Celtics’ Brad Stevens Talks Being New Man In Charge

Brad Stevens had a successful run as coach of the Celtics. Now he begins his role as the president of basketball operations.

Already, he’s putting his stamp on the franchise.

Along with hiring his replacement, former Nets assistant Ime Udoka, Stevens traded point guard Kemba Walker, brought back center/forward Al Horford, acquired shooting guard Josh Richardson and signed point guard Dennis Schroder.

So, nothing splashy. But moves that should help complement talented mainstays such as Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart.

“I think that we’ve been fortunate to add some guys that can really play,” Stevens told reporters. “I think that that’s a positive, and I think that we’re in a good position from the big picture standpoint.”

In eight seasons as coach, Stevens compiled a 354-282 record, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals on three occasions. They came close, but failed to reach the Finals each time.

This is his first venture into basketball management.

Of course, he expects improvement this year — joking that, if nothing else, Boston will be better in the coaching department.

“I think that last year, with all that all the different injuries and the uniqueness of the season, the quick turnaround, I do think that team last year was probably a little better than we played,” he said.

“Obviously, we improved our coaching, and we added a couple of really good players. … “I’m excited about this year’s group.”