Brad Stevens, the president of basketball operations for the Celtics, exudes confidence not witnessed in recent years, mainly due to his team boasting the best record in basketball and the success of his strategic moves over the past few years.
The decision to acquire Derrick White two years ago stands out as one of the most shrewd moves in the franchise’s history. Additionally, the trades for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have significantly altered how the team plays and its perception across the league.
As the Celtics enter the second third of the season and shift their focus towards playoff seeding and evaluating competition in the Eastern Conference, Stevens openly acknowledges his consideration of whether one more strategic move is needed to reinforce the roster. Despite improved depth compared to recent years, the Celtics face constraints in their options due to residing under the second salary-cap apron.
The salary cap apron poses a hindrance for the Celtics, limiting their ability to make substantial moves unless they opt to trade a player from their rotation, a scenario deemed improbable by Stevens. A potential avenue for a transaction lies in the $6.2 million trade exception resulting from the Grant Williams deal, emerging as their most probable means to make a move.
Stevens has been extremely cautious in selecting players for the roster, expressing concerns that an ill-suited acquisition, particularly a veteran expecting significant playing time and a specific role, could disrupt team chemistry. Consequently, the Celtics are inclined to navigate through this season with their existing roster, which is acknowledged as one of the most talented in the NBA.
Stevens emphasized in a recent news conference, his first since introducing Holiday in October, that any addition to the rotation would require an exceptional player. He highlighted the team’s already impressive lineup of talented players and acknowledged the limited flexibility in making significant changes without affecting the core players. The focus remains on finding players who can contribute value, even if they don’t necessarily need to be integral to the playing rotation, echoing the team’s emphasis on a cohesive and selfless approach.
Stevens acknowledged a specific team need for a versatile player, known as a swingman or wing, with the ability to contribute both offensively from the bench and defensively. Oshae Brissett was brought in for that role, and although he faced initial challenges, he has demonstrated improvement by making five of his last seven 3-point attempts. While acknowledging the team’s desire for another impactful wing, Stevens mentioned the limited financial resources available this year, making it challenging to explore options in free agency or trades.
Despite the financial constraints, Stevens revealed that the team’s owners have granted him the green light to utilize all available resources, even if it results in a higher luxury-tax bill, emphasizing the commitment to winning a championship. The focal point of their current flexibility lies in the Traded Player Exception (TPE) of $6.2 million, although Stevens recognized the limitations of this tool, given the scarcity of players within that price range who might be available. Nevertheless, he expressed the team’s determination to exhaust all possibilities and find individuals with both self-awareness and talent to contribute positively to the team.
The Celtics face impending decisions within the next week, particularly regarding the non-guaranteed contracts of Luke Kornet and Lamar Stevens, with a commitment deadline set for Wednesday. Additionally, the team must decide whether to convert Neemias Queta’s two-way contract into a standard NBA contract to make him eligible for the playoff roster, effectively occupying the final roster spot.
Despite the potential roster adjustments, Stevens expressed confidence in the team’s recent acquisitions and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability. Discussions about the remaining roster spots are ongoing, with the team currently having one open spot. Stevens highlighted the value of entering the trade deadline with some flexibility in the roster.
Regarding Queta, Stevens acknowledged the big man’s contributions and hard work over the past few months. He noted the initial communication with Queta about his role in Boston, anticipating more playing time due to Al Horford’s rest on back-to-backs and occasional rest for Kristaps. Queta has impressed with his performance, and Stevens acknowledged his positive impact, emphasizing the noticeable improvement in his game.
Stevens unequivocally expressed his satisfaction with the current team and the direction it’s heading under Coach Joe Mazzulla. He particularly highlighted the team’s strength in players like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, emphasizing their comfort with their playing styles. According to Stevens, players like White and Holiday may not always dominate possessions but make a significant impact with the ones they do utilize, showcasing exceptional skills. He commended their positive attitude and consistent uplifting presence within the group, drawing parallels to the valuable qualities displayed by top-tier players. Stevens underscored the importance of identifying players who complement the team’s key contributors, acknowledging that such individuals form a select group, and the team must remain vigilant in seeking such assets.
