After the championship parade, Brad Stevens re-emerged in the public eye. Unlike Joe Mazzulla, who celebrated the title with numerous appearances around Boston, Stevens maintained a more reserved demeanor. He expressed that winning the championship did not alter his perception of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Though he cherished the moment on Causeway Street, Stevens reminded everyone that the NBA will soon move on to the next season, where new challenges and expectations await. He acknowledged that Kristaps Porziņģis would soon undergo surgery, sidelining him for 5-6 months, and that Mikal Bridges would be moving to New York.
Stevens highlighted the mental challenge of maintaining excellence after a championship win. He noted that the praise and support would fade quickly, and the team needed to stay true to themselves, surround themselves with good people, and return both healthy and motivated. He looked forward to the challenge of defending their title, anticipating that Joe Mazzulla already had plans for the first few practices.
The Celtics plan to retain their core roster as they aim to repeat as NBA champions. However, questions remain about how they will prepare for the future beyond this season. Porziņģis’ absence will test their depth, and Stevens mentioned the team’s priorities for the summer, including the hope to extend Derrick White and Sam Hauser and maintain continuity at the center position and within the coaching staff. One certainty is that Jayson Tatum will sign a five-year, $315 million super max contract.
It seems unlikely that late draft picks Baylor Scheierman from Creighton and Anton Watson from Gonzaga will have an immediate impact on the Celtics. Nevertheless, their addition is part of Boston’s strategy to sustain the team’s success. Scheierman, the 30th overall pick, will be on a minimum salary, while Watson is expected to join on a two-way deal. Stevens emphasized the importance of fit, character, and talent over the age of college players, with Scheierman’s impressive shooting and overall abilities adding to his appeal.
Stevens also acknowledged the financial constraints the team faces, including the limitations imposed by the new salary cap rules. He indicated that the Celtics would primarily be limited to minimum-level contracts and could not take on more salary in trades. This means the team will need to be strategic in avoiding significant dips in performance.
Key players like Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Oshae Brissett, who helped sustain the team through injuries and rest nights, are entering free agency. Stevens’ comments about minimum deals could apply to both outside additions and retaining their own free agents. Boston has Kornet and Tillman’s Bird rights, making raises possible, while Brissett’s salary can only increase by 140%. Each additional million spent in salary includes a significant tax hit, making minimum contracts effectively much more expensive.
Scheierman’s arrival at 23 years old, along with Watson, represents another effort by the team to enhance its depth and development. Stevens downplayed concerns about older college players, prioritizing character, fit, and talent. Scheierman’s strong shooting record and versatile skills made him an attractive pick, despite the associated salary and tax implications.
Stevens is also looking to retain two-way guard JD Davison for another year. Although Davison has played sparingly for Boston, he excelled in the G-League, averaging impressive stats. Jaden Springer, in the final year of his rookie contract, also remains a developmental prospect for the team.
The Celtics, like most teams, invest in drafting and developing younger players. However, they must emphasize this more due to the repeater luxury tax starting in 2025-26, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum commanding a significant portion of the team’s cap space. In an era where roster movement is increasingly restricted for high-spending teams, sustaining success through internal development becomes crucial. Both Danny Ainge and Stevens have expressed a desire to avoid major performance dips, striving for consistent competitiveness.
The day after their championship win, members of the front office returned to the Auerbach Center to conduct a draft workout, underscoring the continued importance of the draft for Boston. Despite trading many picks in recent years, Stevens stressed the need to navigate financial and basketball challenges while assembling the best possible roster. His goal is to ensure the team’s long-term sustainability, aiming to remain competitive without experiencing significant downturns. This approach acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining such a high standard but underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to build a resilient and successful team.
