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When Brad Stevens was hired straight from college, it was assumed that he'd need at least one guy on the staff that had real, NBA experience that could guide him along and show him the subtle ways that the pro game differs from the next level down.
Sounds like they've got their man. The Celtics have reportedly hired Ron Adams.
Sources saying that Ron Adams to Celtics as assistant coach is done.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) July 16, 2013
League source confirms that former Chicago assistant Ron Adams will be joining the Celtics. @SteveBHoop had it first.
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) July 16, 2013
Adams was formerly Tom Thibodeau's top assistant in Chicago before their GM made a bizarre move to let Adams go. See Blog-a-Bull for details on that.
Bulls dismiss Ron Adams: rumors of a rift between Thibodeau and front office - Blog a Bull
It was reported over the weekend that in a surprising development, the Bulls had 'cut ties' with Thibodeau's lead Assistant Coach Ron Adams. In that original story, KC Johnson remarked on the peculiarity of the move: given Adams credentials and reputation, as well as the coach's personal relationship with Thibs (and according to Ric Bucher, Adams was also really close with Derrick Rose). Johnson further reported this was a power-play from GM Gar Forman.
It sounds like Forman and Thibs are not seeing eye to eye and there's some power-playing going on there. Not good for them, but we'll happily reap the benefits (assuming Adams lives up to his reputation).
Stevens' staff is expected to include Adams, Doc Rivers-era holdovers Jay Larranaga and Jamie Young, and former Purdue and Butler assistant Micah Shrewsberry. Drew Cannon, Butler's statistical guru last season, will also join the organization in some capacity. Larranaga's spot might not be concrete since he is reportedly being considered for the Philadelphia 76ers head coaching vacancy.
By all accounts this sounds like a great hire. If anyone has any additional insight, please feel free to share it with us in the comments.
Bonus Link: Interesting story here from former player Paul Shirley - Gar Forman’s Questionable Call: Ron Adams Deserved Better | ChicagoSide