Despite the Celtics lack of success, Brad Stevens continues to prove that Danny Ainge made the right decision in hiring him.

After spending his rookie season adjusting to the NBA level, both on the court and in the locker room, Stevens has been far more aggressive in his second season.

More than anything else, this season has been about Stevens beginning to establish his system and how he wants the Celtics to play. There are players on the roster who do not fit the mold but since they will not be here long-term, they must make the best of their situation.

Meanwhile, players such as Jeff Green, who is enjoying the best season of his career and playing far more consistently, and Kelly Olynyk, who is coming off of a career-high 30-point performance, are thriving.

According to NBA.com, Boston is averaging 100.77 possessions per game, the most in the league. This starts with an improved effort on the defensive glass, which has helped the team secure 33.4 defensive rebounds per game, the eighth most in the NBA. From there, the Celtics are off and running, relying on transition offense to help make up for their struggles in the half-court.

In an interview with Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, college basketball analyst Dan Dakich had this to say about Stevens:

“I get asked all the time, ‘Hey, who would you hire?’ ” said Dakich, a college basketball analyst who hosts a radio show in Indianapolis. “I said before the question even finishes, I’d hire Brad Stevens and [Virginia Commonwealth coach] Shaka Smart. I don’t care if it’s the Celtics. I don’t care if it’s the Lakers. I don’t care if it’s Duke. I don’t care if it’s Indiana. I don’t care if it’s to be my accountant. They’re so smart. They’re so good with people and they just have a way of relating.”

As Stevens continues to grow into the position and the roster improves, the tests will become increasingly difficult and he will have a chance to prove himself in the playoffs. But to get there, a foundation has to be laid and the job that Stevens is doing at this point in the process is an encouraging sign of what lies ahead.