Blog
Danny Ainge, all I can say is that you’ve done an outstanding job with what you’ve had to work with this offseason. You were able to coax our man Kevin Garnett back into the fold. You started laying the groundwork on a Jeff Green return months ago, going to doctors visits with him, being there whenever something was needed, and cutting him loose and letting him explore free agency. You somehow managed to keep Brandon Bass when his market value appeared to be greater elsewhere. You recovered nicely from the Ray Allen defection, getting Jason Terry to commit, and you cobbled together enough pieces to land a starting SG in Courtney Lee. Losing Allen and potentially Greg Stiemsma aren’t bad, not when you consider what you’ve accomplished this summer. And that doesn’t even count the work that you did with the draft, landing Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo and Kris Joseph. Joseph will likely make the team, and NBA players drafted in the +50 range don’t often do that.
We still need a big man, and potentially a backup PG, but it’s safe to say that the heavy lifting is done. You’ve got time to catch your breath and plot your next move. Not that I’m encouraging you to rest on your laurels – you can’t do that and win in this league. You need to keep the pedal to the metal. But what you’ve done to date has been masterful…you’ve managed to upgrade the Celtics in a significant way, and you’ve been able to accomplish this feat with one hand tied behind your back.
So, hats off to you, Danny. You deserve it for all of the hard work that you’ve done.
2 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
A very concise and accurate appraisal. Danny’s come a long way-growing into a terrific GM, yet still maintaining his boyish enthusiasm; a true Celtic. Steve W
I couldn’t agree with you more. The icing on the cake was the Courtney Lee deal–there was air of “fantasy” to it but Ainge made it a reality w/help from Houston. I wonder if Mchale had anything to do w/this coup just as he did in BOS getting KG in ’07?
Nevertheless Ainge has has been able to infuse the team with new and young blood. There are only 3 players above the age of 30 [KG, PP, JET] the rest are below 27!! You have a mix of talented but most importantly–TEAM ORIENTED players on the roster. This is a good mix and a great recipe for BANNER 18!!
Last thing i’ll say is this. If i’m a future FA I look at 3 strong reasons to join the Celtics Family:
1)Doc Rivers –Master Motivator, knows the league both as a player and head coach. Can communicate effectively with the players and knows how to place them in situations where they can succeed as well as helping the team win. Arguably the best Xs & Os coach in the NBA [Does anyone really believe Spolstra would've beaten Doc [Celtics] if he didn’t have Lebron??
2)Rajon Rondo — He might not be the best scoring PG in the league, but hands down there is no one and I stress NO ONE like him in the NBA and quite possibly in the history of the league. He’s as unique as finding a 4 leaf clover.
He’s a mastermind at driving a team, finding open guys and imposing his will, even via his jump shot when he has to, on a game. So WHEN not IF Rondo develops a consistent jumper he will be nearly unstoppable. And yes you understand he can be surly, borderline arrogant but that’s exactly what I want in my starting PG.
But what I love most about Rondo is his desire to win–I’m not condoning him throwing the ball at the ref in DET but this is the what drives the man to win. And he wants to win at all cost! You have to respect that and as a Celtics fan..LOVE IT!!
3) Last but not least [Danny Ainge]
I would love to know what David West was saying to himself during the Eastern Conference Finals. FAs have to to realize that DA will do everything imaginably possible to make the Celtics a constant Championship Contender. To Ainge there is no “closing” of the window! He just retools and opens a new window of opportunity.
Ultimately isn’t that all players want? An environment [Ownership, Doc & Ainge] that will do everything year in and year out to reach the pinnacle? I would.
This off-season has shown all NBA/Celtics fans that Ainge is one of the best GMs out there. I’m sure ownership takes notice of the great tandem they have in Doc & Danny and keeps them together for as long as possible. These 2 guys make perfect “music” together.
Danny should get plenty of votes for executive of the year award. And he’s earned it.
Truly a master piece job by Ainge.