On Wednesday, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed a variety of topics during an impromptu press conference.
Stevens touched on Jayson Tatum’s recovery from his Achilles injury, the Celtics’ trade deadline approach, Jordan Walsh’s development, and more. NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg shared his instant reaction to Stevens’ comments during the latest episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast.
Here were Forsberg’s biggest takeaways…
No Disabled Player Exception after Jayson Tatum’s injury
Stevens stated that the Celtics didn’t apply for a DPE after Tatum’s injury. The DPE allows teams to replace a player who is deemed likely to be out for the season with another player via trade or free agency, providing financial flexibility.
“The way that Brad voiced it was to suggest that they never wanted to put a ceiling on what was possible with Jayson Tatum,” Forsberg said. “I thought it was interesting that Brad brought that up unprovoked. …
“But we’ve gone from talking about (Tatum) missing a year, to missing months — we’re almost at the point where Tatum is just gonna be weeks. Maybe it’s six weeks, maybe it’s eight weeks, whatever the number is.”
Will Celtics target a big man to help Neemias Queta?
Stevens said there will be no “ceiling” put on this Celtics team, meaning he’s willing to get aggressive ahead of the trade deadline to upgrade the roster if it makes sense to do so.
“Neemias Queta is the only pure 7-footer on this roster that is playing consistently,” Forsberg said. “It’s only natural as we sit here and look at the trade deadline that we’re laser-focused on that. … There’s gonna be a need at the center spot beyond this season, and the Celtics need to examine all possibilities about what the best path forward is with that. …
“I wonder if the success of the team, the potential return of Tatum, emboldens you a little bit to consider what’s out there and be maybe a little bit more willing.”
Jordan Walsh’s defensive impact
Stevens spoke on Walsh’s development since joining the team as a second-round draft pick in 2023. Forsberg shared his thoughts on Walsh enjoying an unexpectedly outstanding season — particularly on the defensive end.
“Jordan Walsh might be the biggest surprise in the entire NBA with the way that he has elevated not only to a starter, but he has become a player that opposing players like Austin Reaves are saying could be an elite defender in this league,” Forsberg said. “Joe (Mazzulla) has even given him his flowers.
“The big part of the reason the Celtics were able to turn the corner as quickly this season as they did was the way that Walsh infused energy, shored up a lot of what wasn’t working well.
Watch the full episode, which includes Stevens’ full press conference, on YouTube below:
