Brad Stevens is going through a tough time right now. After failing to close out LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals, it's back to the offseason.

At least he has one legend in his corner.

New England Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick has taken notice of the kid coach on the hardwood and can't stop but throwing praise his way, via Doug Kyed of NESN.

“Coach Stevens is incredible,” Belichick said. “He always points out that the players are the ones who, regardless of the situation, have made this a special team, defying all expectations and adversity game after game after game. But he clearly is a driving force behind it. Coach Stevens is a phenomenal person, leader, teacher and strategist, and the job he does is a model for all coaches.”

Belichick's kind words couldn't have come at a better time.

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Stevens' Celtics were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday night by The King, despite owning a commanding 3-2 series lead and the overall better team.

Not only are Belichick's words uplifting, but accurate.

The Celtics were faced with more than their fair share of adversity this season. In a superstar league, the squad's top two stars, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, were lost for the season at different points during the campaign. It didn't stop Stevens from wowing everybody in terms of coaching, teaching and motivating.

If anybody understands, it's the five-time Super Bowl champ. Expect to see Brad Stevens right back in the midst of things this time next year.