FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup
Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.
The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.
The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.
“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”
Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.
He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.
“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.
Published on Apr 16, 2026
#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.

The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.

“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”

Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

Source link
#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

Tag fifa japan FIFA World Cup 2026 fifa world cup updates football world cup hajime moriyasu hajime moriyasu nakamura japan coaching staff japan fifa world cup japan moriyasu nakamura japanese football nakamura nakamura japan coaching staff nakamura new role shunsuke nakamura World Cup yokohama fc

Deadspin | Stanley Cup playoffs to open with Saturday tripleheader <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28433877.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28433877.jpg" alt="NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 7, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea (5) and Philadelphia Flyers right wing Matvei Michkov (39) battle for the puck during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Stanley Cup playoffs won’t have every seed finalized until later Thursday night, when the final batch of Western Conference games sorts out three remaining teams. But the NHL has revealed how the postseason will start.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Game 1 between the Ottawa Senators and Eastern Conference top seed Carolina Hurricanes will kick off a tripleheader of playoff games Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Minnesota Wild and host Dallas Stars are scheduled to clash 5:30 p.m. ET, and in-state rivals are saved for prime time when the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The entire Eastern Conference playoff bracket has been locked in, with the Hurricanes beating out the Buffalo Sabres by four points to win the top seed and the right to host the second wild card. The Penguins and Flyers finished with identical point totals behind Carolina in the Metropolitan Division, but the Penguins earned home-ice advantage by the tiebreaker of regulation wins (34-27).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>In the West, however, the Stars and Wild have been locked into the Central Division’s 2-versus-3 matchup the longest of any playoff pairing — but only one other series is finalized. The Vegas Golden Knights are Pacific Division champions and will face the No. 1 wild card Utah Mammoth, with their series starting on Sunday.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Also Sunday, with all times TBD, the Boston Bruins will play Game 1 against the Sabres in Buffalo, the Montreal Canadiens visit the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche will host the second wild card out of the West.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Finally, the second and third seeds from the Pacific Division will begin their series Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Those teams are known, but their order is not. The Edmonton Oilers (40-30-11, 91 points), Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6, 90 points) and Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20, 90 points) all conclude their regular seasons Thursday night and will occupy those three spots in some order.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Stanley #Cup #playoffs #open #Saturday #tripleheader

Deadspin | Offenses for Mets, Cubs trending in opposite directions entering series <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703645.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703645.jpg" alt="MLB: Athletics at New York Mets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The loss was the eighth straight for the Mets, who have been blanked three times while being outscored 44-12 during a tailspin that began April 8, five days after Juan Soto sustained a strained right calf against the San Francisco Giants. Soto has begun his running progression at Citi Field and could return during a nine-game homestand for New York slated to begin next Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Twelve runs are the fewest for the Mets in an eight-game span since they also had 12 runs while going 1-7 from June 5-14, 2018. New York, which is batting .175 during the losing streak, has scored in just 10 of the last 72 innings and has ended a frame with a lead just seven times since its most recent win, a 10-inning 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Offseason acquisitions Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are batting a combined .212. Two of the Mets’ five hits Wednesday were recorded by MJ Melendez, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>“It’s tough right now … everybody’s upset,” Bichette said. “I don’t really have much to say, other than I can’t explain it and we’ll keep on working and figure it out.”</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>The Cubs appeared to finish figuring out their offensive issues against the Phillies, whom they outscored 28-19 over the three-game series, including 21-6 over the final two games they won.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Chicago has scored 35 runs in its last four games dating to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs opened the season with 59 runs in their first 14 games, including 35 runs in the nine games prior to Sunday’s outburst.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Cubs also have at least 10 hits in each of the last four games after reaching double figures just three times in the first 14 games. Three players — Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw — had three hits apiece Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Shaw recorded three doubles and is just the fifth player in team history to collect three extra-base hits while batting ninth.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“When your nine hitter hits three doubles, that’s a good sign,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We just did a nice job on offense again (Wednesday).”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Senga took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday, giving up a career-high seven runs over 2 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics, 11-6. Cabrera didn’t factor into the decision last Saturday after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings in the Cubs’ extra-innings loss to the Pirates.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Senga is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Offenses #Mets #Cubs #trending #directions #entering #series

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future. #Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

mwasimuddin125 0

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">

PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG herePSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.Published on May 07, 2026 #PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

mwasimuddin125 0

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.
Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.
Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.
PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.
The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.
The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.
ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here
PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.
Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.
Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.
Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.
You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.
Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:
Fire Brad Stevens.
Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.
Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.
Fire him? I say: Reward him.
Fire Joe Mazzulla.
He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.
Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.
Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.
Trade Derrick White.
On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.
Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.
Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.
Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.
Trade Jaylen Brown.

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.
So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.
We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.
You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.
I’d keep Brown.
Trade Jayson Tatum.
It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …
Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?
Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.
If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.
Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.
The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.
Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.
Stand pat.
Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.
No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.
After all, it ain’t broke.
Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

Related Posts

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

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