Brad Stevens admits he learned 'a lot' from Bill Belichick and Patriots

Oct 2, 2023; Boston, Celtics, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks during Boston Celtics Media Day. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens witnessed the entire second half of the New England Patriots' dynasty up close.

As the Celtics' head coach from 2013-2021, he was around to see Bill Belichick lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl victories in a four-year stretch.

When appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," Stevens recalled walking through the Patriots building and seeing so many great minds at work, including Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Josh McDaniels, and of course, Belichick.

"I move out here, and you're right in the middle of the Patriots' dynasty," said Stevens. "The quarterback room, when I went and sat down with those guys, it's Brady and Garoppolo and Brissett and Josh. You have all of these future head coaches walking all over that building, and Bill is obviously the most amazing resource you could ever have here. So you learn a lot from those people."

Belichick and Stevens grew to become friends over the years. Even after splitting with the Patriots in January, Belichick was still spotted in the Celtics' suite chatting it up with Stevens during the NBA playoffs.

The Celtics finally got over the hump and won their 18th championship in franchise history by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Belichick sent his congratulations to the team and fans on social media after the victory.

There's truth to the old adage of iron sharpening iron. Stevens surrounded himself with championship-minded individuals. and he eventually became a champion as well.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Brad Stevens admits he learned 'a lot' from Bill Belichick and Patriots