going. Add that the Hornets have placed another high lottery pick on the lap of their coach to develop, and it has everyone wondering if Clifford has the patience for that. 

Tier 6: Is He The Right Coach For This Team?

Jamahl Mosley

Paolo Banchero was asked about the relationship between the players & HC Jamahl Mosley on “The Crew Has It” Podcast:

“He’s a players coach, he understands we have fun, he just wants to make sure we’re always locked in — always show up and do your job… We’re tryna be locked in.” pic.twitter.com/Iwi0Lgxxo1

— Fawzan Amer (@FawzanAmer_) September 26, 2023

The Orlando Magic improved their win total by 12 games in Jamahl Mosley’s second year as head coach—an impressive feat for a team whose average age is barely over the legal drinking age. Sneakily, the Magic were only six games out of the last play-in spot at the end of the year. However, there will be no sneaking up on any team this year; most teams will be ready for what the Magic are coming to the court with. 

Due to the hype surrounding this Magic team led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, expectations are much higher than in previous seasons. Mosley is in a unique situation as a coach because the Magic feel like a lock to rise in the standings this year. Add in the fact that the Magic kept their core intact; it’s not crazy to think their trajectory continues to increase. Therefore, the questions fall on Mosley, who is still relatively unproven as a coach. 

It’s a sign of confidence that with all the veteran coaches available this offseason, the Magic stuck with Mosley. The question that doubles as the title for Tier 6 will be known soon enough because, with the amount of talent on the roster, the Magic should leap this year.

Tier 5: Good Coaches? Or Good Teams?

Joe Mazzulla

Joe Mazzulla, Jayson Tatum & Brad Stevens pose for this epic photo while attending former Celtics guard Marcus Smart's wedding over the weekend

(via @jaytatum0/ IG) pic.twitter.com/UH6MJnqrXi

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 18, 2023

Last year was a whirlwind of a season for Joe Mazzulla. Taking over a team with title hopes right before the season started and exceeding expectations at the time earned Mazzulla the honor of coaching the All-Star team. That’s where Mazzulla peaked in year one as Boston Celtics head coach.  As things started winding down, the discussion around Mazzulla shifted from praise of “Mazzulla Ball” to questions surrounding his coaching acumen.

After an offseason filled with massive roster turnover, Mazzulla holds the key to unlocking the Celtics’ potential. Still, with all the weapons at his disposal, should blanket confidence be ascribed to Mazzulla? Probably not, but if the worry over Mazzulla is so much that you think he is the thing standing in the way of the Celtics winning a title, be comforted in the belief the organization has in him.

What’s clear in Boston is that Brad Stevens will give Mazzulla every tool he needs to succeed this season. New coaching staff? Check! New starting five? Check! Are former Celtics mingling before the season? Check! Now it’s up to Mazzulla to prove he can get the team to execute over 82 games plus the playoffs. If he doesn’t, the main thing he will be remembered for during his tenure is his addiction to the 2010 crime film The Town. 

J.B. Bickerstaff

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished last season as the NBA’s best defensive team. With a playoff berth as the fourth seed, Cleveland looked poised to win a round, at least. A week later, they were out in five games. Not to point fingers, but the biggest weakness in the series was the head coaching. The New York Knicks and head coach Tom Thibodeau executed a game plan that exposed the limitations of the Cavaliers roster. Adjustments were made by the Knicks and not by the Cavs with J.B. Bickerstaff.

The stench of that series lasted all offseason. The foundation of an excellent team existed, and team needs, like more outside shooting, were addressed by adding Max Strus and Georges Niang. The actual test, however, is how Bickerstaff manages the rotation.

The Cavaliers are loaded with talent on both ends of the floor. But in the current NBA, plenty of teams can argue the same. The thing that separates teams with talent and teams who are talented is coaching. This year, it’ll be imperative for the Cavs to figure out what rotation works best for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen and iron out who should be their initiator in crunch time between Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

Willie Green

The hardest coach to peg down on the tiers list is Willie Green. On the surface, Green’s performance as New Orleans Pelicans head coach has had highs and lows. Two years ago, Green was praised for his job with the 2021-22 Pelicans without Zion Williamson for the season. Matched up with the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs, Green deployed various tactics that gave Phoenix trouble. Afterward, the success in the postseason was attributed to what Green was able to do.

