Remember from 2016 - 2019 Erik Spoelstra missed the Playoffs 3 straight years but his teams were near .500. Based on the talent level of those teams Spoelstra got the most out of those guys. The Rockets season with Udoka, his first, reminds me exactly of those Miami Heat years. We gotta make sure we keep this dude. In his first season as the Celtics coach, he took them to the Finals and they were also ahead of schedule. He only got fired due to off the court reasons. Udoka is a top coach in the league and his teams will usually over perform their talent level. Udoka is our Spoelstra.
If he can resist the temptation of someone's sexy wife in the front office he will probably be here a long time.
if Rockets FO gives him the players he wants...he'll stay he'd be itchin' to go back to the NBA FINALS the soonest possible time
Hear that, guys? We'll be in the playoffs in April of 2026! Actually, I'm comfortable we'll be there next year.
Totally agree, I hope he's our long term coach (10+ years). A coach like that makes development easier because the players know he's not going anywhere so there's no point fighting him. It makes contract renewals and FA signings easier because the stability attracts winners. However, there is no doubt that he is not good enough (championship level) on the offensive side of things yet. His offenses in Boston and Houston have been outdated and very slow to adapt to personnel. He does not take advantage of the rules as much as other coaches. He does not value spacing enough. He has come around on pace and to some extent 3PT shooting volume. In the Finals against Kerr, he was thoroughly out-coached despite having the more talented roster. I believe he will get there though. He showed clear signs of improvement post-ASB. On defense I suspect he is the best coach in the NBA. That this roster finished 10th and his Celtics roster finished 1st on defense is historically good coaching.
LeBron James wanted to Fire Eric Spoelstra. Eric Spoelstra called for LeBron in his office. Eric gave LeBron an ultimatum that you will listen to me because I am not going anywhere. LeBron James actually played well and listened and won a Championship as a Sidekick to Dwyane Wade.
