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“3 out of 4 remaining head coaches are black”: Clippers head coach Ty Lue is amazed at the ratio of black head coaches left in the Playoffs

Samir Mehdi
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“3 out of 4 remaining head coaches are black”: Clippers head coach Ty Lue is amazed at the ratio of black head coaches left in the Playoffs

2016 NBA champion and Clippers head coach Ty Lue points out the fact that out of all 4 remaining head coaches left in the Playoffs, 3 are black. 

Much has been said about the lack of opportunities given to black men and women in positions of power within the NBA this past year or so.

Stephen A Smith has been a catalyst for this movement of sorts, by going on national television and voicing his disapproval for the various executive positions that have been occupied by white men instead of black men or women. 

Back at the start of the 2020-21 NBA season, Steve Nash was named as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets with 0 coaching experience prior.

After having been booted from the first round of the postseason, the Boston Celtics gave Brad Stevens the job that Danny Ainge had. Instances like these are what urged the conversation on black men in power within the league to emerge.

Also read: “Chris Paul was texting his brother during Game 1”: Jae Crowder hilariously chronicles the ‘point God’s’ brother yelling out strategies from the sidelines in the Suns win over Paul George and the Clippers

 Ty Lue, recently, came out to marvel at a fact that is most certainly as impressive as it gets when it comes to this matter. 

Ty Lue is glad that black head coaches have led their teams far into the Playoffs

The Clippers’ head coach was first named an NBA head coach in his time at Cleveland. Ty Lue is amazed by the number of black head coaches remaining within the Playoff as the Conference Finals begin to commence.

Also read: “Kevin Huerter is putting the Hurt on the Sixers”: Skip Bayless praises Hawks youngster for coming through as Trae Young goes 2-of-16 in 3 quarters of Game 7

Monty Williams has led the Phoenix Suns to a Game 1 victory over the Clippers, a team that has Ty Lue as their bench boss. Nate McMillan, meanwhile will be going up against former Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer in the Eastern Conference Finals.

These are good signs for a league which is viewed as the most progressive of the Big 4 American leagues. What’s even more heartening is the fact that all of these coaches are there on pure merit – just like all white coaches. This is the inclusive growth that teams should aspire to produce.

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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