Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Pressey Says 'Maintaining Relationships' Was Key to Him Rejoining Celtics as a Coach
In his playing days, Phil Pressey was a high-IQ floor general who overcame being an undrafted five-foot-11 point guard to make it to the NBA.
He spent the first two of his three years in the Association with the Celtics, where his head coach was the organization's current president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens.
But even after leaving Boston, the former Missouri Tiger, who most recently coached at his alma mater, maintained relationships with members of the Celtics that led to him spending time around the team during this year's playoffs.
Pressey also cited it as a critical factor in returning to the franchise to join Joe Mazzulla's staff.
"Just maintaining relationships. It started with Danny Ainge; when I played here, I was able to communicate with him and stay in contact with him, and now with Brad, he's been very instrumental in me transitioning to coaching and now is having me be a part of the staff and just learn from Joe and the rest of the staff."
Pressey, who said he's happy to be back in Boston, expanded on how Stevens has helped with his transition and development as a coach, conveying that Stevens is a "big-time leader in his ability to connect with the players and the whole organization is something that I can learn from."
As the new guy, Pressey's trying to connect with everyone and build relationships with the players on the team, but he's also experienced first-hand, "(the) Celtics have a big history. (During) my time playing here, I was able to feel it. The fans are very supportive (and) the organization is big-time. So, I'm just happy to be able to be back and transition to coaching and be able to help out as much as possible."
Further Reading
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Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout
Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'
3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Opener vs. Heat
Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'
Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency
Celtics Reportedly Not Pursuing Damian Lillard
Celtics Losing Grant Williams in Sign-and-Trade Demonstrates Intention of NBA's New CBA
The Latest on Celtics' Negotiations with Jaylen Brown
Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'
