BOSTON — Brad Stevens had a lot to learn when he first entered the NBA. Among those lessons: Navigating the crazy world of the trade deadline.
The league’s Feb. 18 trade deadline is fast approaching, and with that has come all sorts of scuttlebutt about big names potentially being on the move. (Blake Griffin to the Oklahoma City Thunder? Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors??)
The Celtics have been involved in several rumors themselves, and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge never has been shy about making moves to improve his team. One would understand if Stevens, a 39-year-old coach in just his third NBA season, glanced up from his routine to check out said rumors every once in a while.
But Stevens apparently is taking a more “hands off” approach to this season’s deadline.
“We’re just all listening and laughing and trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not, but not putting a lot of a stock into it until somebody knocks on our door,” Stevens said before Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
In fact, the head coach says he’s all but tuned out the speculation that’s swirled around the team, which he admits wasn’t exactly the case when he joined the Celtics in 2013.
“I probably followed up on every third rumor my first year,” Stevens added. “And I don’t think I’ve followed up on one yet. If Danny wants to talk to me about something, he knows where to find me.”
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Let’s hit a few other notes from Celtics-Pistons:
— Speaking of the trade deadline… Here’s what forward Tyler Zeller told GateHouse Media’s Scott Souza about the possibility of a trade:
Zeller played 13Â minutes Wednesday, marking the second consecutive game he’s seen significant time. That could mean Stevens’ trust in the big man is growing, but it also could mean the C’s are showcasing Zeller with the hopes of moving him before the trade deadline. He hasn’t been mentioned in any trade rumors to date, however.
— Marcus Smart’s dramatic turnaround from 3-point range continued Wednesday.
The 21-year-old guard went 4 for 7 from distance and actually scored all 12 of his points on 3-pointers. Smart has hit more than half of his 3-pointers in two of the last three games, but his head coach has a pretty simple explanation for Smart’s recent success.
“I think part of it’s just the law of averages,” Stevens said. “He’s a way better shooter than his percentages were a few weeks ago.”
— Evan Turner was mic’d up for CSN New England’s broadcast of the game. As expected, the colorful swingman had several amusing things to say throughout the contest. But when asked about the experience after the game, he didn’t single out a favorite, instead electing to select everything.
“I think everything should be quoted and put in like a little book, you know?” Turner joked. “That’s just how I feel about my life in general. It’s all worth hearing and worth reading.”
— The Celtics continue to surge up the Eastern Conference standings. Wednesday’s victory marked the team’s seventh win in its last eight games and Boston’s sixth consecutive home win. The C’s are tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the East’s No. 3 seed at 29-22.
— Jordan Mickey was named to the D-League All-Star Game, but the rookie forward told Celtics.com’s Marc D’Amico he’s unlikely to play in the Feb. 13 contest. Mickey still is rehabbing from a sprained ankle and did some light on-court work before Wednesday’s game.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
