The Boston Celtics have emerged as NBA champions, and a significant portion of the credit goes to Brad Stevens, who transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations. Stevens, who coached the team from 2013 to 2021, played a crucial role in nurturing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during their formative years. Upon moving to the front office, he revamped the team roster, focusing on building around the talented duo and hiring Ime Udoka, which led to an NBA Finals appearance.
However, after replacing Udoka with Joe Mazzulla and a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, Stevens made bold moves by trading key players Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, and Malcolm Brogdon for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. These strategic changes paid off, leading to an improved team performance and ultimately securing Stevens the title of Executive of the Year.
Following the Celtics’ victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 at TD Garden, Stevens expressed his frustration with the criticism directed at Tatum and Brown. Speaking candidly to Rachel Nichols amidst the celebration, Stevens described the critiques as “stupid,” emphasizing the remarkable achievements of the young stars. He pointed out that their early career successes surpass those of many legends, noting that Tatum and Brown won a championship at a younger age than LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Stevens passionately defended his players, stating that the only reason for their scrutiny was their presence in the high-stakes environment of late May and June games. He conveyed his preference for being in contention and facing criticism rather than underperforming. This forthright stance underscores Stevens’ unwavering support for his team and belief in their potential.
Despite the Celtics’ impressive accomplishments, criticism is inevitable and will continue to evolve. Stevens, however, remains steadfast in his belief that such disparagement is unfounded, and he will likely maintain this viewpoint as the team progresses. His leadership and confidence in Tatum and Brown are evident, further solidifying their position as one of the league’s most promising duos.
