By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 24, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/nfl/2013-nfl-quarterback-rankings-9-16/
(This is part two of a multi-part series of ranking the NFL’s
quarterbacks. The rest of the rankings will be revealed throughout the
week.)
Ranking quarterbacks heading into the season is routine and this season is no
different. Below you will see many more-than-capable names and while some of
them could potentially rank higher, there are only 10 top spots. Check out the
NFL Quarterbacks ranked 9-16 and stay tuned for Part 3:
16) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles: Many experts and
analyst have written Vick off into the sunset, due to the Eagles’ struggles and
underachievement. The truth of the matter is, Vick isn’t the problem in
Philadelphia. If you look closely into last season and watch the Eagles, you
will see that Vick had no protection from his offensive line. After being
constantly hit, anyone would cough up the ball like Vick did. Still, he’s one of
the most dynamic quarterbacks the game has ever seen. As he has aged, he hasn’t
lost much speed and still can throw the ball a mile. Have faith in Vick.
15) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals: After much research and
contemplation, one main thing that’s hard to get over is how little love Dalton
has gotten. People forget that Dalton and Co. have resurrected the Bengals, and
this year may be the front runners to win that division, which is usually owned
by Baltimore and Pittsburgh year after year. Dalton, unlike fellow young QBs,
has only gotten better. Developing his skills and winning football games has
landed Dalton in the Top 15 because anything lower would just be plain
disrespectful.
14) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: Another controversial
pick for the Top 15 here but hear me out: the knock on Stafford is that his
decision making and turnover rate can be alarming at times. While that might be
true, Stafford’s skill and ability are the reasons why he is still a dangerous
young QB. People tend to forget that under Stafford’s arm, Detroit returned to
the playoffs for the first time in forever two years ago. Not to mention they
play in one of the league’s premiere divisions. Stafford will need to improve
his decision making now that he is paid to be the franchise QB, but he is still
on the upper half of QBs.
13) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: The man was
brilliant last year, no doubt about it. He finished the season and brought the
49ers within a play of a Super Bowl title. But let’s not forget, that
for what seemed like the first time all season, he was a little apprehensive at
the start of the Super Bowl. It’s easy to forget that he took over more then
halfway through the season, when the 49ers were already on a roll. To some,
Kaepernick is an easy Top 10, but we simply need to see him perform for a full
season. Great talent with great accolades last season, but let’s watch him play
out an entire season before crowning him king of the rookies.
12) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: If there was a bigger
surprise emergence for a player last year, please let me know. Wilson proved
exactly why he was the steal of the 2012 draft last year, nearly steering the
Seahawks to an NFC Championship appearance. Wilson is as steady and as smart as
they come. Wilson will have the opportunity to be even better this season, now
that he has a deep threat in Percy Harvin. Wilson doesn’t shy away from the
spotlight and competition, which makes him playing in the league’s toughest
division even more appealing. Seattle has higher expectations this season, but I
feel Wilson has what it takes between the ears to create something special.
11) Matthew Shaub, Houston Texans: The question that’s
starting to arise in Houston: How many more years can we be great, only to
falter in the big game? You can’t blame Arian Foster, the defense, or Andre
Johnson, which leaves us with the team’s QB. Shaub has continually played
steadily throughout every season, only to choke when it came to the big time
lights. This may be Shaub’s final shot before the Texans rid themselves of his
mediocrity in the playoffs. The reason Shaub is this high is two-fold: You can
not ignore the body of work he does put in in the regular season and there may
not be a more dangerous play-action QB in the game today.
10) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: The top 10 should not
start with negativity, but in this case it has to. Many media are calling Flacco
“elite” now that he has a Super Bowl ring. Are we kidding? If you look at last
season, Flacco put up games which would call for benching in other situations.
The argument will be, ‘he played great in the playoffs didn’t he?’ Let’s be
honest for a second: if Ray Lewis didn’t come back and announce his
retirement, the Ravens would’ve gone home in the first round. Say what you
want, but Flacco wasn’t the driving force behind the ring. This year is a
different story. After signing the contract that left little room in the Ravens’
salary cap to sign teammates, Flacco HAS to be the leader. If Flacco can do
something special this year, then he may be elite. The Ravens are now Flacco’s
team whether you like it or not.
9) Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: This kid can
flat out play. Griffin automatically put the Redskins back on the map last year
and RG3 was simply put, special, in 2012. Unfortunately his injury derailed the
Redskins, but he will be back for sure. Griffin’s play-making ability is already
at a top level in the NFL, with a strong accurate arm and speed that kills. One
major factor in why RG3 was not the top rookie from last season, is that he
simply doesn’t protect himself. Griffin needs to save himself from big hits, or
else his career may be shorter then expected.
QB rankings recap:
No. 32 – No. 25: Matt Flynn, OAK; Chad Henne, JAX; Kevin Kolb, BUF; Mark
Sanchez, NYJ; Jake Locker, TEN; Brandon Weeden, CLE; Christian Ponder, MIN; Josh
Freeman, TB
No. 24- No. 17: Ryan Tannehill, MIA; Sam Bradford, STL; Carson
Palmer; ARZ, Alex Smith, KC; Jay Cutler, CHI; Cam Newton, CAR; Philip Rivers,
SD; Tony Romo, DAL
No. 16- No.9: Mike Vick, PHI; Andy Dalton, CIN; Matt Stafford, DET; Colin
Kaepernick, SF; Russell Wilson, SEA; Matt Shaub, HOU; Joe Flacco, BALT; Robert
Griffin III, WAS
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
2013 NFL quarterback rankings (17-32)
By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 23, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/nfl/2013-nfl-quarterback-rankings/
(This is part one of a multi-part series of ranking the NFL’s quarterbacks. The rest of the rankings will be revealed throughout the week.)
Ranking quarterbacks heading into the season is routine and this season is no different. Below you will see many more-than-capable names and while some of them could potentially rank higher, there are only 10 top spots. Check out the NFL Quarterbacks ranked 17-24 and stay tuned for Part 2:
No. 24 Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins: Like Josh Freeman, the Dolphins losses this year will solely be on Tannehill’s right arm. The Miami Dolphins were the most active team in the off-season with acquisitions on both the offense and defensive side. For Tannehill, he will have his best receiving core in front of him in 2013. Adding to Brian Hartline, the additions of Dustin Keller and Mike Wallace will pay huge dividends. Tannehill has shown flashes of brilliance, but the jury is out on him now that he has every weapon he could ask for.
No. 23 Sam Bradford, St.Louis Rams: Years ago the Rams started to rebuild the “Greatest Show on Turf.” With their rebuild they saw their division get increasingly harder, with the emergence of the 49ers and Seahawks. Under Jeff Fisher, Bradford started to show more promise last season, but still showed youth as well. With the addition of the biggest playmaker in the draft, Tavon Austin, Bradford will have more help to bring the Rams back to relevance. Bradford has great accuracy, but in this division he will need to bring more then that,
No. 22 Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer could always throw the ball, it was just a matter of who he was throwing it to. When Palmer had no help around him, he failed to make the team better and rise the level of his receivers. Palmer, like many on this list, turn the ball over at an alarming rate. Now in Arizona, he has arguably the best Wide Receiver in the game in Larry Fitzgerald. In the NFC West Arizona will struggle, but at least they have a decent man under center to help them compete.
No. 21 Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: After being dealt a rough hand last year in San Francisco, Alex Smith moves on to Kansas City where he is handed the keys to a rebuilding franchise. The Chiefs have lacked a Quarterback for some time, but with Smith they have a smart game manager. Smith will have a foundation runner behind him in Jamaal Charles, and a playmaking Wide Receiver in Dwayne Bowe. If Smith can continue to play at the level he was last season, the Chiefs may be looking at a successful formula.
No. 20 Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: On many lists you will see Jay Cutler in a Top 15, in some cases a Top 10. On this list he is ranked at #20 based on the question: Why should he be any higher? Cutler his entire career has only succeeded when throwing the ball to Brandon Marshall. Outside of that, Cutler has done nothing but run his mouth and watch his defense win games for him. With the defensive minded Lovie Smith now departed, Cutler may face his biggest pressure yet. Cutler has never succeeded in pressure situations, has never made anyone but Marshall better, and has failed on numerous occasions. #20 it is.
