The Rick Pitino era of the Boston Celtics was by all accounts a disaster. But with the sands of time, the reasons have become fuzzy for some or disappeared entirely for those who did not live through it at an age they were able to appreciate it. They remain clear as day for those who played under him, such as Boston icon Antoine Walker.
โCoach Pitino wasnโt patient,โ said Walker to Celtic Nationโs Michael D. McClellan. โHeโd sign guys and trade them right away. He didnโt give guys like that time to develop. We drafted Chauncey Billups and traded him after half a season.โ
This was in large part due to players being unable or unwilling to play Pitinoโs distinctive brand of basketball.
โ Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) December 9, 2022
โCoach also wanted guys who could play his style, but that style didnโt translate to the pro game,โ explained Walker. โYou canโt press for 48 minutes in the NBA. The seasonโs too long.โ
Perhaps thatโs why Larry Bird wasnโt walking through that door.
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