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.
“Coach Pitino wasn’t patient,” said Walker to Celtic Nation’s Michael D. McClellan. “He’d sign guys and trade them right away. He didn’t give guys like that time to develop. We drafted Chauncey Billups and traded him after half a season.”
This was in large part due to players being unable or unwilling to play Pitino’s distinctive brand of basketball.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) December 9, 2022
“Coach also wanted guys who could play his style, but that style didn’t translate to the pro game,” explained Walker. “You can’t press for 48 minutes in the NBA. The season’s too long.”
Perhaps that’s why Larry Bird wasn’t walking through that door.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
