{"id":81778,"date":"2024-06-18T02:27:15","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T06:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=81778"},"modified":"2024-06-18T19:55:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T23:55:53","slug":"the-best-moves-of-the-brad-stevens-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/the-best-moves-of-the-brad-stevens-era\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Moves Of The Brad Stevens Era"},"content":{"rendered":"

In honor of the Celtics securing the NBA title and winning a record-breaking 18th championship, it’s time to think about the moves that got them here. Danny Ainge<\/a> laid the foundation by drafting Jaylen Brown<\/a> in 2016 and then Jayson Tatum<\/a> in 2017. However, Brad Stevens completed the core with four key trades. Let’s look back at these trades and the impact of the players involved in them.<\/p>\n

The Best Moves Of The Brad Stevens Era<\/h2>\n

Al Horford<\/h3>\n

In the 2019 offseason, Al Horford<\/a> left the Celtics for the 76ers. When Stevens transitioned from coaching to management in 2021 he knew he\u2019d have to get Horford back who was then on the Thunder. The Celtics traded<\/a> Kemba Walker<\/a>, the 16th overall pick, a 2025 second-round pick for Horford, Moses Brown<\/a>, and a 2023 second-round pick. This deal proved to be incredible value for the Celtics, especially considering Walker\u2019s career would shortly be over. Walker, dealing with various injuries, only played 46 more games in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Horford reignited his career with the Celtics and brought a crucial leadership presence. In his three seasons since returning to Boston, Horford is averaging 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks on .591\/.403\/.829 shooting splits. Horford\u2019s abilities as a floor spacer and switchable defender have been crucial to the Celtics’ success. Notably before winning this year, Horford had played in the second-most playoff games without winning a championship. With a ring and a superb 17-year career, Horford has cemented himself as a Hall of Famer.<\/p>\n

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Once again, it’s time to get Horford off this list…<\/p>\n

MOST PLAYOFF GAMES PLAYED, NO CHAMPIONSHIPS 193 Karl Malone<\/a>
\n185 AL HORFORD
\n181 John Stockton<\/a>
\n167 Sam Perkins<\/a>
\n166 James Harden<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dick Lipe (@DickLipe) June 17, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n