Even if he was dissatisfied with some of Beelman’s decisions, he ultimately compromised, and once he did, he entrusted Beelman completely with decisions regarding trades.
Apart from trading Antoine Walker to get Nash and Cliff Robinson, Beelman also used the team’s sixth draft pick to trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Lithuanian center Ilgauskas.
This was yet another controversial decision. Boston’s management originally intended to use the sixth pick to select shooting guard Ron Mercer from the University of Kentucky, forming an inside-outside duo with Duncan that promised a bright future.
But Beelman wasn’t interested in Mercer. He believed Mercer was not suitable for the Celtics’ system, nor fit to pair with Duncan and Nash.
The Celtics needed a center more—one who could ease the pressure on Duncan.
Beelman set his sights on the Cavaliers’ rookie Ilgauskas. In 1996, the Cavaliers picked this tall Lithuanian center with the 20th overall pick in the first round, but Ilgauskas quickly became sidelined by injury and didn’t play a single game in his rookie season.
Using the sixth pick to trade for someone untested by the court, a player plagued by injuries, was something everyone, of course, disagreed with.
"Does Beelman think pairing Duncan with a Lithuanian can transform into an Ah Gan?"
"Beelman is wholly copying past experiences. Ilgauskas hasn’t been tested, and don’t we remember how things went with White centers like Divac?"
The dissenting voices were loud—everyone opposed this trade.
However, Auerbach stepped in, making a phone call to express support for Beelman.
"It’s not because I agree with your approach, but once a tactic begins execution, it must be carried through to the end. Since we chose to trust you and compromised, all subsequent decisions are yours, and naturally, all the responsibility is as well!"
Auerbach finally exhibited the essential qualities of an excellent manager: unwaveringly executing strategy, never using doubtfully, and not doubting those used.
This trust was something Beelman earned through his persistence and resolve.
From the off-season to training camp, then to the pre-season and regular season, Beelman withstood immense pressure, gradually assembling the team.
Beelman had this psychological quality—it’s what made him stronger than Rick Pitino. Bobby had experienced numerous major occasions; he just needed a stage that suited him.
When the regular season began, the Celtics’ record severely embarrassed those opponents and erased all voices of skepticism.
The young inside duo of Duncan and Ilgauskas performed excellently on both ends of the court, providing exceptionally stable offensive and defensive support for the Celtics.
Steve Nash’s offensive flair amazed Boston fans; how long had it been since they had a point guard so dynamic?
Although many details of his play needed refining, especially his concerning shooting accuracy, it didn’t prevent him from contributing to the team.
These three young men were, however, just part of Beelman’s grand plan.
In the summer, Beelman extended Rick Fox’s contract without abandoning this excellent forward even after reacquiring former player Cliff Robinson.
Beelman also signed newcomer forward Bruce Bowen from the free-agent market, confident in this forward’s future potential. Beelman placed great emphasis on amassing small forwards, particularly those strong in defense and shooting—this was all for Duncan.
Besides, in the trade with the Cavaliers, the Trail Blazers also acquired the Cavaliers’ first-round pick for 1998. Beelman hoped to demonstrate his talent once more in the 1998 draft, selecting potential players to continue building the system around Duncan.
Beelman’s series of moves were clear and methodical, building the team steadily with a clear strategic vision and accurate assessments of young players’ potential, leaving ample preparation for the future.
Within just a month, it was clear to any discerning individual that the Celtics were on the right track.
Beelman guarded all of this carefully, understanding that a beautiful future awaited him and the Celtics, and that his career would see new dawn.
But before that, tonight’s game against the Trail Blazers required Beelman to be even more cautious.
The cheerleaders left the court and both teams began warming up. Tim Duncan led the young Celtics onto the court to the cheers of the crowd.
But Beelman’s focus was on the opposing Trail Blazers, especially Gan Guoyang.
He ran to the sideline to exchange pleasantries with Gan Guoyang, firmly shaking his hand, saying, "Sonny, I’m begging you, please don’t be too harsh on Tim tonight, be gentle, OK?"
Gan Guoyang chuckled and said, "Bobby, am I that bad? It’s just a basketball game. Besides, you have to believe in Tim; he’s an amazing player. He trained with the Dream Team, and many can’t match him. You have to trust he can handle me."
Beelman shook his head and said, "I don’t believe it. Promise me, just play normally, or if you want to give him a lesson, no problem! Let him chase you, but don’t pull that stuff, be kind, Sonny."
"Bobby, you used to never talk to me like this. Have you ever begged anyone not to ’handle’ me?"
"Fack! Who the hell can ’handle’ you? Are you joking? Just play normally, just play normally."
Gan Guoyang stroked his nose and nodded, "Alright, alright, I promise to play normally, at most... I won’t talk to him, will that work?"