While this news will not garner much attention, it is worth noting a month ago, the Boston Celtics announced Clifford Ray will not be returning to the Celtics' bench in the 2010-11 season. Subsequently, Boston hired Roy Rogers, a former New Jersey Nets coach and scout, to replace Ray.
Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe wrote in the Tuesday, September 14, edition that Ray has mentored numerous young talented players since 1987. This was when Ray received his first coaching offer from the Dallas Mavericks, but he had to also perform a janitor's workload.
Ray proved his worth by coaching big men such as Sam Perkins, James Donaldson, and Roy Tarpley in Dallas. Other organizations eyed him as an asset in teaching power forwards and centers. He coached in New Jersey, Golden State, and Cleveland. In Orlando, Ray became an assistant coach for a man named Doc Rivers, who had just landed his first gig as a head coach.
Before Rivers' second year with the Celtics in 2006, Ray was brought aboard.
All of this background leads to the story of how the Celtics conquered the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals to capture their 17th championship.
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Brendan Tyman
Clifford Ray Will Be Missed on the Boston Celtics Bench
September 21st, 2010 by Brendan Tyman Leave a reply »
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