Brad Stevens: President of Basketball Ops

Jeff Van GULLY

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Jul 13, 2005
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He recruited the players who took Butler to the National Championship Game. I mean, that’s a pretty huge feather in ones cap as far as talent evaluation.
He found Gordon Hayward when he was 6’4”
If that's the only bar that needs to be cleared for someone to become the head of basketball ops for a marquee professional franchise the world is upside down. This is an entirely new job with a different set of skills from coaching and there is nothing in his resume that indicates he is prepared for it, including recruiting teenagers to Indianapolis. He's smart and a great x's-and-o's guy and likely would be a plus to the draft? I would agree. Does that mean he is ready to evaluate trades. negotiate contracts and understand cap implications inherent in this work and also the other business-side parts of the job? I'm not sure about that at all.


If he doesn't have the right support structure, this will not be good and an exodus in the front office would be a rather large set back for the organization. I look forward to hearing all the scuttlebutt from Woj and Shams on if this was a fear-based move by Wyc to ensure he didn't lose both Ainge and Stevens or if this had been in the works for a rather long time. I think a lot of my final feelings will come down to understanding if this were a power struggle and if Mike Z and crew are retained. Can't imagine Austin Ainge sticks around.
 

bakahump

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I wonder it T+B actually loved/liked/related to Brad but disliked Danny. Wouldnt be the first time kids thought a sixty something was a relic.
Wyc says "Fair enough" and we get what we got.

Not sure how I feel. Brad is a smart guy so if he surrounds himself with smart people (like Zarren) AND if this is part of the picture that makes T+B happy then.....good....?

Whither Austin? (it is Austin right?)
 

Kliq

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I think it's hard to evaluate how effective Danny/Brad were in recent years. Brad in particular, because of injuries really limiting his ceiling in the playoffs multiple times. I don't know if the Celtics could find a better coach than Brad; but a new voice and a new mindset might be what this team requires.
 

lovegtm

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It’s interesting for sure. I don’t mind it either. Brad is obv a strong basketball mind I was just never sure he was the best fit as an NBA Head Coach. This role may actually better suit him.
Almost exactly where I'm at on this.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Dec 22, 2002
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If that's the only bar that needs to be cleared for someone to become the head of basketball ops for a marquee professional franchise the world is upside down. This is an entirely new job with a different set of skills from coaching and there is nothing in his resume that indicates he is prepared for it, including recruiting teenagers to Indianapolis. He's smart and a great x's-and-o's guy and likely would be a plus to the draft? I would agree. Does that mean he is ready to evaluate trades. negotiate contracts and understand cap implications inherent in this work and also the other business-side parts of the job? I'm not sure about that at all.


If he doesn't have the right support structure, this will not be good and an exodus in the front office would be a rather large set back for the organization. I look forward to hearing all the scuttlebutt from Woj and Shams on if this was a fear-based move by Wyc to ensure he didn't lose both Ainge and Stevens or if this had been in the works for a rather long time. I think a lot of my final feelings will come down to understanding if this were a power struggle and if Mike Z and crew are retained. Can't imagine Austin Ainge sticks around.
I'm sure the C's just hired him as a new GM without thinking about any of this stuff.

It's funny because Danny Ainge was a coach before he was a GM too.
 

ramfan

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Jul 19, 2005
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Is zarren in talent evaluation? i thought he was strictly cap analyst?

what was ainge's scouting experience? i thought he was a coach and then on tv before boston
 

cheech13

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Simmons has been dropping hints on his podcast since mid season that Ainge was on thin ice and Stevens wasn’t going anywhere. Have to think this was maybe in the works for a while.

Can’t wait for the hit pieces to roll out.
 

Cesar Crespo

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I wonder it T+B actually loved/liked/related to Brad but disliked Danny. Wouldnt be the first time kids thought a sixty something was a relic.
Wyc says "Fair enough" and we get what we got.

Not sure how I feel. Brad is a smart guy so if he surrounds himself with smart people (like Zarren) AND if this is part of the picture that makes T+B happy then.....good....?

Whither Austin? (it is Austin right?)
Ainge's comments about Boston and racism were pretty tone deaf.
 

Mooch

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So who do we look at as next HC of the BCs?

I think Brad should take a long look at a guy like Wes Unseld Jr.
 

bsj

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I like Brad, and I think letting him go is a mistake. But I'll say this now - they 100% need a coach that the stars will want to play for.
 

bakahump

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Could also be a "in the works for awhile" which is why Danny was so adamant and consistent with taking the blame. Guy bleeds green and with health (which is another possibility) isnt going somewhere else.
 

Light-Tower-Power

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I like Brad, and I think letting him go is a mistake. But I'll say this now - they 100% need a coach that the stars will want to play for.
100%. I'm sure the Jays will have plenty of input. Also hoping it's an established NBA HC but not sure who is available.
 

TripleOT

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I just pulled over and am sitting in my truck, stunned.

I would think that ownership has Zarren locked up as a consigliere to Brad Stevens the personnel guy.

Stevens knows the league and has the respect of NBA players. When he coached the ASG, there was praise all around for him.

This head coaching hire will probably define Stevens’ career as Celtics GM. With both Jays having the ability to leave as free agents in a few seasons, Brad better hire the right guy.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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How can people "love" or "hate" this news. Its literally breaking and we clearly don't have all the details. But if you were looking for your 76ers reset, here it is.