What transpired last season was a bit weird. The Pelicans were on the path to ascension but hit multiple road bumps. The vibrancy with which they played in the playoffs mysteriously faded. Even though New Orleans’ record improved, they lacked the intensity that carried them the previous year and failed to make it into the postseason. The worry is that the same thing will translate to this season.

In a crowded Western Conference, wins won’t be easy, so games will come down to who can win the margins. The Pelicans have the capacity to be a really good team, but to be a great team, Green has to push all the right buttons. Some might look at this Pelicans team and see that time and patience are running out on them. They haven’t made it past the second round with Brandon Ingram, and Zion has yet to play a game in the postseason. Combining it all up, and that’s a lot for a coach to handle in just his third year.

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Matt Strout is a contributor to Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. You can catch Matt frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96. 

The post The 2023-2024 Nine NBA Coaching Tiers: Part Two appeared first on Back Sports Page.

With all rosters decidedly set, a full and clear examination of teams can begin. What better place to start than with the stewards of the group, the head coaches?

Introducing the 2023-24 Head Coach Tiers List! The tiers are not strictly based on who is good and who is terrible at their job. That would be too simple. Ordering them in tiers adds important context and filters coaches based on their situation.

The tiers can and will change this season. So, these rankings are just the first and are not final. Updates will be published at various points during the season.

Tier 9: New and Unproven

Adrian Griffin

What a wild first couple of months as head coach for new hire Adrian Griffin. Following the dismissal of the coach who helped guide them to an NBA Championship in 2021, the ticking clock that has followed Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s tenure became louder. There was some uncertainty facing the Milwaukee Bucks at the start of September, which raised the stakes for the season. The uncertainty faded once Damian Lillard stepped foot in Milwaukee last week. While the pressure to win stayed the same, for Griffin, his job got a whole lot easier. 

As a coach, Griffin’s stature in the league already had him interviewing in front of front offices in past offseasons. One thing to watch for schematically is how Griffin changes things. Under Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks were known for shooting threes and rim protection. Will Griffin change up coverages and focus more on perimeter defense? Perhaps the most interesting change might come in how Giannis is used. Coach Bud was ridiculed at times for keeping Giannis’ minutes load low. If Griffin has a different philosophy, we might see Giannis set career highs.  

Darko Rajakovic

It's just amazing to see one more coach from Serbia in the NBA

Darko Rajaković absolutely deserves to be there and his first season as a head coach of the @Raptors starts tonight

Good luck coach @DRajakovic #WeTheNorthpic.twitter.com/0qnwBWdvk5

— NBA Serbia (@NBASrbija) October 7, 2023

The candidate for the coolest name on the tiers list goes to Darko Rajakovic. What should Toronto Raptors fans go with for a nickname? Coach Darko? Coach Raja? How about D-Raj? A cool one could go a long way toward distracting from the fact that the Raptors are in a serious state of limbo. It’s not that there is no talent for Rajakovic to use in his rotation because there is plenty. Between Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and lottery pick Gradey Dick, the Raptors have names.

Further down the roster, they have other proven role players like Jakob Poeltl and Dennis Schroder. However, the vision for this Raptors team seems to be clouded. Its roster and rotation are jumbled, and a craftsman will need to sort it all out. 

Rajakovic has been a sought-after journeyman in the coaching ranks. After beginning his career in Oklahoma City in 2014, he has had stints with the Phoenix Suns and, most recently, with the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s not so much about his experience but more a matter of the task at hand and whether he can revitalize a team that is searching for an identity.

Wes Unseld Jr.

As the only non-rookie in this tier, some explanation is needed to lay out Wes Unseld Jr.’s situation. Unseld has been at the helm in Washington for two seasons. In back-to-back seasons, his teams have gone 35-47. His tenure has been marked by the departure of Bradley Beal, which was achieved this past offseason. The work needed to transition the team was accomplished off the court. Now, equipped with young but talented players and a roster that can be molded, Unseld actually could do some coaching.

The flip side is that there isn’t going to be a very long leash on letting Unseld Jr. find his way with a rebuild underway. Usually, the coach is the first causality of teams tanking, so as sad as it is to say, he doesn’t have a lot to look forward to this season if things go as expected. Still, it’ll be interesting to see where Unseld Jr. starts with this iteration of the Washington Wizards and if he can corral some of the wilder elements of the team.

