Paul Lambert insists the Celtics must not fire O'Neal.

In response to rumors of a coaching change stemming from the Celtics' recent decline in performance, former team captain Paul Lambert stated clearly in a radio interview that the club's management must not dismiss head coach Martin O'Neill.

Lambert pointed out that he would not be surprised if the 74-year-old O'Neill chose to resign due to physical and mental exhaustion; but he would be shocked and extremely disappointed if the club dismissed him.

In the interview, Lambert emphasized that O'Neal is the greatest head coach in Celtics history since legendary coach Joker Stein. Last season, when Rodgers and Nancy both left and the team was on the verge of collapse, it was O'Neal who stepped up and turned the tide, leading the team to a double championship. His accumulated reputation and achievements deserve full respect.

"Not long ago, everyone was calling for a statue to be erected for him. Now, we must not go from one extreme to another because of temporary adversity," Lambert said. He added that the decision on whether to stay or leave should be entirely up to O'Neal himself, and the club should not take the initiative to make the decision.

Regarding the team's recent poor performance, Lambert stated bluntly that the responsibility lies with the players themselves, not the tactical coach. He harshly criticized guard Carter-Wecker's complaint about the "lack of a script," deeming such remarks extremely irresponsible and embarrassing. Lambert urged the players on the court to demonstrate professionalism, correct their mistakes and reverse the decline through their own performance, rather than pointing the finger at the coaching staff in their predicament.

Image source: Internet/BBC official website