Brad Stevens continues to cement his reputation as a top executive in the NBA, with his draft decisions playing a key role in keeping the Boston Celtics competitive.
After moving from head coach to President of Basketball Operations, Stevens quickly found success, helping lead the team to an NBA Finals appearance and later a championship.
However, questions remained about his ability to draft talent.
The past few seasons have started to answer that.
According to Athlon Sports, Stevens’ draft picks have had a noticeable impact, especially as the Celtics dealt with injuries, including the absence of Jayson Tatum for a significant period of time.
Players like Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez have all contributed and added depth and energy to the roster.
Walsh showed his ability as a defender and goalscorer when given opportunities, while Scheierman impressed with his all-round play, including passing and floor spacing.
One of the newer signings, Gonzalez stood out at a young age for his maturity and versatility, drawing attention to his readiness at the professional level.
The success is notable considering all three players were selected later in the draft, an area where finding reliable contributors can be a challenge.
Stevens initially traded several early draft picks to acquire established players, a strategy that paid off.
Now, his ability to identify talent later in the draft adds another layer to Boston’s long-term strength.
