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"&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Brad Stevens reached out to former Celtics players, expressing his respect for the organization. (NBAE/Getty Images)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;New Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens mailed a letter to former Celtics players, expressing his respect for the franchise and inviting them to attend practices and games.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Former guard Kenny Anderson mentioned the letter on Twitter and ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg obtained a copy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A redacted version of the letter, as posted by Forsberg:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I am truly humbled and honored to assume the responsibilities of head coach of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics\u2019 mystique, history, culture and tradition speaks for itself. There is nothing else like it in all of professional sports.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the press conference announcing my hiring, I was in awe looking up at the 17 championship banners. I am first and foremost a fan and admirer of the Boston Celtics and what has been accomplished by each of you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On behalf of the Boston Celtics management, staff and players, I write you to come around any time. Please know that you are cordially welcome to attend our practice sessions, home games at the TD Garden, games when we are on the road and Celtics events in our community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I look forward to meeting you in the near future. Continued success and well wishes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sincerely,&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brad StevensThe 36-year-old\u00A0Stevens, who led Butler to back-to-back national championship games in 2010 and 2011, was the surprise choice to replace Doc Rivers as Boston's coach early last month.&lt;/p&gt;"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.si.com/si-wire/2013/08/14/brad-stevens-mails-letter-boston-celtics>