Brad Stevens has assembled two great teams since becoming the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations last season, after spending eight years as the team’s head coach. Needless to say, Stevens was the best person for the job as he spent the most time around the team and had a good feel for what they needed to add to propel Boston back to the NBA Finals.
In doing so, Stevens hired a first-year head coach in Ime Udoka who led this team to the NBA Finals. The message he delivered resonated well with this team and it worked out well for Boston as they had the chance to raise Banner 18 in 2022.
Stevens also acquired Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline last year. The addition of White instantly propelled the Celtics to newer and higher heights, both last season and this season.
This past offseason, Stevens made another trade to acquire Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers while also cleaning up the backend of his roster. In his first season in Boston, Brogdon became the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.
He also addressed the lack of shooting depth from last season, signing veteran shooter Danilo Gallinari to a two-year deal, who unfortunately tore his ACL over the summer playing for Italy.
In the same offseason, Stevens gave Sam Hauser a contract extension for three-years worth $6 million after spending his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Maine Celtics. Stevens took a gamble on an unproven shooter who’s essentially a rookie and watched him become one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA at 41.8 percent per game, which ranked 13th in the league this season.
All of these acquisitions combined have led to the Celtics success since he’s been in the front office. Not to mention the savvy re-signings of Marcus Smart, Rob Williams, and Al Horford, solidifying Boston’s core for as long as possible.
That said, Stevens was barely considered for the NBA’s Executive of the Year, which is voted on by the executives of all 30 teams.
It’s shocking to see Stevens receive so little votes after the rework of the roster he’s done this season.
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