The hopes for championship number 18 have been crushed again following a Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat. Boston came back from 0-3 down to force a rubber match at home and ran out of energy. Jayson Tatum became hobbled after an awkward landing in the first minute of the game. Jaylen Brown struggled, turning it over eight times, and players like Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin stepped up for Miami. The Celtics’ offseason has officially begun, and they have numerous big decisions to make over the summer.
Due to both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown making All-NBA teams, they now qualify for supermax extensions. Boston has two superstars entering the prime of their careers. However, the cap hit for having two supermax players is enormous. Understanding the Celtics’ situation, the contracts would take up well over half the cap meaning that with the new CBA penalties, Boston would have a tight budget.
The Boston Celtics Have Tough Offseason Decisions Ahead
Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens Wants to Keep Jaylen Brown
In Brad Stevens end of season press conference, he stated, “I can say without a doubt we want Jaylen to be here, he’s a big part of us, we believe in him & I’m thankful for him.” The quote came from Jared Weiss, who covers the Boston Celtics, and Stevens was very clear about his objective. Boston fans have differing opinions on the idea of paying Jaylen Brown the supermax after his struggles in the postseason. Even after Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jaylen Brown holds the most turnovers, with 66 in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
After being named to the All-NBA 2nd Team, Celtics fans expected Brown to play like a top 10 player in the playoffs. However, the tough time in the playoffs does not discount the incredible career Brown has had so far. Overall, Brad Stevens built an impressive roster to win now, and it just did not happen for Boston. Miami’s undrafted trio played better than the Celtics superstar duo in Game 7.
Celtics Coaching Staff Headed For Major Turnover
Rumors have started to surface of three assistants who are looking to leave and join Ime Udoka in Houston. The situation provides positives and negatives depending on the point of view. On the one hand, Joe Mazzulla will get to choose his own assistants, and Brad Stevens can bring in people with experience. On the other hand, prime assistants Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles, and Mike Moser are expected to be leaving, per Gary Washburn.
Gary Washburn reports #Celtics assistant coaches Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles, and Mike Moser are expected to join Ime Udoka’s staff in Houston.
Stephen Silas and Phil Pressey have shown up at the Auerbach Center during the playoffs. It seems likely they’re brought on board.
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) May 31, 2023
The departures do not come as a surprise but still hurt all the same. It was an odd beginning to the season with the Ime Udoka situation that left the organization in limbo. An organization had to appoint a new head coach with no experience a month before the season Joe Mazzulla, who excelled given the circumstances. Boston’s coaching staff and Mazzulla steadied the ship, and the Celtics got off to a blazing start. A brutal end to the season magnifies all of the changes occurring in Boston.
Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka is likely facing a suspension for the entire 2022-2023 season for his role in a consensual relationship with a female staff member, sources tell ESPN. A formal announcement is expected as soon as today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 22, 2022
Joe Mazzulla Reportedly Back as Boston Celtics Head Coach
It was a successful first year for Joe Mazzulla as head coach. Boston is a franchise where winning is all that matters, which is what Mazzulla did in 2023. In his first year at the helm, Mazzulla won 57 games and was one win shy of the best record in the NBA. The most important point is that Joe Mazzulla became head coach just before training camp. The Celtics leader has an entire offseason with the team to instill his ideas and plans.
Brad Stevens says Joe Mazzulla will be back as Celtics head coach next season pic.twitter.com/Np76Ij9smS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 1, 2023
