Weekly Takes - Monday, May 20 Edition

Weekly Takes - Monday, May 20 Edition

1. Craig Berube was as no-brainer of a hire as the Maple Leafs could have possibly made.

He won the ultimate prize not that long ago, his way of coaching is designed to win in the playoffs (his teams will forecheck you into oblivion and he loves his blue line to be made up of big, mobile defenceman), his demanding, blunt attitude provides a culture change at the top of the chain, and he always makes sure to bring an offensive guru with him.

His outlook on the game aligns with that of Brad Treliving's too, which is a must for any stable franchise.

There are some uncertainties (Berube will have to pick his battles in the media, as calling out the team too often in this market will be far too taxing for everyone) and we will have to see how he adapts to coaching a team with this much offensive talent, but regardless, this is a home run of a hire.

2. I like that the Leafs did not wait for Rod Brind'Amour either.

The Leafs have not been able to score in the playoffs. Why bring in a coach whose teams... have not been able to score in the playoffs?

I think Brind'Amour is a great coach, but it is time to have the conversation about just how great he may be.

3. With Berube in place, the attention now turns to the roster and the Core Four.

I will say this.

Changes need to be made. Massive changes need to be made. But J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser were almost ran out of Vancouver this time last year, only for an old-school coach to come in and fix everything.

It is something to keep in mind.

4. With the Nuggets bowing out of the playoffs, it is truly "now or never" for a Celtics core who has done everything but win a championship.

They are by far and away the best team remaining in the playoffs.

5. By far and away the most entertaining player left in the playoffs?

Anthony Edwards.

Some players aspire to "Be Like Mike," but Edwards does not need to aspire to be like anything.

He is the closest thing to Michael Jordan since MJ himself. The face of the NBA for the next decade.