Brad Stevens is doing a lot with the Boston Celtics right now. One thing he’s not doing, is waiting out a vacancy at the Indiana Hoosiers head coaching position. It seems like it’s a story we have to write every year, if not here in the preseason, then later when Tom Crean fails to live up to expectations and/or off-the-court issues ensue among his players.
Whether you love Crean or hate him, you’re aware that there is always a large, influential contingent of the IU community that wants him gone- especially so if Brad Stevens is waiting in the wings.
Well, forget about it, because Stevens is not waiting in the wings; he’s building a foundation in the Garden. Also’s Crean buyout in 2016 is still $7.5 million, and in 2017, it’s still $4 million. Yet, somehow, the “Brad Stevens will replace Tom Crean” rumor/narrative/story line/hypothetical just never goes away. That talk is pointless though as the Boston Celtics are building an identity, and putting a plan in place. The Celtics were a fringe playoff team last year that is slowly building towards contention in a very weak Eastern Conference.
They should finish second in the Atlantic Division this year, and they’re just a piece or two away from being in the Eastern Conference’s top four (which tells you just how soft the Eastern Conference really is)
The Boston Celtics are currently light years ahead of the L.A. Lakers in their massive rebuilding project. Here’s more on that.
Of course, the uncertain future of Kobe Bryant will dictate everything that happens in Lakerland. (Here’s more on that)
NBA on TNT commentators Reggie Miller and Brent Barry did a NBA season preview conference call today. Brad Stevens was one of the myriad topics discussed.
Barry on the future of Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics:
“The second half of the 2014-15 season was absolutely amazing for the Celtics. They went on an incredible tear and played some great basketball. One of the things that I do like is their perimeter defense with their bigs, and [their acquisition of] veteran David Lee to teach guys like [center] Tyler Zeller. And look at their depth. Last year, they shot more shots than any other team in the league. [Head coach] Brad Stevens had done a great job of establishing a ball moving culture with this squad. I just don’t know who it is that’s going to stand out other than [point guard] Isaiah Thomas, being a guy that you are absolutely threatened by what he can do on the floor. Is there another Celtic that can make that kind of stride this season? I’m not sure there is.”
Miller on Celtics head coach Brad Stevens:
“The face of the Celtics is Brad Stevens. They don’t have enough scoring to go against a Cleveland, Chicago, Toronto or Miami, but defensively, they can really get after you. I don’t think they have enough scoring on a consistent basis other than Isaiah Thomas coming off the bench to put the fear of God in other teams. Stevens and [General Manager] Danny Ainge are the face of the Celtics going forward.”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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