Brad Stevens receives highest honor for NBA executive
The Boston Celtics finished the 2023-2024 NBA regular season with a league-best 64-18 record, and are among the top favorite to win the NBA Finals this year. Now, the man responsible for putting that team together is getting his recognition from the league.
On Tuesday, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was announced as NBA Executive of the Year for the 2023-2024 season. Stevens won rather handily, receiving 16 first-place votes and 101 totals points in the voting. The next closest GM was Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti, with four first-place votes (tied with Minnesota’s Tim Connelly) and 47 points.
Year 3 at the helm and Brad Stevens is Executive of the Year. pic.twitter.com/v4wewKCmbw
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 30, 2024
This is the first ‘Executive of the Year’ win for Stevens, who was promoted from head coach to his current role following the 2021 season. He’s the third Celtics executive to win the award, following Danny Ainge (2007-08) and Red Auerbach (1979-80). The NBA introduced the award in the 1972-1973 season.
While Stevens was still the head coach when stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were drafted under Ainge’s leadership, the made multiple moves that proved key to this season. This past summer he traded guard Marcus Smart in a deal that netted the Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis, then acquired guard Jrue Holliday in a deal that sent center Robert Williams to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Stevens has since signed Porzingis and Holliday to contract extensions. Point guard Payton Pritchard got a contract extension this seas as well.
“I am so thankful to work for the Celtics,” Stevens said via a statement released by the team following the announcement. “Our ownership group has given us the support and resources to build this team. The players, coaches, front office, and support staff are amazing – superstars in their jobs across the board. This recognition has everything to do with the team, and nothing to do with any one individual. Great teams require that everyone in the building is fully committed to each other and moving in one direction. With that in mind, we are onto Game 5!”
Game 5 between the Celtics and the Miami Heat is a potential close-out game for Boston. Coverage of that one can be heard on the BetMGM 98.5 The Sports Hub Celtics Radio Network starting with pregame at 7:00 p.m. ET. on Wednesday.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
