The Boston Celtics, who are just weeks away from entering the playoffs, are going through a change.
Celtics assistant coach Damon Stoudamire has been named the new head coach of Georgia Tech’s basketball team and has agreed to a five-year contract with the organization.
On Monday night, Celtics star Jayson Tatum spoke about saying goodbye to Stoudamire and the time they have had together:
“I’m happy for him. It’s as simple as that, you know. Extremely deserving. Excited for what he’s gonna do there. We all just wish him the best. Love the time we’ve had to be around him and spend with him. But, you know, when an opportunity like that comes around, you gotta take it.”
"When an opportunity like that comes around, you gotta take it"
Jayson Tatum speaks out on Damon Stoudamire landing the coaching job at Georgia Tech pic.twitter.com/dZjqSBCDva
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 14, 2023
Stoudamire became a very important part of the Celtics during his tenure as an assistant, especially this season.
When former coach Ime Udoka was suspended from his position in the offseason, Stoudamire became one of the more crucial and reliable parts of the coaching staff and gave serious support to Joe Mazzulla as he stepped into the big job.
The Celtics now have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Before his role in Boston, Stoudamire had a head coaching job with Pacific, where he earned West Coast Conference Coach of the Year.
He was also the number seven overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft and was named Rookie of the Year that season.
He averaged 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists during his 13 years playing in the league.
Stoudamire has his work cut out for him with his new position as Georgia Tech hasn’t reached the NCAA tournament in consecutive seasons since 2005.
It is clear he has the talent and experience to do something special – he also has love from one of the most prominent NBA teams.
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