The Boston Celtics were busy in the offseason, making trades and trying to get under the second apron. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has shared some insider information about the franchise’s decisions this past summer.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Jay King, the Celtics were very upfront with the players, coaches and everyone involved in the team’s daily operations. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but the goal was to get away from the second apron.
“We were very forthright with everybody. We tried to be as proactive (as possible) communicating that, ‘Hey, these things are gonna happen. We’re gonna bring in young, hungry, maybe unproven, maybe a little scarred, but high-character people that are gonna play hard, that want to be a part of something special,’” Stevens said.
The Celtics already lost Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles injury in the playoffs, so there was no point in paying for an inexpensive team with no chances of winning a title. They were transparent with everyone, including Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
Porzingis was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks, while Holiday was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers. Horford and Kornet left in free agency, signing with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, respectively.
Joe Mazzulla Not Making ‘Adjustments’ For New Players
Less than two years after winning a championship, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is tasked with developing the current roster after the moves they made in the offseason. Mazzulla told CLNS Media doesn’t like to use the word “adjustments,” but it’s all about developing relationships with the new players.
“I think adjustment’s the wrong word. It’s not adjusting, it’s developing a relationship. It’s growing together, having an understanding, it’s not this way or the highway. That’s what training camp is about. That’s what the six to nine weeks in the summer that are about,” Mazzulla said.
The Celtics brought in several free agents like Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Josh Minott and Jalen Bridges. They also draftedHugo Gonzales, who could be ready to make a big impact as a rookie, and acquired Anfernee Simons from the Jrue Holiday deal.
Mazzulla emphasized the importance of creating a team identity amid a difficult season without Jayson Tatum. Some players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have improved roles on both sides of the floor, while Simons is expected to be the team’s sixth man.
Celtics Embrace Help From Tom Thibodeau
A few months after getting dismissed by the New York Knicks, former coach Tom Thibodeau was a special guest of the Boston Celtics during the preseason. Jaylen Brown revealed after Sunday’s practice that Thibodeau was very helpful in understanding their loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“I think that was awesome having Thibs. Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series and some of the stuff that they broke down in our personnel — or even our team — helps us grow and learn from that,” Brown said.
The Celtics open the season on October 22 at the TD Garden against the Philadelphia 76ers. They have the fourth-worst odds to win the Eastern Conference this season.
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