Tier 8: Last Chance Before Broadcasting… a.k.a Doc Rivers’ Last Year

Jason Kidd

Grant Williams, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jason Kidd, share their true thoughts on hectic preseason schedule for the Mavs

: @IshaanBhatta pic.twitter.com/w9ObvhMrj1

— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) October 8, 2023

The coaching history of Jason Kidd is somewhat bizarre. If you remember, Kidd started coaching with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. After a year filled with a playoff berth and a soda spill, Kidd left the Joe Johnson and Deron Williams-era Nets for the Milwaukee Bucks. He flamed out after four seasons and wound up with the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach. He won an NBA Finals in the bubble with them and was rewarded with the head spot in Dallas.

Littered in between are early postseason flameouts and missing the playoffs entirely. However, his critics do have to acknowledge the success of the Dallas Mavericks (his current squad) in 2022 for making it to the Conference Finals. So, how does one evaluate Kidd as a coach? The past would indicate that the jury is still out. That’s not a great perception to have as a coach, especially when the Mavericks need to rebound from a disappointing finish last year.

Kidd’s basketball knowledge is unquestioned, but his coaching skills are still somewhat of a mystery. Therefore, if things aren’t figured out in Dallas, by this time next season he might be offering up his expertise during ESPN’s Wednesday national TV game rather than on the bench.

Chauncey Billups 

In many ways, Chauncey Billups’ presence in this tier is in the reverse situation of Adrian Griffin. Billups had his superstar traded away, and the pressure to win right away left with Lillard. But that’s not why Billups was initially brought in. After numerous fruitful years under Terry Stots, the Blazers turned to Billups two years ago, and the Portland Trail Blazers‘ win total has failed to reach 35.

Because he was once an analyst, Billups could slide seamlessly back into that role without skipping a beat. Now, no one is rooting for Billups to get fired. Honestly, he could buy himself a few more years if the young Trail Blazers, led by Scoot Henderson, overachieve. It’s somewhat unclear what incentive there is for Billups to want to stay around. Assuming a rebuild takes another two seasons (at least), Billups would have to survive four straight losing seasons. Not to mention, he could be on a better and less demanding schedule outside of coaching. We will all get an idea of where Billups’s head is when the Blazers are ten games under .500 and Deandre Ayton is asking to be a point forward.

Tom Thibodeau 

Tom Thibodeau asked about Evan Fournier and his stated frustration: “I have great respect for him… With the next group that went in, it's hard to argue with a 37-22 record and a plus five net rating." pic.twitter.com/hSmY1wRLvc

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 2, 2023

Nothing has done more to alter a coach’s image than the relaxing of the dress code did for Tom Thibodeau. After donning a David Byrne-esque suit for most of his coaching career, Thibs sprung from the bubble with a whole new style. Sporting a unique facial hair look as well, Thibodeau now looks even more ornery when on the sidelines. In what will be his 12th season as a coach, Thibs is at a crossroads in his career. In three years, he has seen it all with the Knicks, except for real success.

The New York Knicks were two games away from the Conference Finals last season, and that’s about as close as they can get this year, barring a crazy shift in the landscape. In that case, Thibodeau is the perfect coach for the occasion. He should have his own telephone hotline. “In need of a 44-47 win team that can win a playoff round? Call Tom Thibodeau.”

Unfortunately for Thibs, the Knicks and their fans are in the part of the cycle where they are getting restless. While bristling with the Knicks faithful or his own players, for that matter, isn’t a worry for him, Thibs probably has his radar up heading into the year.

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Matt Strout is a contributor to Back Sports Page. Matt studied Journalism and Sociology at Temple University for four years and graduated in May of 2022. While there, Matt wrote for multiple student and professional publications covering sports and the City of Philadelphia. Matt is originally from Maine and now resides in California. He has written content primarily for the NBA and PGA Tour. You can catch Matt frequently as a guest on the “Cut The Nets” podcast featured on the Back Sports Page network. When Matt is not writing, he enjoys cooking and playing golf. Follow Matt’s social media on Twitter @TheRealStrout or Instagram @matt_strout96. 

The post The 2023-2024 Nine NBA Coaching Tiers: Part One appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Celtics’ desire to stay close to the Milwaukee Bucks and eliminate another Eastern Conference contender by adding Holiday made the trade possible. There is more to this trade, too. As the great philosopher Shrek would say, this trade has layers like an onion. Boston used the transaction as a trade-off between winning now and preparing for the future. It is also a trade-off between team continuity and talent optimization. 

