There are not many more well-regarded executives around the league than Brad Stevens at the Boston Celtics. The former coach turned president of basketball operations has built a perennial contender, navigated salary cap hell, and consistently made smart, difficult decisions.
But the Golden State Warriors appear to be challenging the former Executive of the Year with their recent roster strategy.
The Warriors have acquired not one, not two, but three former Celtics big men in the last seven months—at least two of whom Stevens was more than willing to move on from and have shipped out of Boston.
The Three Acquisitions: Horford, Porzingis, and Bassey
Al Horford signed with the Warriors on the eve of the season following Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. While Stevens offered the 39-year-old a chance to stay with the Celtics, it was not going to be anywhere near the two-year, $12 million contract he received in the Bay Area. Golden State valued Horford’s veteran leadership, playoff experience, and floor-spacing ability more than Boston did.
Kristaps Porzingis was quickly moved by Stevens earlier last offseason in a salary dump trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The move looked justified considering Porzingis continued to battle injury and health concerns, appearing in only 17 games for the Hawks. But that did not stop the Warriors from taking a chance on the Latvian in a pre-deadline deal that sent out Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State believed that a change of scenery and a different medical staff could unlock the version of Porzingis that made him an All-Star.
Charles Bassey spent 20 days (two 10-day contracts) with the Celtics while Nikola Vucevic dealt with a hand injury. Instead of keeping Bassey around for the playoffs, Stevens went in the direction of Dalano Banton, who signed for the remainder of the season. Back on the market and having appeared in 17 games for the Santa Cruz Warriors this season, Golden State quickly nabbed Bassey on their own 10-day contract. The 25-year-old has already made a statement, recording a pair of double-doubles earlier in the week against the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Challenge: Stevens’ View vs. Golden State’s Gamble
Golden State’s interest in former Boston big men might only be a coincidence. But it still challenges Stevens’ view of those players and their potential value moving forward.
Stevens made calculated decisions to move on from each of them. Horford was too old to commit significant money to. Porzingis was too injured to rely on. Bassey was too unproven to prioritize over a guard with positional versatility.
Given the Celtics will stunningly finish second in the Eastern Conference, Stevens has been vindicated to date. Boston is a contender. Their roster works. The decisions to let Horford walk, trade Porzingis, and sign Banton over Bassey have not hurt them.
But the Warriors are hoping that changes next season.
The Future: Could These Moves Pay Off Long-Term?
Golden State’s front office is playing the long game. They are not expecting immediate returns from a 39-year-old Horford, an injury-prone Porzingis, or a 10-day contract big man in Bassey. They are hoping that next season—when the roster is healthy and the chemistry has had time to develop—these moves will look prescient.
The Warriors will wish for Horford to pick up his $6 million player option to enter a 20th NBA season. His leadership and basketball IQ would be invaluable for a young core that needs direction.
There have already been reports of mutual interest in a new free agency deal with Porzingis. If he can stay healthy—a big if—he provides a unicorn skill set that few big men can match: rim protection, floor spacing, and the ability to score from all three levels.
Bassey might have also done enough to warrant a new deal for next season. His athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking complement the floor-spacing skill set of Horford and Porzingis perfectly. Together, the three former Celtics give Golden State a versatile, experienced, and surprisingly deep big man rotation.
The Injury Factor: A Season Decimated by Health Issues
The jury is still out on whether adding a trio of former Celtics will ultimately work out in the long term. The Warriors have been decimated by injuries this season, making it nearly impossible to evaluate the true potential of their roster.
Stephen Curry missed 27 games. Jimmy Butler is out for the season. Porzingis has been in and out of the lineup. Horford has had his own health scares. Bassey has only been with the team for a few weeks.
If the Warriors can get healthy next season, the Horford-Porzingis-Bassey trio could be a significant asset. If not, they will be remembered as another set of what-ifs in a dynasty that faded due to injuries.
The Verdict: A Challenge Worth Watching
Brad Stevens has earned the benefit of the doubt. His track record speaks for itself. The Celtics are contenders, and his decisions have been validated by results.
But the Warriors are challenging his view of these three players. They are betting that Horford has more left in the tank than Boston believed. They are betting that Porzingis can stay healthy in a different environment. They are betting that Bassey is a late-blooming gem.
Time will tell who was right.
For now, the Warriors have built a big man rotation out of Boston’s rejects. And whether that strategy pays off or backfires, it is a fascinating subplot to watch unfold.