No. 19 Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: We now get to the portion of this list where things begin to get tough. Newton is a special talent on a team where they are trying to rebuild, but at the same time still own aging major pieces. Newton’s backfield has always been hurt in the cases of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. His Wide Receiving core has a major playmaker in Steve Smith, but lacks a solid #2. Newton is still growing in his own sense. He will rise on this list, but as of right now #19 seems to be the right spot.
No. 18 Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Rivers used to be a top 10 Quarterback in my eyes, but his continuing struggles have forced him down to #18. Rivers simply throws interception after interception, and does it at the most un-ideal time. Rivers has never shown that major clutch gene, but he does have the numbers of a solid Quarterback, which he is by all means. The Chargers are a team on the slow slope downward. Rivers will need to play safer in order for that to change.
No. 17 Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: This offseason the love fest between owner Jerry Jones and Tony Romo continued. Romo was handed a fat new contract, in my eyes undeservingly. The NFC East seems to be up for grabs every single year, coming down to Week 17. Romo, lately, has done nothing but choke over and over again. Romo puts up very nice numbers, but continues to melt in the hot situations. Romo, like Cutler, has seen Top 15s and Top 10s in lists, but he rounds out the bottom 16 here.
No. 16- No.1 Stay tuned!
New England Sports Journal
July 23, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/nfl/2013-nfl-quarterback-rankings/
(This is part one of a multi-part series of ranking the NFL’s quarterbacks. The rest of the rankings will be revealed throughout the week.)
Ranking quarterbacks heading into the season is routine and this season is no different. Below you will see many more-than-capable names and while some of them could potentially rank higher, there are only 10 top spots. Check out the NFL Quarterbacks ranked 17-24 and stay tuned for Part 2:
No. 24 Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins: Like Josh Freeman, the Dolphins losses this year will solely be on Tannehill’s right arm. The Miami Dolphins were the most active team in the off-season with acquisitions on both the offense and defensive side. For Tannehill, he will have his best receiving core in front of him in 2013. Adding to Brian Hartline, the additions of Dustin Keller and Mike Wallace will pay huge dividends. Tannehill has shown flashes of brilliance, but the jury is out on him now that he has every weapon he could ask for.
No. 23 Sam Bradford, St.Louis Rams: Years ago the Rams started to rebuild the “Greatest Show on Turf.” With their rebuild they saw their division get increasingly harder, with the emergence of the 49ers and Seahawks. Under Jeff Fisher, Bradford started to show more promise last season, but still showed youth as well. With the addition of the biggest playmaker in the draft, Tavon Austin, Bradford will have more help to bring the Rams back to relevance. Bradford has great accuracy, but in this division he will need to bring more then that,
No. 22 Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer could always throw the ball, it was just a matter of who he was throwing it to. When Palmer had no help around him, he failed to make the team better and rise the level of his receivers. Palmer, like many on this list, turn the ball over at an alarming rate. Now in Arizona, he has arguably the best Wide Receiver in the game in Larry Fitzgerald. In the NFC West Arizona will struggle, but at least they have a decent man under center to help them compete.
No. 21 Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: After being dealt a rough hand last year in San Francisco, Alex Smith moves on to Kansas City where he is handed the keys to a rebuilding franchise. The Chiefs have lacked a Quarterback for some time, but with Smith they have a smart game manager. Smith will have a foundation runner behind him in Jamaal Charles, and a playmaking Wide Receiver in Dwayne Bowe. If Smith can continue to play at the level he was last season, the Chiefs may be looking at a successful formula.
No. 20 Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: On many lists you will see Jay Cutler in a Top 15, in some cases a Top 10. On this list he is ranked at #20 based on the question: Why should he be any higher? Cutler his entire career has only succeeded when throwing the ball to Brandon Marshall. Outside of that, Cutler has done nothing but run his mouth and watch his defense win games for him. With the defensive minded Lovie Smith now departed, Cutler may face his biggest pressure yet. Cutler has never succeeded in pressure situations, has never made anyone but Marshall better, and has failed on numerous occasions. #20 it is.
No. 19 Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: We now get to the portion of this list where things begin to get tough. Newton is a special talent on a team where they are trying to rebuild, but at the same time still own aging major pieces. Newton’s backfield has always been hurt in the cases of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. His Wide Receiving core has a major playmaker in Steve Smith, but lacks a solid #2. Newton is still growing in his own sense. He will rise on this list, but as of right now #19 seems to be the right spot.
