5 takeaways from Celtics president Brad Stevens’s latest media availability
The regular season is over. Here's an update from Brad Stevens.
The regular-season is officially in the books, and Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens held a press conference at the Auerbach Center on Tuesday.
He discussed a variety of topics, including Jrue Holiday’s extension, plans for Derrick White, and rumors about a college potentially reaching out to him about a head coaching vacancy.
Here are five takeaways from his comments.
Jrue Holiday got his extension. Could Derrick White be next?
The Celtics have certainly showed they aren’t afraid to spend this season, ensuring that their entire starting five plus Al Horford are under contract for next season.
The latest step in locking in the core was the four-year, $135-million extension that Jrue Holiday signed last week.
“I just think when you look at the kind of player that he is, what he’s capable on any given night, but also the fact that he can play off the ball and be as effective as he’s been it just shows another layer of what a guy can do,” said Stevens.
“I’ve been really impressed with Jrue,” he added. “And I think as you look at a person like him and think about the long-term of the group, you think obviously that you need really good players that can play on both ends of the court. But, you also want people that young players can look up to. He is a person they should look up to and certainly do look up to.”
The move comes after the Celtics extended the contracts of Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason. Jayson Tatum is eligible for a supermax extension this summer.
So, where does that leave Derrick White? White is under contract through next season, but is scheduled to become a free agent after that.
“I can’t talk about much with things that we’re not allowed to discuss until July 1st,” Stevens said. “But Derrick has had an amazing year. Derrick is a huge, huge part of our team and we want him around for as long as we can keep him.”
Celtics have future plans for Neemias Queta
The Celtics used their 15th roster spot on center Neemias Queta. Stevens said the decision goes deeper than just this season.
“We’ve had moments this year when we’ve had only two bigs available and oftentimes with (Queta) he’s been able to come in and really fill a role and keep our team at a high, high level,” Stevens said. “The likelihood of anybody you sign at that 15th spot playing huge minutes in a playoff run is probably pretty low, but he’s shown that he’s able to do that if surrounded by the right guys in the right role.”
“That was one thing and then obviously with the contract that we signed, we think (Queta) is more than just a right now player. We think he’s a guy that can help us in the future,” Stevens continued. “If you would have asked me going into the year with our four bigs, maybe we were a little bit unproven. By the middle of the year I was like, ‘damn that’s a really good group.’ They can really play. They can play Al at the four, Kristaps at the four, with those guys or single without them. So they gave us a lot of flexibility this year and (Queta) was a big part of it.”
Stevens addresses college rumors
Last week, CBS Sports’s Seth Davis tweeted that a possible return to college basketball should not be ruled out for Stevens.
“He’s an Indiana native,” Davis tweeted. “Perhaps if there’s a big job open in his native state next year… don’t rule it out. It’s more possible than you think.”
Stevens said his focus is on Boston’s upcoming playoff run.
“I don’t get into any of the rumor stuff,” Stevens said. “I’ve got a heck of an opportunity here. We’ve been here 11 years now and got the chance to see this team do a lot of cool things and go a long way. Our goals have been the same since we’ve moved here. We’d like to get over that hump. I’ve got plenty enough to do right now rather than think about all that stuff.”
Jeff Van Gundy’s impact as a consultant
Jeff Van Gundy has spent this season in consulting role with the Celtics. Stevens praised the job the former Knicks head coach has done behind the scenes.
“Jeff has been great, and I think it’s been all the way through that coaching staff. They’ve been terrific,” Stevens said. “Jeff in his consultant role, our six player enhancement coaches have been amazing with our stay ready group. You watch those guys off the bench play all season, particularly in the last two games, those guys can play and they’re ready to play.”
“And then the coaching staff has been really good at making sure we’re on the right track every single game,” Stevens added. “I would say it’s all been great. I will say this: I’ve known Jeff for a long time and have gotten the chance to spend a lot of time with him over the years. It is fun watching a game with him when he doesn’t have to speak in 15 second soundbites. He’s pretty entertaining.”
Celtics are healthy and well rested
Boston does not know which team it will face in the first round yet because the Play-In Tournament has to happen first.
But, the team is in a strong spot heading into the playoffs with the top overall seed, a healthy roster, and plenty of rest for key players over the last couple of weeks.
“I think everybody can look at it the way they want to look at it,” Stevens said. “Listen, the reality is that we’re going to have to play well on Sunday and beyond. I’ve seen teams that go in and they have to fight, scratch, and claw for everything and then they’re rolling.
“I’ve seen teams go in and rest, and I’ve seen both groups play well or poorly coming out of it,” he added. “The bottom line is, after practice today, tomorrow, Friday, we’re going to have to get ready to play well. So I don’t know if it’s ideal or not. I’m excited that everybody’s practicing today though.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com