Take a look at great pro sports franchises… and take a look at crappy ones. Chances are you'll find one common thread: The success of a franchise usually hinges on good ownership.
And good ownership usually means (a) the willingness to spend money and (b) the willingness to hold players accountable for their actions.
We've seen the latter in action when Wyc publicly scolded Glen Davis for the altercation that led to his broken thumb. Message sent: The man who cuts your checks isn't happy with you. Shape up… or you'll be somewhere else, fast.
As for spending money? That's never been a problem for Wyc. The Celtics committed to almost $30 million worth of contracts this summer with the Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels and Shelden Williams signings.
The salary cap this year is $57.7 million. The luxury tax is $69.92 million. The Celtics payroll is $84.2. Toss in the dollar-for-dollar tax this year, and the Celtics are shelling out about $100 million for a shot at Banner 18.
So you'd probably understand if Wyc Grousbeck got a little gunshy with the Rajon Rondo negotiations. I certainly would have understood if Wyc and company played a little "Restricted Free Agency" chicken with Rondo and rolled the dice on potentially saving a few million next year.
But Wyc didn't.
a telephone interview Monday. "'I respect where you're coming from. If
you have any other thoughts or ideas, I'm open to it.'" You have
to give him credit. He stuck with it."
Still, no substantive talks took place until Sunday, when
Duffy called Ainge to let him know Rondo was prepared to play out the
scenario and hit the restricted market next July. According to Duffy,
Ainge told him he'd ask owner Wyc Grousbeck to sign off on the
five-year, $55 million deal, which was being finalized Monday
afternoon.
So Danny made his pitch… made his recommendation… and Wyc trusted him enough to sign off on the deal.
Another $55 million in committed salary. And that's with Ray Allen's status still hanging out there. And 6 other roster spots opening up on top of it. The Rondo deal will almost certainly mean the Celtics start next year over the cap before those 7 spots are even filled. So the Celtics are going to have to spend even more than that to field a team next season.
We're looking at, potentially, one of the most dominant teams in Celtics history this year… and it's because Wyc Grousbeck was willing to spend the money to get key guys in here. And we're looking at moving forward with a one-of-a-kind point guard because Wyc was willing to pay the kid enough to keep him in town.
Sounds like an MVP to me.
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