Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said Wednesday that boosting the team’s ability to score at the rim will be a prime objective this summer.
“I think that one of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim,” Stevens told reporters during his end-of-season news conference. “I think we need to add to our team to do that.”
Boston finished last in the NBA in shots within five feet, averaging 21.9 attempts per game, according to NBA.com. The Suns ranked 29th at 23.7, while the league-leading Pelicans took 38.7 shots per game from that distance.
The Celtics instead leaned on long-range shooting, placing fourth in three-point attempts during the regular season at 42.1 per game. That figure jumped to 46.1 in their first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia, the highest mark among postseason clubs.
Asked whether the offensive approach will change, Stevens said style must follow personnel. “I just want to win,” he noted. “I don’t think play style comes before roster. You’ve got to figure out who you have and then play to the strengths of your team.”
Support for Mazzulla
Stevens acknowledged that everyone, including head coach Joe Mazzulla and his assistants, could have performed better against the 76ers. Still, he reiterated full confidence in the staff. “I think our coaching staff, like all of us, can continue to improve and get better,” he said. “That said, I think they’re very good, and we need to continue to provide them the resources to grow.”
Potential Roster Movement
The front-office chief avoided specifics on possible transactions, but his comments fueled speculation about significant roster adjustments, The Athletic reported. Separately, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus examined what a trade package for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo might look like if Boston decided to enter the sweepstakes, though no concrete links have surfaced.
Owners Eye NFL Franchise
In ownership news, minority shareholders Aditya Mittal and Wyc Grousbeck are preparing a bid for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, according to Sportico. Mittal, the franchise’s second-largest stakeholder, joined the Celtics when Bill Chisholm assumed control. Grousbeck, a former governor and majority owner, now holds an alternate governor title alongside Mittal.
The Celtics enter the offseason seeking ways to balance their prolific perimeter attack with greater interior force as Stevens weighs roster tweaks and stands behind his coaching staff.
Source: Hoops Rumors
