Brad Stevens: A Look at His Tenure as Head Coach
Brad Stevens is one of the most renowned and successful head coaches in the NBA today. He is currently the head coach of the Boston Celtics, a role he has held since 2013. In this article, we will look back at his time as head coach, from his appointment to the present day.
Early Career
Prior to joining the Celtics, Stevens had a successful college career, having coached the Butler Bulldogs of the NCAA, where he led them to two consecutive NCAA Championship games in 2010 and 2011. He also made five NCAA tournament appearances in just six seasons.
Appointment as Head Coach of the Celtics
In 2013, Stevens was appointed head coach of the Boston Celtics, replacing Doc Rivers. It was a bold move from the Celtics, as Stevens was relatively inexperienced at the time, having only spent six years in college coaching. However, Stevens’ appointment was welcomed by many, as his college success and ambition for the game had already made him a popular figure in the NBA.
Early Success
Stevens’ first few seasons with the Celtics saw some impressive successes. In his first season with the team, he led them to the playoffs, and the following year, he saw the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. This success continued, with the Celtics reaching the playoffs in five of his first six seasons with the team.
Recent Struggles
In recent seasons, the Celtics have struggled to replicate their earlier successes. In the 2019-20 season, the Celtics were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the 2020-21 season saw the team struggle throughout the regular season, eventually being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Notable Achievements
Despite the Celtics’ recent struggles, Stevens has achieved some impressive successes as head coach of the team. He has won three Atlantic Division championships, and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2018. He has also won the NBA’s Coach of the Month award six times, and was named Coach of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2019.
Tactical Approach
One of the reasons for Stevens’ success as head coach is his tactical approach. He is known for his thoughtful and considered approach to the game, and he has implemented a number of innovative strategies, such as the use of the ‘small ball’ lineup, which has helped the Celtics to remain competitive.
Player Development
Stevens has also made a name for himself as an excellent developer of young talent. He has helped to nurture the talents of players such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and his team has been praised for its ability to develop young players.
Impact on the Celtics
Stevens’ impact on the Celtics has been significant. He has been credited with helping to turn the team around, and his teams have consistently been competitive in the Eastern Conference. He has also helped to create a winning culture at the team, and his players have consistently praised his impact.
How Long Was Brad Stevens Head Coach?
Brad Stevens has been head coach of the Boston Celtics since 2013, and is currently in his eighth season with the team. He has had a successful tenure, leading the team to five playoff appearances in his first six seasons with the team, and winning three Atlantic Division championships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brad Stevens has been a highly successful head coach for the Boston Celtics. He has achieved a number of impressive successes, both in terms of team success and player development, and has been credited with creating a winning culture at the team. He has been head coach since 2013, and is currently in his eighth season with the team.