The Celtics just finalized a move no one saw coming (and fans will love it)

The Boston Celtics have a strong track record with player and coaching development. A crucial component of that is the synergy between the parent club and G League affiliate.

The Maine Celtics have played a role in the growth of an impressive list of players who sharpened their skills in Portland before finding NBA roles. That includes Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, and Baylor Scheierman.

On the coaching side, a prime example is Joe Mazzulla. The Celtics' bench boss fine-tuned his craft in Maine, rose to a role behind Boston's bench, and is now one of the NBA's top head coaches.

Now, a new steward is chiefly responsible for ensuring the 18-time NBA champions' G League affiliate remains a valuable feeder system.

Boston tabbed Phil Pressey as the Maine Celtics' next head coach. He was previously a player development coach for the parent club. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported this move in mid-June. It is now official.

Brad Stevens sheds light on putting Pressey in charge in Maine

After the first round of this year's NBA Draft, Brad Stevens shared with Hardwood Houdini why Pressey, whom the former coached in Boston, was the right person for the job.

"Well, we're throwing him up there, right?" Voiced Stevens. "Like it's fun; this is part of it. And I've thought Phil was ready for this from the first time I coached him when he was 21 years old and a rookie point guard for the Boston Celtics.

"He's always really cared about the game. He cares about people. He's got a great work ethic, and, yeah, he's got a lot to learn. He'll learn it on the fly. But how else would you better learn it than going and being thrown to the wolves and calling the shots? And so, it's a great opportunity.

"We're going to keep using the G League as a great opportunity to grow our players, but this is also a place to grow our coaches. And you know, from everybody that we've had up there recently, the track and success from Joe and on has really been good."

Stevens also discussed with Hardwood Houdini the value in bringing Tyler Lashbrook back to Boston's coaching staff. In his first career opportunity as head coach, Lashbrook's impressive performance included winning the G League Coach of the Month Award in February. 

"I thought Tyler did a great job in his one year," stated Stevens. "I think Joe has always really valued both of those guys, and so really gave Tyler the option to stay or come back. And that was part of the deal that we talked about last year.

"And so I think we're obviously excited to have him back and back in Boston, and on our staff. He's a really good coach. [He] does a great job with not only the X's and O's, but all the player development."

The Celtics' retention of Pressey and Lashbrook, in roles facilitating their growth, is a testament to why they have a strong track record of developing players and coaches. It also maintains the continuity that's key to sustaining the synergy between the parent club and its G League affiliate.