It’s possible the Boston Celtics’ best recruiting chip is the man who calls the shots every night.
Brad Stevens is considered among many in the NBA world as an up-and-coming coach. He also has a good reputation among players, according to Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley.
“I’ve been hearing great things about Brad Stevens — that’s the buzz going around the league now,” Dudley said on a Grantland podcast, per ESPN.com. “Players, ex-players. I played with Jerryd Bayless, who played with him, different guys that have played for him.
“He, obviously, back then, he was a rookie coach … but he was coaching like a vet. He knew when to give rest to the guys, not be in practice too long; his Xs and Os; his confidence he instilled in his players; he was playing a lot of different guys. He just knew it.
“I think some people just get it at the young age. As you saw with (Golden State Warriors head coach Steve) Kerr, he had a great team, but he got it.”
Dudley then went a step further: “I keep hearing the buzz on (Stevens) a lot. He’d definitely be in my top two or top three (coaches you’d want to play for).”
Dudley also praised the Celtics for what they’ve been able to do in their continuous rebuild, applauding recent additions such as Isaiah Thomas last season and David Lee this summer.
Yet it still comes back to Stevens.
“And then, let’s just be honest, can anyone say — I know (Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason)Â Kidd’s up there — but is Brad Stevens not one of the best young coaches out there?” Dudley asked, according to ESPN.com. “I mean, come on, I’m super impressed with him and how he does his play-calling.”
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
