On behalf of the Boston Celtics, basketball executive head Brad Stevens is supportive of the new chapter that Damon Stoudamire will embark on in his coaching career.
Stoudamire informed the club on Monday that he will take a sideline transfer to handle Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball program. The hiring was made official afterward.
“Congratulations to Damon and Georgia Tech,” Stevens said, via Sports Illustrated. “We are thankful for everything that Damon has contributed during in his time in Boston. He’s a great teammate – he works hard, he cares about everyone in the room, and he has a special feel for the game. We will all miss having him here, but are thrilled for him and will be rooting for his success with the Yellow Jackets.”
The departure of Stoudamire can only add a dent in the Celtics coaching staff, as he was a trusted voice and tactician off the bench for Joe Mazzulla.
As such, Mazzulla is also encouraged by what Stoudamire has decided and further praised his contributions to the team.
“Damon is a great person, successful leader, and will be a great head coach,” Mazzulla said, ibid. “He has an ability to build genuine relationships, connect with players, and bring an organization together for a common goal. His loyalty, basketball experience, work ethic and personality made the Celtics better. We will miss him as a person and coach. Georgia Tech is lucky to have him.”
The former league floor general joined the Boston franchise as an assistant for now-departed Ime Udoka last 2021-22 campaign.
It remains yet to be seen if the Celtics will look for another candidate to fill Stoudamire’s vacancy.
