The audacious changes that led to Brad Stevens' new role and a Game 1 Boston Celtics win

play

One year ago, Boston Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca replaced their successful coach with a new one.

It would have been hard to believe if anyone on the dais on June 2, 2021, had been told that the Celtics would win the NBA title the following year. Danny Ainge built the bones of a team that is three wins away from a title.

Stevens, the Celtics' former coach turned executive, and his maneuvers since accepting the shocking promotion have been both superb.

Many of Stevens' moves over the past year have provided instant and overwhelming returns as the Celtics have assembled a five-month rally that has them stalking their first title in 14 years.

Ime Udoka was hired as his replacement because of his history of learning under Popovich in San Antonio. This group of younger players needed Udoka's blend of tough love and resilience to be what they were looking for. The Celtics' potential has been unlocked by Udoka reaching the team in a way that Stevens hadn't.

Bill Russell didn't have equity in his job, so he stepped in to replace Red Auerbach. It was a big gamble for Stevens to hire his successor.

"It was a different situation that a lot of people may not think is appealing, but I think it's only a benefit to have a guy that's coached for seven, eight years in the building with the same guys down the hall."

Stevens has been through a lot and we talk about it. Let me do what I do. It's helped out this year in a unique circumstance.

Kemba Walker was traded for Al Horford. This was the first step in establishing how things would be in Boston. Signing Walker to a four-year max contract was a mistake and Horford walking to the 76ers hurt the team, according to the Celtics.

Stevens sent a pick in the first round to do the deal. This wouldn't have been a typical Ainge move, as he preferred to use picks on players he wanted to chase a celebrity. The core of the team is made up of players drafted by Ainge. Stevens made Horford a priority even though he was a 35-year-old role player.

Do you have a good idea of the NBA draft? You can play for free and compete for a chance to win. An entry can be created.

During the season and in the playoffs, the move has been a big plus. Horford has been the hero many times in the playoffs.

Stevens signed center Robert Williams III to a four-year $48 million extension. Williams had been plagued by injuries over the first three years of his career and the transaction was seen as a bit of a stretch at the time.

Williams became one of the league's defensive difference-makers and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team. He played a big role in the victory, blocking four shots and being a threat around the rim.

At the first trade deadline in February, Stevens traded a first-round draft pick and a future pick swap with the Spurs for a player. Stevens went against the grain that Ainge had established by investing in a role player.

White, who was signed to a long-term deal worth $17 million per year, has proved to be an ideal fit for the team. Marcus Smart was freed up to be the Celtics' primary point guard, and a perfect combo guard off the bench, because of the trade away of Dennis Schroder.

Stevens said after acquiring White that he wanted to add guys that he could see playing in a seven-game playoff series. They can help you win by playing a role in it.

White had a great Finals debut, scoring 21 points and making five 3-pointers.

In the first year of work for the Celtics under their rookies president and coach, it is a masterpiece. Stevens finished in the middle of the pack in the Executive of the Year voting. It can turn into an 18-month award if the true work is not seen in a single-season cycle.

At this point in time, the ultimate hardware is close to being perfect. It's possible because of Stevens' touch.

And quickly.