LARRY BROWN WAS ALMOST A CELTIC

Peter May’s best-seller book, “TOP OF THE WORLD (Inside Story of the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics)," revealed lots of very interesting behind-the-scene and never been told stories which chronicled the Beantown’s magical season. Did you know that Hall of Famer coach Larry Brown almost became an assistant coach for the Celtics during the 2007-08 campaign? Yes, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who played for Brown during his days with the Los Angeles Clippers, offered the top deputy mentoring post to the architect of the 2004 NBA champions, the Detroit Pistons. Rivers thinks that Brown is a perfect fit as the top practice coach with Boston. Brown, who was then with the front office of the Philadelphia 76ers, initially accepted the offer of his former top point guard. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge then gave his blessings to Rivers to pursue Brown. But Brown, who is famous for his ever-changing moods, decided to remain with the 76ers. When Brown called back a week later to inquire about the Celtic job, Rivers said that he had already signed erstwhile Houston Rockets assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, who was instrumental in turning the Celtics as the best NBA defensive team in 2007-08. And the rest is history.