Celtics’ Josh Minott Is Latest Example Of Brad Stevens’ Razor-Sharp Talent Radar

Brad Stevens has transformed the Boston Celtics into perennial contenders over the past decade both as a coach and through shrewd personnel decisions as a GM. His latest low-cost gem, Josh Minott, is already paying massive dividends just weeks into the 2025-26 season. The 22-year-old forward, signed to a team-friendly two-year, $5 million deal in July, embodies Stevens’ knack for unearthing high-upside players overlooked elsewhere.

With the Celtics stumbling to an 0-3 start amid a roster reset, Minott’s insertion into the starting lineup sparked back-to-back victories, signaling he could emerge as a cornerstone asset.

Stevens’ front-office wizardry dates back to move to the front office in 2021. He orchestrated the acquisition of Derrick White in 2022, turning a modest trade into a defensive anchor who evolved into an All-Defensive force and clutch performer en route to a title. That blueprint repeated with Jrue Holiday’s sign-and-trade last summer and Kristaps Porziņģis’ deal, both injecting the roster with talent that propelled Boston to dominance—moves still praised in offseason retrospectives despite this year’s apron-forced departures.

Even in a challenging 2025 free agency, Stevens hit on an awesome prospect in the draft with Hugo González.

But back to Minott. In his first start against the New Orleans Pelicans, he tallied 15 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes, fueling a 32-point rout. He followed with 11 points and a career-high 14 boards against the Cleveland Cavaliers, outworking Evan Mobley. Coach Joe Mazzulla has raves about Minott’s “situational play” and relentless motor, while teammates like Jaylen Brown have also praised Minott.

For a retooling Celtics squad navigating luxury tax limits, Minott’s “Lawnmower” energy is suddenly powering Boston’s starting five at bargain value. If he sustains this trajectory, it will be a reminder that Stevens’s eye for overlooked talent remains unmatched.