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Boston Celtics Still A Player Away From Next Level

By Simon Smith

Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates with Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates with Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42), guard Marcus Smart (36) and forward Jae Crowder (99) on the court during a break in the action against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42), guard Marcus Smart (36) and forward Jae Crowder (99) on the court during a break in the action against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

For the second successive season, the Boston Celtics feature among the leaders in the Eastern Conference. However, it appears they are a player short of reaching the elite.

The Boston Celtics are currently in the fourth season of the Brad Stevens era. The Celtics’ head coach has led the team on a steady increase in the standings each year since assuming control. Stevens’ Celtics are coming off their second successive first-round playoff elimination.

In response to this, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, swung into action.

Having missed out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, Ainge changed his focus and secured the services of veteran free-agent forward Al Horford. A four-time All-Star, Horford’s versatility at both ends of the floor was seen as an ideal fit in Stevens’ system.

The four-year, $113 million contract he signed illustrated how much Boston valued his skill set.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Boston Celtics

With Horford in tow, the Celtics entered this season intent on adding to the previous season’s 48 wins and to push into the upper echelon of the league. Through the first half of the season, the Celtics are 26-15 and third in the Eastern Conference.

They have been increasingly impressive of late, winning nine of their past 11 games.

But are they good enough to compete with the elite?

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