The Boston Celtics are “seeking permission” to communicate with LA Clippers assistant coach Jay Larranaga about joining interim head coach, Joe Mazzulla’s staff for the upcoming season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Prior to leaving Boston in 2021 to work as a Clippers assistant, Larranaga played nine seasons for them.
Jay previously interviewed for the head coach position for Boston during his time with the franchise. After the suspension of the Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, who led the team to the NBA finals, the franchise nominated Joe Mazzulla for interim HC. And now, Boston has shown desperation for getting in touch with the Assistant Coach of the Clippers.
The Celtics are seeking permission to talk to Clippers assistant Jay Larranaga about joining interim coach Joe Mazzulla’s staff this season, sources tell ESPN. Larranaga spent nine seasons with Celtics before joining the Clippers in 2021.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 28, 2022
Joe Mazzulla has the full backing of the Boston Celtics in his new position as interim head coach. However, they also understand that the 34-year-old might gain from having some further bench experience. On the other hand, Larranaga would be an ideal addition to a squad that is hungry to win a title after making it to the NBA Finals in 2022.
Before Brad Stevens became president of basketball operations in June 2021, Larranaga worked nine seasons with the Celtics between 2012 and 2021. The 47-year-old was Stevens’ top assistant during that time. Before Stevens took up the position as head coach of Boston in 2013, Larranaga came close to succeeding him. He is obviously valued within the company given his background with the team.
None of these events would have happened if Udoka hadn’t been suspended for having a consensual relationship with a female employee of the franchise. Hearing the bone-chilling news, the Celtics’ roster was shaken to their core. They would have made it to next year’s finals as well if the head coach hadn’t been suspended. “We were all shocked… a little confused. A lot of information wasn’t being shared with us.” The Celtics’ rising star, Jaylen Brown said.