Based on the pace and timing, this has been in the works so you wonder if they already have their HC candidate lined up. I suspect he won't be a ref whisperer (screamer?) like many here seem to feel this team is lacking but who knows.
 

Cesar Crespo

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How can people "love" or "hate" this news. Its literally breaking and we clearly don't have all the details. But if you were looking for your 76ers reset, here it is.

Based on the pace and timing, this has been in the works so you wonder if they already have their HC candidate lined up. I suspect he won't be a ref whisperer (screamer?) like many here seem to feel this team is lacking but who knows.
Pretty much. We have no idea how Brad the GM will do.
 

DJnVa

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We are about to find out if GMBS (GM BRAD STEVENS!) liked the groceries Ainge bought him.
 

OurF'ingCity

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It’s interesting for sure. I don’t mind it either. Brad is obv a strong basketball mind I was just never sure he was the best fit as an NBA Head Coach. This role may actually better suit him.
Yeah this is more or less where I am. Need to see how everything shakes out because it's not clear to me what Stevens's actual role will be. Seems like they could still promote Zarren to be the one who actually handles things like the cap, draft, actual trades, etc. while Stevens serves as a sort of overseer of that aspect but also things like training regimen, player development, etc.
 

lovegtm

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How can people "love" or "hate" this news. Its literally breaking and we clearly don't have all the details. But if you were looking for your 76ers reset, here it is.

Based on the pace and timing, this has been in the works so you wonder if they already have their HC candidate lined up. I suspect he won't be a ref whisperer (screamer?) like many here seem to feel this team is lacking but who knows.
I mean, I love it mostly precisely because I was looking for a 76ers style reset. Very reasonable to have an instant reaction.
 

HowBoutDemSox

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I’m looking forward to no one using the acronym CBS to refer to Stevens anymore, it was always weird given the national broadcaster with the same name. Can we agree to just go with his name from here on out? Please no GMS or POBOS (edit: or DOBOS, I guess).
 

RG33

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This is stunning.

I will hold off final judgement until more comes out with regards to whether this has always been the plan or not, but I do like the fact that we are keeping Stevens.

Ainge has been phenomenal in his role as GM of the Boston Celtics. He brought them back to prominence, and with some luck as others have mentioned, would have put #19 and #20 on the board. I hope he is healthy and if he wants to continue being involved in a team, lands somewhere that is perfect for him.

There should be a “Thank you, Danny Ainge” thread started as soon as the announcement is official.
 

bsj

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100%. I'm sure the Jays will have plenty of input. Also hoping it's an established NBA HC but not sure who is available.
Beyond the Jays, I want to look at guys that we know OTHER teams stars like. We need to figure out a way to be a draw for the next crop of elite FAs when we are back in cap friendly places. They seemed not interested in playing for Stevens, and just plain didnt care for Danny at all.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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I mean, I love it mostly precisely because I was looking for a 76ers style reset. Very reasonable to have an instant reaction.
And what if I tell you that this will result in Tatum demanding a trade to Brooklyn or the Lakers? Would you love it then? I have no evidence that this will occur but its a possibility. Stay tuned!
 

bigq

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The Celtics offseason just got really interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.
 

greek_gawd_of_walks

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I know he just began a venture with that new high school basketball league, but Kevin Ollie has been my guy for awhile. Granted,I don't know if he's been out of the game too long to be relevant. Still,I'd love to at least have him on the interview list.
 

RG33

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I will also just say that personally, I will be very disappointed if a minority candidate is not hired as the next Coach of the Boston Celtics.
 

lovegtm

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And what if I tell you that this will result in Tatum demanding a trade to Brooklyn or the Lakers? Would you love it then? I have no evidence that this will occur but its a possibility. Stay tuned!
When was the last time you made a post that wasn't a pedantic reminder that we don't have access to all information?
 

nattysez

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If Brad is Director of BB Ops, "GM" is still available. He can be the guy making NBA moves while Brad focuses on college talent.
Thank goodness someone finally said this. The Warriors have Jerry West's Joe Lacob's kid as Director of Basketball Ops overseeing a real GM in Bob Myers. Stevens being DBO means Zarren is now up for a promotion to GM.
 

BrotherMouzone

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Aug 2, 2010
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Beyond the Jays, I want to look at guys that we know OTHER teams stars like. We need to figure out a way to be a draw for the next crop of elite FAs when we are back in cap friendly places. They seemed not interested in playing for Stevens, and just plain didnt care for Danny at all.
Huh? They signed max-contract free agents three times in like five years. Before Kyrie went off the rails in year 2 he was very complimentary of Stevens. And someone already mentioned it but Stevens was very well-received when he coached the ASG a few seasons back.
 

eddiew112

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And what if I tell you that this will result in Tatum demanding a trade to Brooklyn or the Lakers? Would you love it then? I have no evidence that this will occur but its a possibility. Stay tuned!
Fans of a team reacting to breaking news on a forum dedicated to that team, what a fucking strange concept indeed!
 

Ale Xander

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I will also just say that personally, I will be very disappointed if a minority candidate is not hired as the next Coach of the Boston Celtics.
Minority candidates with NBA assistant experience and Boston and/or Celtics connections include

Chauncey Billups
Sam Cassell
Ed Pinkney
Howard Eisley
 
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