ESPN story on the Celtics landing All-Star guard Jrue Holiday in a blockbuster trade https://t.co/5WWhiagshc

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2023

The trade-off results in a must-win scenario for the Celtics. That’s because of the prior moves made this offseason by the Celtics to swap Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis and not retain Grant Williams. The emphasis is clearly in the right now. Here’s what’s at stake and why the trade means more than just running next to the Bucks. 

Solving The Brogdon Situation

One of the lingering needs for the Celtics heading into the season was the lack of depth at the guard position. After trading Smart, Boston was left with Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt, along with JD Davidson and new addition like Dalano Banton, who are long shots to earn significant minutes. Brogdon, of course, would have had a spot in the rotation. Still, the fallout from his own involvement in the original iteration of the Porzingis trade soured the relationship with the Celtics. Additionally, Brogdon’s health status was murky at best. The interest in adding the multiple-time All-Star became high when Holiday hit the market. 

Jrue and Derrick White are going to cause chaos defensively and in all honesty…that could lessen some of the pressure on KP in P&R. Being able to have those two + Tatum and Brown is a lot of playmaking and versatility, should open things up for everyone.

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) October 1, 2023

Brogdon’s play last year was a reason the Celtics were the second seed in the East. Much of the reasons he shined in Boston will allow White to play the role that Brogdon played last season. Adding Holiday also improves the Celtics’ back-court defense after losing Smart. With Brogdon’s defense exposed as shakey in some of their later playoff games, Holiday and White are a well-rounded defensive tandem equipped to match up against any team.

A Shrinking Window

Behind Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams was the roster’s third-longest consecutively tenured Celtic. Above that, he was Brown and Tatum’s close friend and teammate. His presence will be missed on and off the court, especially this close to the beginning of the season. Williams was also set up to be on the team until 2026. 

Boston had come close with Williams at winning a title, most notably in 2021 but also last season. So why did they move on from a 25-year-old big man who was on a team-friendly contract? In their calculus, Boston looked at those two seasons and concluded that Williams only played in 96 of a possible 164 games. Similarly, Williams was hobbled during the playoffs, which limited his effectiveness when they needed him most. Granted, in recent seasons, some of the best versions of the Celtics teams have seen Rob Williams featured. 

The Celtics hope to overcome that by maximizing the talent on their roster. If we acknowledge that Derrick White was already the best guard last season for Boston, then the evaluation of Holiday over Smart and Porzingis over Williams is much more palatable. It also can’t be ignored that the Celtics front office felt pressure to snag Holiday after the next biggest horse in the east, the Milwaukee Bucks, acquired Damian Lillard. By loading up, they believe that a showdown with the Bucks is inevitable. Lastly, the Celtics are going on year seven of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown partnership. The time to win gets shorter by the day, and they don’t want to leave empty-handed again. 

New Players, Similar Set-Up

The biggest shift in the trade is three months old. The Celtics were in the midst of a vastly different roster breakdown than in years past. They had reconstituted themselves from a guard-heavy team to a front-court-heavy team. That made sense due to multiple different attempts at guard pairings over the years and the durability risks surrounding Williams and Horford. With the addition of Holiday and the exodus of Williams, the roster is similar to last season’s. 

A lot of attention now turns to the availability of Horford and Porzingis this season. Coming off his most games played since 2016-2017, there is hope he can make it to around the same mark. However, Porzingis was rehabbing a bout of plantar fasciitis in the offseason. Horford, on the other hand, has been resilient as a center for the Celtics. His decline was noticeable in the later rounds of the playoffs. Much of that was the Celtics’ fault for not finishing the series early. Horford has been committed to his body and conditioning. 

Jrue Holiday brings the Celtics another elite on-ball defender, mirroring what they had with Smart at the top of their defense. On Offense, his contributions will be more than what Smart brought, but his role could be similar in initiating the offense. Holiday differs in his demeanor, but his pedigree and success in the league could help a Celtics team that has lacked maturity and calmness in times of pressure. 

This trade will surely be the talk of Celtics media day, which takes place on Monday, October 2. It’ll be interesting to hear from Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla and what they have to say. But perhaps more insightful might be the words from Tatum and Brown. As the two stars who the front office has shaped the team around, they must be feeling a bevy of emotions, including the pressure to get it done this year. 

The post Boston Celtics Execute A Trade Of Trade-Offs appeared first on Back Sports Page.