Brad Stevens was one of the most respected and successful NBA coaches of the past decade. He led the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012 and was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year in 2015. However, despite his success, Stevens surprisingly resigned from his post with the Celtics in late August of 2020 and is no longer in the NBA. So what happened to Brad Stevens NBA career?
Rise to NBA Success
Brad Stevens was a relatively unknown college coach prior to his move to the NBA. He had a successful nine-year run at Butler University, where he led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Championship game in 2010 and 2011. His work at Butler caught the attention of the Celtics, who hired Stevens in 2013 to replace Doc Rivers.
Under Stevens, the Celtics quickly became a perennial playoff contender. In 2014, they reached the Eastern Conference Finals and in 2015, they won 48 games and Stevens was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year. The Celtics then made the playoffs in each of the next four seasons and reached the Eastern Conference Finals again in 2018.
The Decline of Brad Stevens
The beginning of the end for Stevens came in the summer of 2019. The Celtics had a talented roster and were expected to compete for an NBA title. However, the team was unable to reach its lofty expectations and was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.
The Celtics then made several major changes in the offseason. They traded away several key players and brought in a number of new ones, including Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter. Stevens was expected to integrate the new players into the team’s system quickly, but the Celtics struggled out of the gate and were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at the All-Star break.
The Decision to Resign
After a disappointing first half of the season, Stevens decided it was time to move on from the Celtics. He resigned from his post in late August and the team announced that his assistant, Jay Larranaga, would take over as head coach. In a statement, Stevens said he was “grateful for the opportunity” to coach the Celtics and that it was “time for a new voice.”
Reaction from Fans and Players
The announcement of Stevens’ resignation came as a surprise to many, as he had been a beloved figure in the Celtics organization and a respected coach in the NBA. Players and fans alike were sad to see him go and many took to social media to thank him for his contributions to the team.
The Aftermath of Stevens’ Resignation
The Celtics have yet to fill the void left by Stevens’ departure. Larranaga has been the team’s interim head coach and has led the team to a 25-17 record thus far. However, it remains to be seen if he will be able to keep the Celtics in contention in the East.
What’s Next for Brad Stevens?
After his departure from the Celtics, many have speculated about what Stevens will do next. He has reportedly been in contact with several teams, but is yet to make any definitive decisions.
Potential Destinations for Brad Stevens
There are a few potential destinations for Stevens in the NBA. One possibility is the New York Knicks, a team in desperate need of a competent head coach. Another potential landing spot is the Dallas Mavericks, who could use a coach with Stevens’ pedigree to help take the team to the next level.
Potential Opportunities Outside the NBA
Although Stevens is likely to stay in the NBA, there are a few potential opportunities outside the league. He has been linked to the University of Indiana, his alma mater, and could potentially return to college basketball. He has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the United States men’s national team.
Conclusion
Brad Stevens was one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NBA prior to his sudden resignation in August of 2020. Although his future in the league is uncertain, there are a number of potential opportunities for Stevens both inside and outside of the NBA.
No matter where Stevens ends up, he will have an impact. He is one of the most successful coaches in recent memory and will be remembered for his time in the NBA and his contributions to the Celtics organization.