Brad Stevens Named NBA Executive of the Year

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was named the NBA Executive of the Year for the 2025-26 season, the second time he has received the award in three years. The league announced the honor after the Celtics posted a 56-26 regular-season record, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference for the fifth time in Stevens' five seasons in the role.

Stevens earned 11 first-place votes and 69 total points from a panel of his fellow executives, one from each of the league's 30 teams. He appeared on 17 ballots, tying Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh for the most, though Saleh finished second with 41 points. Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon placed third with 40 points. Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti, last year's winner, ranked fifth.

The Celtics' success came amid significant challenges. Before the season, Boston traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and allowed Al Horford and Luke Kornet to depart in free agency, moves aimed at avoiding a substantial luxury tax bill after exceeding the second apron the previous year. All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum missed most of the season following an Achilles...