progresifjaya.id, JAKARTA – There were many suspicions from fans when the Boston Celtics chose not to use their pick Number 28 in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft.
However, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, was quick to respond and moved quickly to calm it down.
He immediately explained the reason why the Boston Celtics didn’t add a center to the list of players, even though veteran big players Al Horford and Luke Kornet had become free agents in a post-draft press conference.
Brad Stevens said as quoted by The Athletic, after selecting Hugo Gonzalez with pick Number 28 in the NBA Draft, the team emphasized the importance of retaining big players who provide stability throughout the season.
“I think when you look at the rest of the team and what we’re trying to do, there’s no doubt our priority is to bring back Al and Luke,” Stevens said via CLNS Media.
At this point, Brad said, the Boston Celtics will likely have to pay one or both of Horford and Kornet’s minimum deals to stay on the second apron. Unless they exercise their option if they move from another salary to reduce the Boston Celtics’ salary cap for the 2025-2026 season.
“But i think that would be a priority,” Stevens said. “At the same time, i don’t want to put pressure on them. Ultimately it’s their decision. But we would love to have them back.”
This effort to retain is also supported by management with a smart salary cap. The Boston Celtics released Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to reduce the luxury tax burden, so they could save around 250 million USD in tax commitments.
This path is believed to be a step to overcome the Boston Celtics’ financial crisis and lack of big players. Because as is known, currently only reserve players Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman Sr. are under contract.
And the fact that the Boston Celtics use a few wings rather than big players is also another indication that the move to retain big players who provide stability is possible. (Bembo)