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Celtics @ 7: Brandon Bass Open To Remaining In Boston?

BOSTON (CBS) - 98.5 The Sports Hub's Adam Kaufman was joined by a special guest for Saturday's edition of Celtics @ 7: Boston forward Brandon Bass.

Not many people expected the Celtics to be in the position of fighting for a playoff spot, especially after the Celtics traded All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. Seeing that the team has overcome expectations, Bass has enjoyed what the Celtics have done this season.

"It's been an awesome season so far. Great journey to be a part of," Bass told Kaufman. "We were counted out earlier on in the season but I think we have great character, coaches and players. We're going to give our best effort each and every day we step on the basketball court."

In just his second season at the helm, head coach Brad Stevens has completely changed the dynamic and outlook of this young team. Bass seems to really enjoy playing for his coach.

"Coach Stevens has put guys in the best position to be successful. I think having a locker room full of character guys makes things easier for you," Bass mentioned. He later added, "Throughout all the adversity, everybody has been looking at everything on the bright side and have kept a positive mindset each and every day."

When Brad Stevens was hired by the C's to take over for Doc Rivers, it started a new chapter for the Celtics organization. Bass and guard Avery Bradley are the only two players left on the roster that were part of the Doc Rivers regime.

Bass compared the two eras with Adam Kaufman:

"It's been a fun experience. Like how I tell the young guys on the team, I tell them to appreciate these times because you never know what the future will hold or what team you will be on. We have to enjoy each other's company because three years ago I was on a team with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and we had these amazing times," Bass said.

Standing in the shoes as one of the "veterans" of the team, Bass enjoys the responsibility of being viewed as a leader.

"I don't really look at myself as a veteran player but I see players looking up to me and admire some of the things I do," said Bass. "So I have to look at myself that way and always do the right thing to lead them in the right direction."

Having been involved in trade discussion for quite sometime since the rebuilding process started, and facing free agency this summer, it sounds like Bass would like to stay in Boston.

"I feel great about being here. I never wanted to be a player that moves around a lot, even though I was moved around early on," said Bass, who has played for four teams over his 10-year career. "It was a goal of mine to at least finish my contract here in Boston. It's great that I didn't get traded, more for my family sake. It's a great thing that I'm here and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity that Danny [Ainge] and the organization has given me."

Listen below for Kaufman's full conversation with Brandon Bass:

Tune in every Saturday at 7am for Celtics @ 7 with Adam Kaufman!

Hear every game of the 2014-15 Boston Celtics season on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the Boston Celtics. Pregame coverage with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell begins 30 minutes prior to every game! Occasionally a scheduling conflict will arise, in which case the Celtics can be heard on our sister station 100.7 WZLX.

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