5 takeaways from Brad Stevens’ latest Celtics media availability

The regular season is officially over and Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens held a press conference at the Auerbach Center on Tuesday.

He discussed a variety of topics including Jrue Holiday’s extension, plans for Derrick White and rumors that a university might contact him about a vacant head coaching position.

Here are five takeaways from his comments.

Jrue Holiday got his extension. Could Derrick White be next?

The Celtics have certainly shown that they are not afraid to spend this season, ensuring that all of their five starters as well as Al Horford are under contract for next season.

The final step in locking down the core was the four-year, $135 million extension that Jrue Holiday signed last week.

“I just think when you look at the kind of player he is, what he’s capable of on a given night, but also the fact that he can play on the ball and be as effective as he has been, It just shows another layer of what a guy can do,” Stevens said.

“I was really impressed with Jrue,” he added. “And I think when you look at a person like him and think about the long term of the group, you obviously think you need really good players who can play on both ends of the court. But you also want people that younger players can look up to. This is a person they should look up to and certainly do.

The move comes after the Celtics extended the contracts of Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason. Jayson Tatum is eligible for a supermax extension this summer.

So where does that leave Derrick White? White is under contract until next season, but is then expected to become a free agent.

“I can’t talk much about things we’re not allowed to discuss until July 1,” Stevens said. “But Derrick had an incredible year. Derrick is a huge, very important part of our team and we want him to be there as long as we can keep him.

Celtics have future plans for Neemias Queta

The Celtics used their 15th pick on center Neemias Queta. Stevens said the decision goes beyond this season.

“We’ve had times this year where we’ve only had two big players available and a lot of times with (Queta) he’s been able to come in and really fill a role and keep our team at a very high level,” Stevens said. “The likelihood of someone you draft at that 15th spot playing huge minutes in the playoffs is probably pretty low, but he’s shown he’s capable of doing it if he’s surrounded by the right guys in the right role.”

“It was one thing and obviously with the contract we signed, we think (Queta) is more than just a player of the moment. We think he’s a guy that can help us in the future.” , Stevens continued. “If you had asked me to start the year with our big four, maybe we hadn’t proven ourselves yet, by the middle of the year I was like, ‘Damn. , it’s a really good group.” They can play Al four, Kristaps four, with those guys or single without them. played a big role in it.

Stevens responds to college rumors

Last week, CBS Sports’ Seth Davis tweeted that a possible return to college basketball shouldn’t be ruled out for Stevens.

“He’s from Indiana,” Davis tweeted. “Maybe if there’s a big job opening in his home state next year… don’t rule it out.” It’s more possible than you think.

Stevens said he is focused on Boston’s upcoming playoff run.

“I’m not interested in rumors,” Stevens said. “I have a hell of an opportunity here. We have been here for 11 years now and have been fortunate to see this team do a lot of cool things and go far. Our goals have been the same since we moved here. We would like to overcome this obstacle. I have enough things to do right now rather than thinking about all this.

Jeff Van Gundy’s impact as a consultant

Jeff Van Gundy spent this season in a consulting role with the Celtics. Stevens praised the work the former Knicks head coach did behind the scenes.

“Jeff has been great, and I think that’s shown throughout his coaching staff. They’ve been great,” Stevens said. “Jeff, in his consulting role, our six player development coaches have been amazing with our preparation group. You watch these guys play off the bench all season, especially the last two games, these guys can play and they’re ready to play.

“And then the coaching staff has been really good at making sure we’re on track every game,” Stevens added. “I would say everything went well. I will say this: I have known Jeff for a long time and have been fortunate to spend a lot of time with him over the years. It’s fun to watch a game with him when he doesn’t have to talk in 15 seconds. It’s quite entertaining.

The Celtics are healthy and well rested

Boston does not yet know which team it will face in the first round because the Play-In tournament must take place first.

But the team is in a strong position heading into the playoffs with the top seed, a healthy roster and plenty of rest for key players over the final two weeks.

“I think everyone can see things however they want,” Stevens said. “Look, the reality is we’re going to have to play well on Sunday and beyond. I’ve seen teams that come in and have to fight and scratch and claw for everything and then they roll.

“I’ve seen teams come in and rest, and I’ve seen both groups play well or play poorly coming out,” he added. “At the end of the day, after today’s practice, tomorrow Friday, we’ll have to prepare to play well. So I don’t know if it’s ideal or not. I’m glad everyone is training today though.