No. 18 Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: Rivers used to be a top 10 Quarterback in my eyes, but his continuing struggles have forced him down to #18. Rivers simply throws interception after interception, and does it at the most un-ideal time. Rivers has never shown that major clutch gene, but he does have the numbers of a solid Quarterback, which he is by all means. The Chargers are a team on the slow slope downward. Rivers will need to play safer in order for that to change.
No. 17 Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: This offseason the love fest between owner Jerry Jones and Tony Romo continued. Romo was handed a fat new contract, in my eyes undeservingly. The NFC East seems to be up for grabs every single year, coming down to Week 17. Romo, lately, has done nothing but choke over and over again. Romo puts up very nice numbers, but continues to melt in the hot situations. Romo, like Cutler, has seen Top 15s and Top 10s in lists, but he rounds out the bottom 16 here.
QB rankings
recap:
No. 32 – No. 25 Matt Flynn, OAK; Chad
Henne, JAX; Kevin Kolb, BUF; Mark Sanchez, NYJ; Jake Locker, TEN; Brandon
Weeden, CLE; Christian Ponder, MIN; Josh Freeman, TB
No. 24- No. 17 Ryan Tannehill, MIA; Sam Bradford, STL; Carson Palmer; ARZ, Alex Smith, KC; Jay Cutler, CHI; Cam Newton, CAR; Philip Rivers, SD; Tony Romo, DAL
No. 24- No. 17 Ryan Tannehill, MIA; Sam Bradford, STL; Carson Palmer; ARZ, Alex Smith, KC; Jay Cutler, CHI; Cam Newton, CAR; Philip Rivers, SD; Tony Romo, DAL
No. 16- No.1 Stay tuned!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Quick Dimes: Joseph waived, Brazilian signs, Adams added
By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 17, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/quick-dimes-joseph-waived-brazilian-signs-adams-added/
Here is a quick look at a few odds and ends Celtics notes that have occurred in the past few days:
Kris Joseph waived:For the second time in his short career, Kris Joseph has been cut by the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics training camp team taking form and the roster starting to bulk up, Joseph became the latest casualty. After being drafted in the second round by the Celtics in 2012, Joseph spent time on the summer league roster. Joseph eventually landed in the Brooklyn Nets organization where he performed great in the D-league (18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 34.0 minutes per game and was named to the All-NBDL Second Team). On July 12th he was then traded back to the Celtics. With the Celtics starting to add depth at the guard and small forward position, Joseph simply was a logical cut by the organization.
Brazilian Center signs:The Celtics signed 25 year old Brazilian Center Vitor Faverani. The news comes in as a reported three year deal. Faverani adds depth to an already loaded front court. Faverani will be competing with Fab Melo, Shavlik Randolph, and first round pick Kelly Olynyk, assuming no further cuts are made before training camp.
Ron Adams joins coaching staff:Ron Adams joined the Celtics coaching staff, bringing the real NBA experience that Brad Stevens lacks. Adams is noted as Tom Thibodeau’s top assistant in Chicago, where the Bulls have flourished in the Eastern Conference. After the Bulls front office decided to let Adams go, the Celtics offered Adams the job, which he has accepted. Adams will be able to ease Stevens into the pro game, which is dramatically different from the college game.
New England Sports Journal
July 17, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/quick-dimes-joseph-waived-brazilian-signs-adams-added/
Here is a quick look at a few odds and ends Celtics notes that have occurred in the past few days:
Kris Joseph waived:For the second time in his short career, Kris Joseph has been cut by the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics training camp team taking form and the roster starting to bulk up, Joseph became the latest casualty. After being drafted in the second round by the Celtics in 2012, Joseph spent time on the summer league roster. Joseph eventually landed in the Brooklyn Nets organization where he performed great in the D-league (18.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 34.0 minutes per game and was named to the All-NBDL Second Team). On July 12th he was then traded back to the Celtics. With the Celtics starting to add depth at the guard and small forward position, Joseph simply was a logical cut by the organization.
Brazilian Center signs:The Celtics signed 25 year old Brazilian Center Vitor Faverani. The news comes in as a reported three year deal. Faverani adds depth to an already loaded front court. Faverani will be competing with Fab Melo, Shavlik Randolph, and first round pick Kelly Olynyk, assuming no further cuts are made before training camp.
