Boston Celtics Wrong To Consider Larry Brown, Doc Rivers Perfect For Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, & Paul Pierce

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on Larry Brown turning down an offer from the Boston Celtics to join Doc Rivers’ staff:

Glass wouldn’t confirm or deny the story in SI.com stating that Brown almost accepted a position to become an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. It reported that Brown turned the job down after talking to Sixers chairman Ed Snider, who persuaded him to remain with the team.

My Quick Take: I’m surprised by this rumor. Recently, Boston GM Danny Ainge has been making all the right moves, acquiring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, and then signing James Posey as a free agent. But nothing would be gained by bringing in Larry Brown-even as an assistant coach. Here’s why:

• Brown, the nomad sideline boss, has alienated his last three teams. Philadelphia recently rehired him, but the 76ers weren’t sad to see him leave several years ago. Detroit owner Bill Davidson questioned whether Brown was in fact a ‘decent person.’ And his season in New York was a disaster.

• Brown can no longer relate to players. In fact, it seems that he goes out of his way to pick petty fights with players.

• Brown would compromise Rivers’ authority. Players wouldn’t know who to listen to. Some would wonder if their Hall of Fame assistant is the coach in-waiting.

Sure, Brown can coach. Nobody is denying that he’s the best teacher in pro basketball. But the Celts are a veteran club. Allen, Garnett, and Paul Pierce need a manager, not a hands-on sideline boss.

This rumor raises eyebrows regarding Rivers’ status as coach. The likable, players-first sideline boss recently received an extension, so why even make an offer to the controversial and well-traveled Brown?

The good news is that Brown is staying in Philly. The bad news is that Boston’s front office, after a summer of hitting home runs, is still capable of striking out badly.

What do you think of Boston’s interest in Brown as an assistant coach? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.