NBA: 5 most under-the-radar storylines of 2017-18
Brad Stevens would like a word
Can we all take a second, step back, and appreciate what Brad Stevens and the Celtics are doing?
Consider this: it’s acknowledged that Greg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA as widely as it is that the earth is round (ok, bad example…). Popovich has been without his best player for the entirety of the season, but otherwise has returned the same roster – a team full of vets that know the plays, schemes, etc. Popovich knew he’d be without Kawhi for a while since before training camp, so that’s helped. Still, they’ve started off 15-8, which is pretty damn outstanding.
The Celtic are 21-4. TWENTY ONE AND FOUR.
Stevens went into the year having rejiggered his offense around two new ball-dominant stars, and five minutes into the season one of them goes down. Enter Jason Tatum, who will be old enough to drink in a year and a half. They didn’t skip a beat, despite Tatum being one of nine new faces on the roster.
Continuity is one of the low-key secrets to success in the league, and Stevens – who himself looks like he needs to catch a ride to the ice-skating rink for his first date with Susie from 2nd period trig – is lapping he field.
Boston has the best defense in the league with Kyrie Irving of all people defending the point of attack. Al Horford is generating MVP buzz amongst stat nerds. Three rookie are getting rotation minutes.
Forget President…Stevens is The Magician.