Ron Adams joins coaching staff:Ron Adams joined the Celtics coaching staff, bringing the real NBA experience that Brad Stevens lacks. Adams is noted as Tom Thibodeau’s top assistant in Chicago, where the Bulls have flourished in the Eastern Conference. After the Bulls front office decided to let Adams go, the Celtics offered Adams the job, which he has accepted. Adams will be able to ease Stevens into the pro game, which is dramatically different from the college game.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Phil Pressey earns invite to Celtics training camp
By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 11, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. –On Wednesday Phil Pressey was invited to be a part of the Boston Celtics upcoming training camp.
The Celtics fell to the Houston Rockets 85-78 Wednesday, but Pressey may have had his summer shining moment. Despite shooting 2-9 from the field, Pressey added 10 assists and three steals to show his worth. With a backup point guard position to be filled, Pressey earned his invitation to training camp.
According to A.Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE, Pressey is the only non guaranteed player to be invited to training camp thus far:
Before joining the Celtics summer league roster, Pressey played for the Tigers at the University of Missouri. Pressey spent three years at Missouri, including three trips to the NCAA tournament and one Big 12 conference championship game. As a junior team captain, Pressey averaged 11.9 points and 7.1 assists per game.
Despite being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Pressey received many accolades his junior year, which was highlighted by an All-SEC First Team selection and an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention.
With these accolades and strong college career already under his belt, Pressey forwent his senior season and was an early entrant into the 2013 NBA Draft. Although an impressive junior year campaign, Pressey had been haunted by bad decision making in late game situations and owned a career high of 3.5 turnovers per contest. Despite his projection of being a second round pick, Pressey went undrafted.
The Celtics summer league team still has games to play, but Pressey is now a step closer to making his decision to enter the NBA early, worthwhile.
New England Sports Journal
July 11, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. –On Wednesday Phil Pressey was invited to be a part of the Boston Celtics upcoming training camp.
The Celtics fell to the Houston Rockets 85-78 Wednesday, but Pressey may have had his summer shining moment. Despite shooting 2-9 from the field, Pressey added 10 assists and three steals to show his worth. With a backup point guard position to be filled, Pressey earned his invitation to training camp.
According to A.Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE, Pressey is the only non guaranteed player to be invited to training camp thus far:
Before joining the Celtics summer league roster, Pressey played for the Tigers at the University of Missouri. Pressey spent three years at Missouri, including three trips to the NCAA tournament and one Big 12 conference championship game. As a junior team captain, Pressey averaged 11.9 points and 7.1 assists per game.
Despite being eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Pressey received many accolades his junior year, which was highlighted by an All-SEC First Team selection and an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention.
With these accolades and strong college career already under his belt, Pressey forwent his senior season and was an early entrant into the 2013 NBA Draft. Although an impressive junior year campaign, Pressey had been haunted by bad decision making in late game situations and owned a career high of 3.5 turnovers per contest. Despite his projection of being a second round pick, Pressey went undrafted.
The Celtics summer league team still has games to play, but Pressey is now a step closer to making his decision to enter the NBA early, worthwhile.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
A look inside Darius Johnson-Odom
By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 10, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/a-look-inside-darius-johnson-odom/
ORLANDO, Fla. –On Monday the Celtics won their first game of the Summer League, defeating the Detroit Pistons 93-63. The win was anchored by the performance of Free Agent guard Darius Johnson-Odom.
Johnson-Odom scored a team high 22 points on 8-14 shooting, to go along with five rebounds. The 6’2″ guard was the number 55 overall selection in the 2012 by the Dallas Mavericks. Since being drafted though, Johnson-Odom has been nothing short of a journeyman.
On draft night, the Dallas Mavericks sold the rights to his contract to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the summer, he would be assigned to the Lakers D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Although only playing 12 games there, Johnson-Odom would flourish in the D-League. Averaging 20.6 points per game, to go along with 5.3 assists and 5 rebounds per game, Johnson-Odom seemed to be on the fast track to the NBA.
Instead, the Lakers decided to waive Johnson-Odom on the final day before contracts became guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Johnson-Odom would end up joining a team in Russia, Spartak St.Petersburg, for the remainder of last season.
