{
  "id": 14272856,
  "title": "Ex-NBA Player Says Celtics Do Something '95%' of Teams Can't",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/ex-nba-player-says-celtics-do-something-95-of-teams-cant",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T19:17:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ex-nba-player-says-celtics-191737177.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent tweet, former NBA player Sam Dekker stated that the Boston Celtics have established a basketball style that only 5% of teams could replicate. Dekker praised Celtics forward Baylor Scheierman's performance in a recent preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers, noting the role Scheierman played in their victory with eight assists and five steals despite scoring only three points. Dekker emphasized that the Celtics' unique approach to the game sets a standard that many other teams struggle to meet. Head coach Brad Stevens and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla have been instrumental in developing this distinctive style, which is built on three-point shooting, floor spacing, and a read-and-react defensive system. Since Mazzulla took over as head coach in 2022-23, the Celtics have posted a remarkable 72.6% winning percentage in the regular season, the best in NBA history. Both Stevens and Mazzulla play crucial roles in shaping the team's identity, with Stevens focusing on roster-building and long-term vision, while Mazzulla handles on-court decisions. Dekker's comments reflect his confidence in the Celtics' leadership as they enter a new chapter in their team history.",
  "summary": "Sam Dekker believes Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens have built something most teams can't replicate.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former NBA player Sam Dekker claims Celtics style only 5% of teams can replicate.",
    "Celtics forward Baylor Scheierman contributed 8 assists and 5 steals in recent game.",
    "Head coach Brad Stevens and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla developed Celtics' unique approach."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}