Celtics’ Brad Stevens Receives High Ranking On New List Of Boston Sports Figures

On New Year’s Eve, MassLive’s Matt Vautour and Chris Mason published a list of the “25 people who will shape the future of Boston sports for the next 25 years,” and Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens featured prominently on the list.

Stevens was ranked No. 2, behind only New England Patriots president Jonathan Kraft.

“Stevens is one of the most respected personnel men in the sport,” Vautour and Mason wrote.”He’s made smart draft choices and shrewd trades to help construct one championship roster only to have to tear it down to avoid second apron luxury tax penalties. Stevens’ moves have already made the 2025-26 Celtics better. He’ll have Tatum coming back and more financial flexibility a year from now, leaving Stevens in position to set the course for the next decade.”

“His legacy and the Celtics’ immediate future will be determined by what happens next,” Vautour and Mason continued. “If he’s successful, he’ll be making a case for Hall of Fame enshrinement.”

Jordan Walsh is 21 making $2.2 million annually

Josh Minott is 23 making $2.5 million annually

Hugo Gonzalez is 19 making $2.7 million annually

Neemias Queta is 26 making $2.3 million annually

All young players that have contributed this season. Brad Stevens is a genius. pic.twitter.com/1rEjwIIdO1

— jb (@lockedupjb) December 8, 2025

Stevens began his NBA journey in 2013 as head coach of the Celtics, following a stellar college tenure at Butler University where he led the Bulldogs to consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances in 2010 and 2011. Over eight seasons coaching the Celtics, Stevens compiled a 354-282 regular-season record, guiding the team to seven playoff berths and three Eastern Conference Finals runs in 2017, 2018, and 2020.

In 2021, Stevens transitioned to the President of Basketball Operations role, succeeding Danny Ainge. His front-office moves, including acquiring Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, built a powerhouse that captured the 2024 NBA Championship, earning him Executive of the Year honors. The 2024-25 season saw Boston post a 61-21 record but end in a Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the New York Knicks in six games.

Amid a 2025 offseason roster overhaul, the Celtics entered the 2025-26 campaign under new owner Bill Chisholm. Boston hasn’t suffered much of a regression, despite being without Jayson Tatum while he recovers from an Achilles tear. This is a testament to the culture that Stevens has built in Boston, not to mention the roster construction he’s achieved from top to bottom.