Brad Stevens on Celtics heading into trade deadline: 'I like our roster a lot'

CLEVELAND -- This has been one of the rockier seasons of the Brad Stevens era in Boston, with a team for the first time in years performing beneath expectations during the first half of the year. In the midst of all the turmoil, the Celtics have started to turn the corner in the win-loss column in recent weeks. They have won nine of their last ten games, bringing them into a tie for the third seed with the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers in the East standings.

There is still plenty of work to be done to catch the Raptors and Bucks for a top-two seed over the next 29 games of the year but Stevens appears to be content to do it with the group he's worked with all season.

"I like our roster a lot," Stevens said when asked about potential changes heading into the deadline.

The head coach wouldn't budge at all when asked about specific areas on the edges where the C's could use some improvements as a squad.

"Not my job. I coach," he said. "Ultimately, we need to all be able to get the most out of each other and play great. Our focus has been on this roster all year."

Stevens turned to the Patriots as an example of improving from within on this front, noting how he spoke to his players about how that group righted the ship in the middle of the season on their way to a Super Bowl title on Sunday.

"I talked to the team before the Oklahoma City game that when everybody was jumping off the bandwagon after the Miami and Pittsburgh losses that they had, I think there was an inner belief over there that if they just controlled what they control a little better, they would’ve won those two games and they’re really moving forward. And boy did they tighten everything up and just become champions again. It’s amazing."

Players on the roster share Stevens' sentiments about wanting to keep this group together as the sprint begins towards the finish line.

"Even if (I thought we should make a move), I wouldn’t say it," Marcus Morris said with a smile. "But I think it should stay the same. Guys are playing into what’s going on, All-Star is about to pass and that’s when it ramps up. Guys want to play the way they’re supposed to during winning time, like we did last year when the intensity picked up. We should stay the same."

While the Anthony Davis rumor mill continues to churn for now and potentially into the offseason if he isn't moved by Thursday, Morris wants to maintain tunnel vision in the meantime.

"It’s Boston. Things tend to change a lot, get better with different pieces. But I’m worried about this year, man.

Other Notes from Shootaround

C's will be shorthanded

Kyrie Irving (sore hip) did not make the trip to Cleveland. Marcus Morris is in Cleveland but will rest due to right knee soreness while Aron Baynes remains out with a bruised foot. Robert Williams also is questionable with a sore back, so the team called up two-way player PJ Dozier for added depth. Look for Gordon Hayward or Jaylen Brown to get the start tonight in place of Morris.

Gordon Hayward returns to Cleveland for the first time since suffering leg injury 

The swingman didn't make the trip to Cleveland during the preseason, so this will be his first chance at getting on the floor in the same arena that changed his career. However, the milestone has not been on the radar of Stevens.

"I didn't even think about it until you mentioned it," Stevens acknowledged. "He didn't come back with us during the preseason, did he? That's one of those things where you would have to ask him. He's played enough games, he's now feeling stronger and stronger every day. I don't know if there are any thoughts on his part. He would be better able to answer it than me. "

Stevens on Pats Super Bowl win

"Just so awesome. The best part about this has been watching those with [my son Brady]. Since we moved to Boston, two World Series and three Super Bowls, and he’s holding up all five fingers and sending pictures back to his friends at home, so it’s probably not sitting all that well. But just an unbelievable achievement, accomplishment. Winning different ways, proving that if you just stay together and stay the course great things happen."