Brad Stevens Reveals Celtics’ Vision For Three Major Newcomers image
Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics did not add Paul George, Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley to perform the same job. Brad Stevens believes each veteran fills a specific need for a roster entering a dramatically different era.
Boston’s president of basketball operations offered detailed scouting reports on all three newcomers during the latest episode of the Celtics’ “Beneath the Banners” series, as transcribed by Zack Cox of the Boston Herald.
George is expected to carry the heaviest burden after arriving in the blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Robinson gives Boston a proven and physical presence at center. Conley brings nearly two decades of NBA experience without requiring a major role. The Celtics sacrificed a franchise cornerstone to reshape their roster, making George’s transition the most closely watched storyline. Stevens believes the nine-time All-Star has the intelligence and versatility to fit alongside Jayson Tatum.
“Paul’s a really good player,” Stevens said. “He’s been a really good player for a long time. He’s one of the more impactful players with regard to winning, even as he’s aged in the NBA.”
Stevens added that George’s feel for the game and veteran savvy should work well with the rest of Boston’s lineup.
George, who will wear No. 13, called joining the Celtics “surreal” and said he is looking forward to representing Boston.
Celtics Betting On George’s Fit
Acquiring George was only one piece of the Celtics’ roster reconstruction. Boston also signed Robinson after the 7-foot center helped the New York Knicks win an NBA championship. The move gives head coach Joe Mazzulla another frontcourt option after Neemias Queta and Luka Garza struggled to maintain their regular-season production during the playoffs.
Stevens believes Robinson can immediately stabilize that position.
“I feel like that spot is just really solid for us,” Stevens said. “I think Mitch is obviously proven. He’s been there, done that. He’s an NBA champion and played a very meaningful role in that series.”
Robinson does not need offensive plays designed for him to affect games. He can protect the rim, rebound and create second-chance opportunities while playing alongside Boston’s perimeter scorers.
“He just makes teams better,” Stevens said.
The Celtics hope that straightforward skill set translates into another deep postseason run.
Mike Conley Brings A Different Kind Of Value
Conley’s role may be the most unusual of the three. The veteran point guard will turn 39 in October and is entering his 20th NBA season. He is nine months older than Mazzulla and ranks fourth among active players in career games played, trailing only LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan and Jeff Green.
Conley is not expected to take minutes away from Derrick White or Payton Pritchard on a regular basis. Instead, Boston wants him to provide leadership, preparation and dependable play when called upon. Stevens made an important distinction when discussing the value of experience.
“People talk about veteran leadership, and they talk about how important vets are,” Stevens said. “And my argument to that would be good vets are really important.”
Stevens believes Conley understands where he is in his career and can contribute without requiring consistent playing time. That willingness could be particularly valuable during a long season.
MORE: Should the Celtics Have Traded Jaylen Brown Sooner?
Stevens Defends Celtics’ Difficult Decision
The Celtics’ makeover began with the painful decision to move Brown. Stevens again pointed to the NBA’s restrictive collective bargaining agreement when explaining why Boston explored a different path. He previously said the Celtics wanted to create more roster flexibility rather than commit roughly 70% of their salary cap to Brown and Tatum.
The second-apron rules make it difficult for expensive teams to create the deep supporting cast Stevens believes is now necessary. Boston responded by replacing one established star with three accomplished veterans who offer different strengths. George provides high-level scoring and two-way versatility, Robinson reinforces the frontcourt and Conley supplies experience from the bench.
Whether that formula can keep Boston among the NBA’s elite remains uncertain. Stevens, however, clearly did not make the moves without a plan.
More Celtics