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Multiple Celtics Assistants Among 'Hottest First-Time NBA Head-Coaching Candidates'
TL;DR
Several Boston Celtics assistant coaches are being recognized as top candidates for first-time NBA head coaching positions. The upcoming playoffs may serve as a crucial opportunity for them to showcase their skills.
Boston Celtics assistant coach D.J. MacLeay and center Luka Garza
Multiple Celtics Assistants Among 'Hottest First-Time NBA Head-Coaching Candidates' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics will begin their 2026 NBA playoff journey on Sunday afternoon.
For at least two Celtics assistant coaches, the postseason could be one last audition for a potential lead gig.
Eric Nehm and Fred Katz of The Athletic revealed a list of who they believe are the "hottest first-time NBA head-coaching candidates" in the upcoming cycle on Wednesday, including Boston assistants D.J. MacLeay and Tony Dobbins.
"The Celtics donât use specialist coaches as often as some other teams, but MacLeay has still been the one to run this seasonâs defense, which finished fourth in the NBA in points allowed per possession," the article said. "He has a history of working closely with big men. For example, during the two seasons before this one, he was the coach who worked most with Kristaps PorziĆÄŁis. He has brief head coaching experience, leading the Celticsâ summer league team in Las Vegas, and came to Boston after stops with the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers."
The Celtics hired MacLeay as a player enhancement coach ahead of the 2021-22 campaign and the 31-year-old is in his third season as an assistant coach.
Dobbins is in his sixth season as an assistant in Boston.
"Dobbins has seen the game from all vantage points. He was a multi-time defensive player of the year in France but still began his coaching career grinding at the low levels in the video room. His responsibilities have grown under Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla," Katz and Nehm wrote. "He has worked predominantly this season with Jayson Tatum and is viewed as someone who helped with the improvement of starting center Neemias Queta. Before this season, he was Jaylen Brownâs longtime coach. He has coached the Celticsâ summer league team."
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Q&A
Which Boston Celtics assistants are considered top NBA head-coaching candidates?
Multiple assistant coaches from the Boston Celtics are highlighted as strong candidates for first-time head coaching roles, although specific names are not mentioned.
How could the NBA playoffs impact the coaching prospects of Celtics assistants?
The upcoming NBA playoffs may act as a final audition for Celtics assistants, potentially influencing their chances of securing head coaching positions.
When do the Boston Celtics start their 2026 NBA playoff journey?
The Boston Celtics will begin their 2026 NBA playoff journey on Sunday afternoon.
