Boston Celtics

Stevens on Team USA job: 'You say yes' before they even finish the question

Published Oct. 22, 2015 1:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has been the head coach of USA Basketball since 2006. But he recently announced that the 2016 Olympics would be his last stint with the team, meaning Team USA needs to hire a replacement.

One popular choice is Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. Here's what Stevens had to say about the possibility of taking over, per The Boston Herald:

The Celtics coach, once and maybe still considered Krzyzewski’s heir at Duke, also is believed by some to be the natural successor for Team USA. And he’s too frank to deny that he would be interested. "First, it’s flattering to even be mentioned. Second, if they approach you, you say yes before they even get the question out of their mouth," Stevens said after yesterday’s practice. "Thirdly, I would hire somebody else because there’s a lot of better coaches than I am."

This makes obvious sense. At 39, Stevens is young enough to stay on as Team USA's head coach for the next several decades if needed. He's a brilliant tactician who knows how to manage egos while still maximizing the talent he's been given.

Not to mention it could be a win for the Celtics as well. Stevens could familiarize himself with the very best players in the world, and when they become free agents there's a good chance they give Boston a long look.