Article reposted from Boston Herald
Author: Mark Murphy
Ed Lacerte, the longest-tenured trainer in the NBA, dating to 30 years ago when he was responsible for the health of players like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, is stepping down.
The Celtics are revamping their sports science and training operation, and, in addition to strength coach Bryan Doo choosing to forgo an altered role, the club is parting ways with Lacerte.
The longest-serving trainer in franchise history will not be back for a 31st season. In addition to numerous honors within his profession, Lacerte was notably the trainer for the U.S. Olympic Dream Team in 1992.
Doo announced his departure Friday via Instagram. He was with the Celtics for 14 years, and with the coming restructuring elected to step away from the club to focus more on family (he and his wife have five children) and the company he founded, Optimal Fitness.
The Celtics are about to move into a new training facility in Brighton, with the targeted opening of June 2018, and have already expanded their operation in that regard. Johann Bilsborough was added to the staff two years ago as the team’s director of sports science, after beginning his career working with rugby and Aussie rules football teams in his native Australia.
Several teams have gone in this direction, including the Philadelphia 76ers, who have entrusted their entire fitness and training operation to David Martin, a product of Australia’s acclaimed institute of sports science.