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Boston Celtics: Sorry Brad Stevens, you’re the odd man out

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are in need of an overhaul and Brad Stevens is the odd man out.

In an underwhelming, underperforming and downright frustrating 2020-21 NBA season, the Celtics have in every way earned their way to the play-in tournament where there is no guarantee they will even make their way to the playoffs.

There is absolutely no way a team with the talent of young All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, along with a max player in Kemba Walker should be in the situation the Celtics find themselves in as the regular season concludes.

Before we use the injury excuse card, sure injuries have been a major reason for the inconsistency, but even with key players out, the Celtics should’ve have taken care of many of the losses they have against subpar teams.

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Not that Stevens is not a tremendous coach, but the team has gone tone deaf.  That fight, hunger, pride and defensive energy the team have come to be known for under the leadership of Stevens has dissipated, which is why Stadium basketball analyst Jeff Goodman believes either Stevens or Brown have to go for the Boston Celtics to gain their swag back.

"“I feel like a horrible person when I say the Celtics should move on from Brad Stevens, potentially, because I’ve known him for so long and I think Brad Stevens is like the best human being in the world,” Goodman said during an appearance on CBS Sports Radio’ The DA Show on Friday, via WEEI.  “This group just doesn’t fit well under Brad’s system.  Either you’ve got to change your system and the way you play, or if you’re [Celtics general manager] Danny Ainge, you better get him some different players.  I also think maybe it’s run its course.”"

Goodman goes on to suggest the alternative of packing Jaylen Brown in a deal for Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal, but would pairing the veteran superstar with his childhood buddy Jayson Tatum really solve anything?

The issue with the Celtics could actually be the Stevens and Tatum relations.  As a young, emerging All-Star player, perhaps a coach who is “not the best person in the world” will set a match under the Tatum/Brown duo.

This is why coaches like Gregg Popovich, Doc Rivers and Phil Jackson (back in his day) were successful with superstar players.  Sure, the talent played a role, but none of those coaches were out to be anyone’s friend or protect anyone’s feelings.

Of course, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and owner Wyc Grousbeck would explore every other possibility before even thinking about moving on from Brad Stevens, but they have to do something.

A team known for defense suddenly can’t stop anyone from scoring.  And a team that use to fight and believe in one another have seemingly given up, especially when Jaylen Brown went down with a season-ending injury.

So, trade Brown or move on from Brad Stevens?

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I vote trade Brad Stevens, get a couple of picks or two, package them up with perhaps Marcus Smart and a couple of the younger players and get the Celtic a viable big man who can be a presence both on and off the court.

As far as the head coach position goes, the Boston Celtics need a no non-sense personality who will help take Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to another level when it comes to intensity on the court.

Who that coach is, well that’s why Danny Ainge is getting paid the big bucks.

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