Brad Stevens has been a successful collegiate head coach, NBA head coach, and NBA executive. The Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations is now searching for his first Division I or NBA championship, as the Celtics are only two wins away after defeating Dallas 2-0 on Sunday night.
How effective has Stevens been in his tenure with Boston, first as a coach from 2013 to 2021, and now as its top executive? Former Golden State Warriors teammate and current ESPN analyst Bob Myers wants to crown Brad Stevens the NBA Finals MVP!
Myers made the remarks after the Celtics won Game 2 105-98.
Myers suggested that it should belong to Stevens because he has actually built a terrific team in Boston, one that can be carried by a variety of players on any given night.
That has been the case thus far in the 2024 NBA Finals against the Mavericks. Jayson Tatum, their finest player, has struggled with his shooting in the first two games. He’s just 12-38, but he performs well in other areas.
But it hasn’t mattered. Jaylen Brown, their second-best player, has played well, but he hasn’t been spectacular. However, players such as Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White have all played prominent roles in the first two games. Stevens acquired these three players as POBO. Porzingis and Holiday were both acquired last offseason in moves that appear to be genius.
The trade for Derrick White could have been Brad Stevens’ best decision. In February 2022, the Celtics gave up almost nothing in exchange for White. All he’s done is become one of the league’s top role players, a defensive standout and a consistent scorer on offense.
Their bench is also excellent, and the pieces fit together seamlessly. I understand Bob Myers’ point of view, as Stevens is perhaps the most valuable individual in that organization.
Of course, they will not select Brad Stevens as the NBA Finals MVP. Sportsbooks currently have Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in a dead heat, provided the Celtics win.
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