The Boston Celtics have already begun a lookout for a new assistant after Joe Mazzulla replaced the now-suspended Ime Udoka as the interim head coach.
Recent updates said that the franchise sought permission from the Los Angeles Clippers to speak to Jay Larranaga who had earlier spent nine seasons with Boston as Brad Steven’s top assistant. However, Larranaga decided to stay in Los Angeles.
One of the other names doing the rounds is former Lakers coach, Frank Vogel who is looked at as a solid fit for the Celtics coaching staff. He was fired after the Lakers failed to make the postseason.
Celtics insider, Chris Forsberg, per NBC Sports weighed in on the possibility of Vogel joining the outfit but also hinted at how Mazzulla was the top priority.
“I like the Vogel idea because Brad Stevens has such a great relationship. Brad used to tell us all the time when they were coaching the Celtics and the Lakers,” Forsberg said. “They were both in Indianapolis at the same time, their kids would play on the same playground. There’s a comfort level there with the GM, who says OK, there’s a guy who’s been to the NBA Finals, won a championship, can help my young coach sort of navigate and understand what it takes to be a head coach in this league.”
Although Vogel is an attractive option, putting Mazzulla in a position to succeed is priority No. 1. That may mean hiring a coach with less experience to ensure Mazzulla is the one running the show. Either way, Forsberg stresses the importance of finding Mazzulla the assistant that makes him the most comfortable.
Per multiple reports, the former head coach comes with a good relationship with Stevens and actually kick-started his coaching career as part one of the assistants on the side.
Frank Vogel Won An NBA Championship With The Los Angeles Lakers In 2020
If there were any doubts about what Vogel brought to the table, then the fact that he won an NBA championship with the Lakers as their head coach in the pandemic-riddled season quashes any questions.
Adding to this is his experience as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic.
Former #Lakers coach Frank Vogel observing #Mavs practice with Nico Harrison pic.twitter.com/iNcu5dGHPh
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) September 28, 2022
Vogel coming in would also shore up the Celtics’ defense. Known for prioritizing it and fast break play, something the Lakers couldn’t do last season, the 49-year-old makes for a valuable addition.
That said, recent reports have emerged where he was spotted watching the Dallas Mavericks train. Only time will tell if the Celtics will rope him in, or if the Mavericks have some plans of their own.
The Celtics will look to hire their new assistant before they open their 2022 NBA season on October 18 against the Philadelphia 76ers at home.