Before his short pro career, Johnson-Odom graduated from Marquette University. He gathered many awards in his college career including All-Big East honors in his senior year. Johnson-Odom’s stats increased every season he played, as he finished up with a career line of 15.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Many may be wondering, who is Darius Johnson-Odom? If he keeps this type of play up, Johnson-Odom may answer that question himself by locking up a Celtics roster spot.
New England Sports Journal
July 10, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/a-look-inside-darius-johnson-odom/
ORLANDO, Fla. –On Monday the Celtics won their first game of the Summer League, defeating the Detroit Pistons 93-63. The win was anchored by the performance of Free Agent guard Darius Johnson-Odom.
Johnson-Odom scored a team high 22 points on 8-14 shooting, to go along with five rebounds. The 6’2″ guard was the number 55 overall selection in the 2012 by the Dallas Mavericks. Since being drafted though, Johnson-Odom has been nothing short of a journeyman.
On draft night, the Dallas Mavericks sold the rights to his contract to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the summer, he would be assigned to the Lakers D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders. Although only playing 12 games there, Johnson-Odom would flourish in the D-League. Averaging 20.6 points per game, to go along with 5.3 assists and 5 rebounds per game, Johnson-Odom seemed to be on the fast track to the NBA.
Instead, the Lakers decided to waive Johnson-Odom on the final day before contracts became guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Johnson-Odom would end up joining a team in Russia, Spartak St.Petersburg, for the remainder of last season.
Before his short pro career, Johnson-Odom graduated from Marquette University. He gathered many awards in his college career including All-Big East honors in his senior year. Johnson-Odom’s stats increased every season he played, as he finished up with a career line of 15.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.
Many may be wondering, who is Darius Johnson-Odom? If he keeps this type of play up, Johnson-Odom may answer that question himself by locking up a Celtics roster spot.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Brad Stevens named Celtics Head Coach
By Joseph Landini
New England Sports Journal
July 4, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/brad-stevens-named-celtics-head-coach/
BOSTON–Wednesday afternoon the Boston Celtics named Butler University’s Brad Stevens their new head coach.
This hire marks the first time the franchise has named a head coach straight out of college since Rick Pitino in 1997. Stevens, 36, is now the youngest coach in the NBA.
Fortunately the young Stevens brings an impressive resume from the college game, where he held a winning percentage of .722 and brought Butler to back to back National Title games in 2010 and 2011. Known for bringing Butler basketball to the spotlight, Stevens will now test his talents on an even larger stage.
According to Yahoo! NBA Columnist Adrian Wojnarowski, Stevens signed a 6yr, $22 million dollar contract:
Stevens will be a main piece in the rebuild of one of the most storied franchise’s in NBA history. After trading away the core of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets, the Celtics will look totally different when opening night comes in the Fall.
After a first round exit to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics will build their team younger. With the exit of Doc Rivers, Stevens may be a great fit to teach these younger players.
Although the Celtics have many questions to address this offseason, one question is officially answered: Brad Stevens is the new their new head coach.
New England Sports Journal
July 4, 2013
http://www.newenglandsportsjournal.com/2013/07/boston-celtics/brad-stevens-named-celtics-head-coach/
BOSTON–Wednesday afternoon the Boston Celtics named Butler University’s Brad Stevens their new head coach.
This hire marks the first time the franchise has named a head coach straight out of college since Rick Pitino in 1997. Stevens, 36, is now the youngest coach in the NBA.
Fortunately the young Stevens brings an impressive resume from the college game, where he held a winning percentage of .722 and brought Butler to back to back National Title games in 2010 and 2011. Known for bringing Butler basketball to the spotlight, Stevens will now test his talents on an even larger stage.
According to Yahoo! NBA Columnist Adrian Wojnarowski, Stevens signed a 6yr, $22 million dollar contract:
Stevens will be a main piece in the rebuild of one of the most storied franchise’s in NBA history. After trading away the core of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets, the Celtics will look totally different when opening night comes in the Fall.
After a first round exit to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics will build their team younger. With the exit of Doc Rivers, Stevens may be a great fit to teach these younger players.
Although the Celtics have many questions to address this offseason, one question is officially answered: Brad Stevens is the new their new head coach.
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