Rivers Shouldn’t Worry About Coaching Boston Celtics Trio Of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, & Paul Pierce
September 13 07
The Boston Globe reports on Coach Rivers seeking advice on how to bring All-Star players together:
"There are a lot of great coaches in our league who have never had an opportunity to coach players like this. Their record doesn’t show the type of coach they are. I’ve waited around. I’ve had a couple decent teams. This gives you a chance to win. That’s all you want, a shot at it."
My Quick Take: Rivers is right. Most NBA sideline bosses don’t get a chance to coach Jesus Shuttlesworth, The Big Ticket, and The Truth. For those that don’t know, I’m referring to
the Celtics’ trio of
Ray Allen,
Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
Rivers is a coach, so he’s paid to worry. It’s good that he’s doing his homework and getting prepared for the upcoming season. But I don’t see him struggling to manage Boston’s revamped line-up. And I don’t see Allen, Garnett, and Pierce struggling to develop chemistry, either. Here’s why:
- Players like Rivers. They’ve always played hard for him. During his first year in Orlando, he somehow got a squad of rookies and over-the-hill veterans to challenge for a playoff spot. Last season, despite the losing, Celtic players continued to compete. That’s the sign of a good NBA coach. Rivers will hold his own leading All-Stars like Allen, Garnett, and Pierce.
- Good players should always be able to play together. And good players, motivated by past failures, should certainly be able to play together. This describes Allen, Garnett, and Pierce perfectly. They are excellent players. And they are all motivated by losing seasons in Seattle, Minnesota, and Boston.
After coaching some weak teams, Rivers clearly appreciates this opportunity. In some respects, it’s good that he’s concerned. However, he should concern himself with the team’s starting point guard spot and bench, not managing the big three. Rivers will be fine. And Allen, Garnett, and Pierce will be just fine, too.
How will Doc Rivers do as coach of the new Celtics? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.
Click here to read and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.
