Brad Stevens Explains Why He Didn’t Name Himself Celtics Interim Head Coach
We still don’t totally have the details for what went down with Ime Udoka. As it stands right now, Udoka is suspended for the season. After contemplating resigning, Udoka’s fate remains unresolved and we’re not sure what’s going to happen next. Brad Stevens spoke to the media today and had plenty to say.
Of course, prior to Stevens becoming a front office exec, he spent the last eight years as the Celtics’ head coach compiling a winning percentage of .557. On the surface, Stevens feels like the obvious choice to coach the team that is coming off a Finals appearance.
Stevens answered a question about why he didn’t name himself the interim coached while Udoka served his suspension:
“There’s a lot of factors in play of why I wouldn’t necessarily even want to do that,” Stevens said when asked if he’d consider taking over for interim head coach Joe Mazzulla if things don’t work out this season. “I’ve told Joe this: I’m going to be there for him without stepping on his toes as much as he needs. But he doesn’t need as much, I believe in that strongly. Hopefully, I can help him with any questions he has as he goes through it.“
“Sometimes, you just need somebody that’s been there next to you to be able to go in and let your shoulders down and talk about what you’re going through. Hopefully, I can be that for him.”
It makes it sound like Stevens has no interest in getting back in the coaching ranks. He’s a front executive now. It would be kinda unfair to ask Stevens to do both jobs. That usually never ends well.
Stevens made an interesting choice to become the interim coach. Joe Mazzulla will hold down the fort during Udoka’s suspension. It should be noted that Mazzulla becomes an odd choice for the job considering that he has a laundry list of prior issues. Hopefully, Mazzulla is built to take on this job because the Celtics need a stabilizing voice right now in the worst way.
