Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens spoke to members of the media at the team’s practice facility late Thursday night following a busy NBA draft that saw the team connect on a number of minor deals. Boston’s trade the day prior took priority, however.
The previous evening, the Celtics agreed to send Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a massive three-team deal that will land former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis in Boston next season. As such, the Celtics are swapping the club’s longest-tenured player and emotional leader for a dynamic but risky talent upgrade. Stevens spoke at length about what Smart represented to the Celtics on and off the court. He also outlined his enthusiasm for Porzingis’ arrival.
