Damon Stoudamire and his relation with Boston Celtics - All you need to know

Damon Stoudamire is a former NBA player who is now the assistant coach for the Boston Celtics. He's been working with Boston's coaching staff since 2021. But before his coaching stint, Stoudamire played for 13 seasons from 1995-2008. During his years playing, the former point guard played for 4 teams - The Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs.

His most notable stint was during his first three seasons with the Raptors. Suiting up for Toronto, Damon Stoudamire averaged 19.6 points, 8.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His efficiency as a player suddenly dropped when was traded to Portland. He was never the same player after departing from Toronto.

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Damon Stoudamire's big head coaching break

Damon Stoudemire acting as Head Coach for the Boston Celtics

Just last week, Stoudamire had the opportunity to head coach for the Boston Celtics in their game against the Houston Rockets on December 27. Interim head coach Joe Mazzulla was ruled out of the game just minutes prior due to eye irritation.

Thankfully, the NBA veteran was there to save the day and did so in strong fashion. The Celtics versus Rockets game was Damon Stoudamire's NBA debut as head coach. According to CBS News, when Stoudamire heard the news that he'd be filling in for Mazzulla, he didn't feel any pressure at all. What made the moment even sweeter was the fact that his mom and son were in attendance.

Ultimately, Boston beat Houston in an impressive 126-102 victory. It was a strong win for both the team and Stoudamire. When Damon was asked how he felt about subbing in for Joe Mazzulla at the last minute, he mentioned that he was glad that it happened that way. In that kind of scenario, Stoudamire didn't have any time to think and just went ahead and did the job.

"In a lot of ways, it's better that way," Stoudamire said of the short notice. "Just go out there and do what we've been doing. We put together game plans as a staff, obviously. We pretty much know what we wanted to do. Joe wasn't able to go tonight, and I stepped in. But honestly, it's a collaborative effort."

Stoudamire continued:

"Everybody plays their part in situations like this. It's been like this pretty much all season. So, for me, it was just a matter of going out there and truly not messing it up."

The former NBA player stepped up at a time when he was required most and delivered what was expected of him.