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Grande On Gresh & Zo: Stevens, Rondo On Equal Footing

BOSTON (CBS) - With their recent success of The Big 3 era, the Celtics are in unfamiliar territory as they own a 19-35 record at the break.

Even as the losses pile up, Brad Stevens' demeanor has remained unchanged from the day he took the job as Celtics head coach.

Sean Grande of the Celtics Radio Network joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh & Zolak show, and the play-by-play man expressed how establishing a mutual respect is vital for a rookie coach - especially on a team mixed with veterans and young players.

In just 54 games Stevens has shown he is capable of competing at the NBA level - not only his coaching style, but by his leadership ability.

"When the other team is on a 12-0 run and there's a timeout, you want a calm steady voice in the huddle, because players sense panic and they want to be led," Grande said Friday.

Grande is also excited for the Brad Stevens era because of the dynamic between him and Rajon Rondo.

In the past, Rondo did not have the best relationship with Doc Rivers, but with Brad Stevens you have a rookie coach who sees Rondo as an equal.

"You have two guys that can intellectualize the game, that I'm looking forward to."

Listen below for the full discussion, where you'll hear Grande weigh in on Olynyk and Sullinger competing in this weekend's All Star festivities:

Grande: Stevens, Rondo On Equal Footing

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