Somewhere in Boston, there was a contract sitting inside a lawyer’s office, the ink still drying on the dotted line where Ime Udoka had recently scribbled his John Hancock. Elsewhere in the city, media had gathered both physically and virtually to welcome the 18th head coach in Boston Celtics history. Midway through the introductory press conference, Udoka produce a playful quip in Brad Stevens’ direction, an anecdotal prodding of Stevens’ inability to garner fluidity from his team throughout the season.
“Sorry Brad, but 27th in assists last year...We want to have more team basketball. But you have Jayson and Jaylen and you need to play to your strengths.