Brad Stevens kicked off Celtics media day by addressing what was at the forefront of everyone in the room's and the entire fan base's mind: Boston emerging victorious in the Jrue Holiday sweepstakes.
"There's a list of guys in the league that you always think you'll never have a real chance to get that you think are perfect fits that you'd love to be a Celtic, and Jrue was one of those guys," stated the Celtics' president of basketball operations.
"The reasons are, I mean, everyone can see what he does on the court, and he's a really good player, multiple-time All-Star, (the) defense has been well-documented, etc. But I think it's, he's an elite teammate, elite competitive character."
But with so many teams bidding for Holiday's services, acquiring him required Boston to part with Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple first-round picks.
"You knew the price was going to be really high, but he's a guy that we think's a great fit for us and does so many good things for us on and off the court," expressed Stevens.
He also shared that as time went on, the Celtics were "wondering if (the) Portland (Trail Blazers) was going to get someone who they would then move on as a result of getting Dame (Lillard)," adding, "you had a list of guys that might be in those type of deals, so you have to stay ready and flexible."
And as Boston works to assemble a roster that can raise Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters, the franchise is searching for individuals who are "reliable, skilled and competitive."
Upon arriving in his new NBA home, Holiday is already demonstrating that, with Stevens conveying, "Jrue beat me to the gym this morning. He's not allowed to do anything yet (though)...He's a really impressive player and person."
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