In an illuminating interview with HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy, Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter told a rather amusing story that highlighted Celtics head coach Brad Stevens’ role in his decision to take his talents to Massachusetts but one that served the purpose of making Stevens appear like an everyday guy.
The type of guy you invite to cookouts and ten-pin bowling. Not just to coaches conferences and player practices.
Ironically though, the scene that would inspire Kanter to sign with Boston was one that took place after a Celtics practice.
As Kanter relays to Kennedy, “We had a practice and right after the practice, he was playing one-on-one with the ball boys.”
Kanter continues, saying: “I’m like, ‘Wow, he’s good!’ He was amazing. I sat there and just watched him for I-don’t-know-how-many minutes. He was playing defense, he was making shots, he was [joking with] them and he was having a lot of fun with them.”
After witnessing Stevens — a former point guard at DePauw University — playing jovially against the Celtics’ ball boys, Kanter was more than impressed. He was enchanted.
I was just like, “Man, he’s definitely special!” He definitely played a big role in my decision.
Stevens’ ability to connect to players has long been considered one of his greatest abilities as a coach, with his youth and experience playing basketball likely aiding him in his efforts. However, through the stories told about him developing friendships with coaches from the NBA like Frank Vogel and from the NFL, like Josh McDaniels, one can see that Stevens makes worthwhile connections at every turn.
That he would have such a loose relationship with the ball boys, who are constantly around the team, isn’t surprising.
Nonetheless, it’s yet more anecdotal evidence about the type of person Stevens is.
Kanter, notoriously one of the most friendly players in the league, was sure to be drawn towards that type of individual. His decision to sign with the Celtics, and his stories about Stevens and Kemba Walker helping to sell him on the team, further prove that.
