Forsberg: Stevens thinks C's are ‘in the mix,' but examining trade options

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Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens is happy with where his team stands through 50 games but acknowledged the potential for growth and suggested the team will ponder options to fortify its depth in advance of next month’s trade deadline.

During an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Celtics Show on Saturday, Stevens wouldn’t bite when asked if there were specific areas he might be looking to upgrade via trade but acknowledged the Celtics’ unique situation.

Forsberg: Three big-picture implications of Celtics' three-game skid

“I think we always have to be looking at how we can improve because I think we’re in the mix and I think we’re good, I think we’re hard to beat, but there are other teams that are like that, too,” said Stevens. " So anything that you can do to improve your opportunities, you need to really vet and look at …

"We have a really good core that’s played together in big moments, that understands what those moments are like, and knows how to get to where we ultimately want to go. I think what is probably more likely is evaluating how to fortify your depth, how to make sure you are as foolproof as possible.”

The Celtics have the best record in basketball but Stevens noted his team must make even more progress to truly contend for the ultimate prize.

"I think when I look at it from the big picture assessment, I would say that we're a team that, if we stay relatively healthy and focus on some areas to improve on both ends of the floor, iron some very small things out that are very manageable, we can be in the mix. I don't think we're rolling like the Bruins are rolling … 

“In the 10,000-foot view, I'd say I feel like we have a shot. I feel like we have a really good team. I think we will be really, really hard to beat as we move forward. And, at the same time, I think that we've got to improve. And I think that's usually the case with any team. Most of the teams that I've been on — whether it's through personnel or just within your group — that really improve and hit that stride of growth that you see that the best teams play with late in the year — you saw it last year with our team — those are the teams that really have a shot. I feel good about where we are.”

Boston will look to end its three-game losing streak Saturday night as it hosts LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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