Former NBA wing Gordon Hayward, who suited up for Brad Stevens both during his college days at Butler and in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, recently offered glowing remarks about the current Celtics president of basketball operations in an interview with CLNS Media's Noa Dalzell.
“It seems like whatever he does, he's going to be successful at it, because he just – he works at it," Hayward said of Stevens. "He's so prepared. He's so smart.”
Gordon Hayward played for Brad Stevens in both college and in the NBA:
“I think that's a good motto: In Brad We Trust. It seems like whatever he does, he's going to be successful at it, because he just – he works at it. He's so prepared. He's so smart.” pic.twitter.com/GClBMC0g1B
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 14, 2026
The comments reflect the deep respect Hayward holds for Stevens, who guided Butler to back-to-back NCAA championship games and later transformed the Celtics into contenders both on the sidelines and now in the front office. Hayward’s experiences playing under Stevens left a lasting impression about the executive’s preparation and intelligence.
Now serving as an executive basketball advisor at Butler University following his retirement from the NBA, Hayward continues to stay connected to the game. His comments come at a time when the Celtics are navigating another important chapter under Stevens’ leadership in the front office.
For Boston fans, Hayward’s words likely resonate given the successful run the franchise has enjoyed. Stevens’ track record of building winning cultures has been evident throughout his career, from college to the pros.
Hayward’s perspective as someone who knows Stevens on a personal and professional level adds weight to the endorsement.
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