The Boston Celtics had just lost their fifth consecutive game and their record stood at a lowly 4-11. They had the 27th ranked defense in the NBA, allowing a ghastly 107.5 points per 100 possessions. Opponents were shooting 39.5% behind the arc, the worst mark in the entire league. Darren Erman was the "defensive coordinator" for that squad, taking over for the recently departed Ron Adams. At that moment the Golden State Warriors, under the guidance of Adams, had the best defense in the league. The date was December 2nd and a trip to the lottery, not an eventual playoff berth, appeared on the horizon.
Darren Erman has fixed a defense like the Pelicans before
