Stevens (right), with former Butler and Purdue assistant Micah Shrewsberry, who’s on his staff in Boston.
Brad Stevens was back in his home state for one of two visits with the Boston Celtics during the regular season. The Celtics conveniently back in town during March Madness, on March 15.
“It is great to be back,” Stevens, now in his third season directing the Celtics, said after morning shootaround. “And it’s fun, because when I opened my [hotel] window I could see Eli Lilly, where I worked, and I could see Lucas Oil Stadium, where we played. It brings back a lot of great memories.”
Stevens, the former Butler coach, had more time in Indy than in a few previous stops. They got in yesterday, rather behind on the back end of a back-to-back, which allowed him to visit with a few friends.
One of those friends is Andrew Smith, his former player who is fighting for his life. Smith was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is scheduled to have a bone marrow transplant on Thursday.
“His spirits are really good, all things considered,” Stevens said. “… He’ll do well. He feels good about it, his wife feels good about it. We’re all hoping for the best and we know how gritty that kid is.”
Stevens, 39, also touched on rookie R.J. Hunter, who played high school ball at Pike, his relationship with Frank Vogel, and how the Pacers are different with smaller, spread lineups.
Watch below: