Brad Stevens Adds Pressure on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown

Brad Stevens challenges Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to continue growing as leaders.

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In June, the Boston Celtics traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis. As captured on WEEI by Jones & Mego with Arcand, Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, complimented Smart on his involvement in the Boston community.

“(Marcus Smart) does a lot in the community… One of the things that has been one of the nice parts about the job, and I got in more as a coach, was going to visit (Boston) Children’s (Hospital)... Marcus was great with that.”

Brad Stevens addresses trading Marcus Smart and says they need Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to take that role, “We need Jayson and Jaylen to continue to grow in that area, and I think they’re among the best that they can be, and we need them to step up to that.” pic.twitter.com/RppeNRxlwd

— WEEI Afternoon Show (@WEEIAfternoons) August 29, 2023

On the topic of Smart’s departure, Stevens indicated he would like for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to further develop their voice and leadership skills.

"We've been chock-full of a lot of quality people for a long time and that gives other people a voice... Obviously, we need Jayson (Tatum) and Jaylen (Brown) to continue to grow in that area and we think they’re among the best that there can be.”

Stevens indicated that other members of the Celtics also have the chance to fill Smart’s shoes.

“Other people will have an opportunity to do so. Any time that you have somebody that plays such a big role and has such a big personality (leave), there’s options or opportunities for somebody to step into that. He’s a good one, and we’ll miss him.”

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