Brad Stevens: Satisfied with Celtics’ performance, comfortable with position

On Tuesday, Brad Stevens expressed his satisfaction with the Boston Celtics’ performance this season and his current role within the organization.

The Celtics’ president of basketball operations, frequently associated with coaching and executive positions outside of Boston — including North Carolina before it chose to hire Michael Malone — stated he is pleased in his current capacity.

“The whole concept of the coaching carousel making headlines is somewhat exhausting, but I understand why it garners attention in today’s climate,” Stevens remarked to reporters in Boston, prior to the Celtics’ matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.

“I enjoy being here. The organization has treated me well, and I have not been pursuing other opportunities.

“My only motivation is to focus on my current role, and I am genuinely happy with the people I work with and everything else. That has been the most rewarding aspect of being here, and at this stage in my life, I believe that is what drives me. I don’t have any other motivation beyond being around the people I want to be with.”

Stevens led the Celtics for eight seasons before transitioning to the role of president of basketball operations in 2021.

This season’s squad has emerged as a notable surprise in the league, navigating the initial absence of Jayson Tatum as he recuperated from a ruptured Achilles tendon, along with the offseason exits of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.

The Celtics entered Tuesday night’s game just two victories shy of securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and are considered a serious contender for the NBA title.

However, Stevens is not inclined to make any forecasts. He adheres to the same day-by-day philosophy that has guided him throughout his basketball career, both as a coach and now in the front office.

“I feel exactly as I did at the outset; I genuinely feel that way,” Stevens stated. “When we reach the playoffs, it will be the same approach. It’s one game at a time. I don’t focus on the broader picture concerning this specific team. I just believe in our ability to compete.”

He has also observed the remaining players on his previously underestimated roster discover new levels of performance that have contributed to their overall success.

With Tatum sidelined at the season’s start, Jaylen Brown capitalized on the chance to step up as the primary option and leader, elevating his game on both ends of the court. This has resulted in him achieving career-high averages in points (28.7), rebounds (7.0), and assists (5.2).

This performance has also placed him in a competitive MVP discussion. Furthermore, since Tatum’s return on March 6, Brown’s contributions have alleviated some of the pressure on Tatum as he regains his form. The same applies to defensive anchor Derrick White.

The outcome has been a successful comeback for Tatum, whose comfort and confidence have significantly increased over the past month. He had scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games leading up to Tuesday.

“I’ve witnessed our team rise to meet challenges, and I know this group is eager for the next one,” Stevens remarked. “As we approach this time of year and enter the playoffs, everything becomes more challenging, and the other teams are highly skilled. We’ll see how it all unfolds, but I will continue to avoid placing limits on us.”

In keeping with his approach, Stevens has largely remained in the background this season, with Tuesday marking his first remarks to reporters since Tatum’s return. He noted that they did not seriously consider Tatum’s return until around the trade deadline.

“He was in a fairly good physical condition and had made progress in terms of his strength,” Stevens explained. “Then it became a matter of reconditioning, regaining confidence in various aspects, and getting back on the court.”

It has also become evident to Stevens that he has a coach in Joe Mazzulla, who, along with his staff, is positioning this team for success. While Brown has been the primary catalyst for the team’s overachievement, the development of players such as Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, and recent addition Baylor Scheierman has also played a role.

Queta, in particular, has transformed from a fourth-string center earlier in his career to the starter for the Celtics, becoming one of the league’s most improved players and top-performing big men.

This has led to Mazzulla receiving significant consideration for coach of the year accolades, recognition that he consistently downplays while crediting his players and assistants.

Stevens, who unexpectedly promoted him to the position after Ime Udoka’s suspension, affirmed that Mazzulla deserves all the accolades he has received.

“All the players, coaches, and others nominated for these awards, whether they desire them or not, certainly merit the recognition,” Stevens stated.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.