Since he arrived in Boston, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens has developed a close friendship with the New England Patriots coaching staff, spearheaded by head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. While Stevens is already an established coach himself, he learned a thing or two from the Patriots organization during training camp, during which he is a frequent visitor. In an interview with Cynthia Frelund, Stevens admitted that he’s impressed by how well-run the Patriots are. Stevens said he’s so impressed that he somewhat developed an inferiority complex during his visit to the Patriots.

“To get a chance to spend time over there, it’s been really helpful,” Stevens said.

Stevens learns a lot from Patriots

According to Stevens, he feels inadequate every time he walks out of the Patriots facility because of their culture and how they work from drill to drill. “It’s special and it does not happen everywhere,” said Stevens, who is also impressed at how the Patriots don’t beat themselves and “they pride themselves on that.” Stevens is impressive this season, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals even without superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Hayward suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the Celtics’ season opener against the Cavaliers, while Irving underwent season-ending knee surgery.

Despite this, the Celtics are up 2-0, over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Update on Danny Shelton

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton was acquired by the Patriots via a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots shipped a 2018 third-round pick to the Browns for Shelton and a 2018 fifth-round pick. The Patriots had a chance to lock up Shelton for the next two seasons, but they opted not to pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, which would keep him in New England through the 2019 season.

With the Patriots’ decision, Shelton will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. During an interview with reporters, Shelton said he was disappointed that the Patriots didn’t pick up his option. However, Shelton said it will open up other opportunities for him come next summer. Shelton was expected to earn around $2 million this season and $7.15 million next season, had the Patriots only picked up his option.

The Patriots have the chance to sign Shelton to an extension if he lives up to his billing as the 12th overall pick in 2015. Aside from Shelton, the Patriots didn’t pick up the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Malcom Brown and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. Shelton, Brown, and Dorsett were all selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
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