Jayson Tatum as MVP, Derrick White for his defense or even Joe Mazzulla for the title of coach of the year… Undisputed leaders of the regular season, the Celtics could claim one or two individual awards. But the NBA has revealed the names of the finalists for the various trophies (MVP, Coach Of The Year, etc.) and no member of Boston appears. For comparison, last season, the Bucks, number 1 in the regular season, placed three finalists: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.
However, in Boston, we don't step up to complain. Like Joe Mazzulla who was asked if it bothered him that there was no Celtic among the 21 finalists.
With 64 victories, Ime Udoka's successor could claim the best coach trophy. Especially since last season, he was a finalist with 57 victories.
” No no not at all ! I find it magnificent. Who would want a reward for something that happened? » he asks. A journalist asks him if he spoke about it with his players.
A consolation prize with Brad Stevens?
“No, and that’s what’s great about this team. Since day one, we have enjoyed individual awards like Player of the Month, Staff of the Month, and the rest. But ultimately, one of the strengths of this team is that no one has individual goals. None of the players have talked about it and I don't think it matters because we are all focused on what we need to do collectively. »
The goal in Boston is the same every year: win an 18th banner, and thus overtake the Lakers. For this, Brad Stevens went for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and he is the favorite for the trophy for best manager of the year. A trophy whose finalists are not announced by the NBA since it is not the journalists who vote, but the leaders of the 30 franchises.
