Brad Stevens views sustainability as the key to a dynasty
Brad Stevens.
Since stepping into the Boston Celtics front office, Brad Stevens has constructed one of the best rosters in the NBA. On Wednesday, he made his first-ever first-round draft pick for the Celtics, having previously traded out of those positions.
Stevens selected Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick. He then took Anton Watson with the 54th pick on Thursday.
Both players have one thing in common: they're five-year talents in the collegiate ranks. Clearly, Stevens is looking for polished players with a lower ceiling rather than looking to hit a home run with late-round picks.
Stevens discussed his mantra of sustainability when speaking to the media as part of his post-draft news conference.
“One of my main objectives is to not have this be anything but sustainable — keep finding a way to be sustainable, keep finding a way to sustainably put yourself in the mix for years and years and years," Stevens said in a news conference. "It doesn't mean we're not going to have a down year, or rough year. ...But it's just not big dips. That's what we would like. It's hard to do.”
One of the best ways the Celtics can remain competitive in the long term is by drafting ready-made NBA talent. Boston already has the strongest roster in the league. It will likely enter next season as the favorite to secure another title. Players like Scheierman and Watson provide head coach Joe Mazzulla with talent that can be trusted to make an impact when called upon.
Furthermore, adding rookies, particularly later in the draft, is a cost-controlled way to round out the roster. The Celtics are already a second-apron team. They have multiple penalties for having such a high-cost roster. Finding low-cost contributors who can continue to improve and play a role is vital.
Stevens is an exceptional President of Basketball Operations. He has rapidly transformed the Celtics into a powerhouse. If he can find ways to keep Boston at the top of the NBA for years to come, he will be presiding over a dynasty. Clearly, he has a plan.
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