League sources tell the Herald’s Steve Bulpett that Stevens is getting a six year contract. No word yet on dollars, but I bet it’s in the 2 million dollar range. Stevens was making $1.2 mil at Butler where he had ten years left on his contract.
The list of college coaches who have failed miserably in their NBA debut is long; John Calipari, Tim Floyd, Lon Kruger, Mike Montgomery, Leonard Hamilton, Jerry Tarkanian, Mike Dunlap, to name a few. Before you blurt out Pitino!, remember that he had a mildly successful two year stint with the Knicks.
Expect Ainge to surround Stevens with veteran assistants who have NBA head coaching experience. One name that comes to mind is P.J. Carlesimo.
Another popular story line is whether the young, inexperienced Stevens will be able to coach the stubborn, petulant Rajon Rondo. Prepare yourself for every media blowhard to turn Rondo into Derrick Coleman. I’m not guaranteeing a healthy marriage, but at least give the duo a chance.
Here’s the statement Stevens released through Butler University:
“Our family is thrilled for the opportunity given to us by the leadership of the Boston Celtics, but it is emotional to leave a place that we have called home for the past 13 years,” said Stevens.
“We truly love Butler University and Indianapolis, and are very thankful to have had the opportunity to celebrate so many wonderful things together. What makes Butler truly unique is the people that we have been so blessed to work with. When it comes time for our kids to look at schools, we will start with Butler University.”
Reporters, insiders, analysts and fans are all stunned at this hiring. Here’s a sample of the reaction:
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