Brad Stevens has been at the forefront of an unexpected basketball resurgence in Boston, leading his Celtics to the brink of the postseason in just his second year at the helm.
The speedy turnaround from the 25-win clunker that was Stevens’ first season, especially given the exodus of nearly all of the team’s household names along the way, has raised the question of whether the 38-year-old deserves consideration for the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award.
In the mind of Stevens’ boss, the answer is no.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Thursday that while he’s been thrilled with the job Stevens has done this season, his coach of the year vote would go to someone with a few more W’s to his credit.
“In reality, I wouldn’t vote for him for coach of the year, because there have been some teams with great winning (records), and I think that award should go to a coach with more wins,” Ainge said in his weekly interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich.” “Having said that, I give Brad an A-plus for the job he has done. He’s done a magnificent job.
“Brad has been fantastic, and I wouldn’t trade him for any coach in the league. I love the guy.”
Ainge’s stance is not an uncommon one. The overwhelming favorites to win the award this season are Atlanta’s Mike Budenholzer and Golden State’s Steve Kerr, who have led the Hawks and Warriors to first place in their respective conferences.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
