TITLE: Brad Stevens says he is satisfied with Celtics’ performance and with his front-office role
SLUG: brad-stevens-content-with-celtics-role-2026
CONTENT:
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters Tuesday, April 7, that he is pleased with both the team’s progress this season and his own position in the organization.
Speaking in Boston before the Celtics’ victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Stevens dismissed recurring speculation that he might pursue coaching or executive openings elsewhere — a list that recently included the University of North Carolina before the school hired Michael Malone. “I like being here,” Stevens said. “I haven’t been seeking anything else.”
Unexpected surge despite early setbacks
The Celtics have overcome the offseason departures of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, along with the early-season absence of Jayson Tatum, who was recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. One win will clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, positioning Boston as a legitimate championship contender.
Stevens, who coached the team from 2013 to 2021 before moving upstairs, said his outlook remains day-to-day. “When we get into the playoffs, it’ll be the same thing. It’s one game at a time,” he noted.
Brown’s breakout, Tatum’s return fuel run
With Tatum sidelined until March 6, Jaylen Brown assumed the lead role, posting career-best averages of 28.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists and entering the crowded MVP discussion. Since Tatum’s return, Brown’s production has eased the forward’s transition back; Derrick White has provided similar support on defense.
Tatum has scored at least 20 points in six straight games, including Tuesday night, a stretch Stevens attributed to the star’s steady reconditioning and renewed confidence.
Depth pieces step forward
Stevens praised head coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff for maximizing a roster that has seen notable jumps from Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh and midseason addition Baylor Scheierman. Queta, once the fourth-string center, has emerged as a starter and one of the league’s most improved big men, contributing to Mazzulla’s consideration for Coach of the Year.
“Players, coaches, and everybody else that are up for all these awards … they certainly all deserve it,” Stevens said.
The comments marked Stevens’ first media session since Tatum’s comeback. He reiterated that the organization began to see a possible timeline for the forward’s return around the trade deadline, once medical and conditioning benchmarks were met.
The Celtics will attempt to secure the conference’s second seed in their next outing as they continue their push toward the postseason.
Source: ESPN
