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The lack of NBA basketball hasn’t stopped Brad Stevens from doing his job. In a media availability, Stevens spoke on a number of topics, ranging from his personal activities since the hiatus began to how the Celtics and the players are keeping in touch despite the distance.
Brad Stevens said he’s gone for walks, but hasn’t been in his car other to move it into a new spot in 16 days.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 27, 2020
“My thoughts are with everybody who’s really facing this thing. You just feel so bad.”
He set up a PowerPoint for his kids about the coronavirus and its impact.
As a responsible member of society, Brad Stevens has safely practiced social distancing since the NBA was shut down over two weeks ago. The fact that he educated his children on the progressing pandemic via PowerPoint is exceptionally on brand for him, and it’s also good parenting. Stevens’ reach isn’t limited to just his immediate family, though.
Brad Stevens said players have had bikes and individual weights delivered. There have been some voluntary virtual strength and conditioning sessions. Said they have teleconferences a couple times a week to see each other’s faces and talk about non-basketball things.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 27, 2020
It’s refreshing to see that Stevens and the coaching staff are prioritizing the Celtics – the humans over the Celtics – the basketball players. While still making sure that players are staying active, Stevens is ensuring that the players are talking about non-basketball things and are having good communication. Since everyone is isolated at home, I’m sure we can all appreciate the value that this has.
There’s no way to tell when basketball will be back, but having strength and conditioning equipment sent to the players is a good way for them to at least stay ready to a certain extent. It’s great that the team can experience some kind of togetherness in isolation through the voluntary sessions.
Brad Stevens said he doesn’t consider it appropriate right now to hammer basketball with the Celtics players. He’s obviously preparing for the season to resume, if it does, but he knows a lot of things are more important right now.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 27, 2020
Thankfully, Brad Stevens’ Dad Brad sense of humor hasn’t gone away by staying home either:
Someone asked Brad Stevens if he could use his coaches challenge at home. He said he knows it would be unsuccessful if he could. And that was an appropriate place for this conference call to end.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 27, 2020
Additionally, Brad Stevens mentioned that he’s been very supportive of Marcus Smart and added that he’s proud of Smart for speaking up. Smart is also “feeling good,” which is excellent news no matter how you look at it.