The Boston Celtics' 38-year-old coaching prodigy could keep his star soaring by leading his outgunned troops to a spirited showing against the NBA heavyweight Cleveland Cavaliers.
Or, according to most pundits, pulling off a miracle. No one gives Stevens' squad a chance.
His team was supposed to be building its draft board right now. Boston entered this season sans the faintest playoff hopes, then shipped out its franchise face (Rajon Rondo) and leading scorer (Jeff Green) in separate deals. The Shamrocks had both eyes on the future, paving their next road to relevance after fully dismantling their Rondo-Paul Pierce-Kevin Garnett-Doc Rivers core.