Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“As I walk around town, more than anything else there are those that say, ‘Hey, don’t win too many games,”‘ said Ainge, the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. “There are so many fans that want us to play for the draft.”
Ainge’s measured response is that they should be more careful what they wish for.
“That’s harder than people recognize,” said Ainge of losing as a strategy. “It’s a really easy thing to conceptualize, and an easy thing to talk about and philosophize about. But it’s a hard thing to live through — for fans, for coaches, for owners, for sponsors, for our TV partners.”
It was the pain of losing that forced his coach of nine years, Doc Rivers, to relocate, with great irony, to the Clippers.
“Right,” said Ainge. “It’s a really hard thing to do.”
Without ever mentioning the name of the consensus No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, Ainge made it clear that he does not believe the Kansas freshman carries the value of Kevin Durant, with whom he is often compared.
“If Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was out there to change your franchise forever, or Tim Duncan was going to change your franchise for 15 years? That might be a different story,” said Ainge. “I don’t see that player out there.”
It sounds as though the tanking brigade is wearing on Danny Ainge. The Celtics should install a giant screen outside the Garden and play the 1997 and 2007 draft lotteries on a loop.
Ainge also issued some caution about consensus #1 pick Andrew Wiggins, i.e. he’s not worth blowing up your franchise.
It appears (and this could all be a smokescreen) that Ainge’s plan is to acquire and develop young talent, some of which will be used as assets to acquire stars. While it’s not as sexy as drafting #1, it can work.
Meanwhile, here’s a peek at Rajon Rondo working out yesterday:
He’s moving really well. Of course, there a big difference between playing at, say 85% and 100% on a reconstructed knee.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Crank up the Bass | Green on All-Intriguing Team | Rondo works OT | Globe – Sullinger impresses on 1st day | Bradley focuses on PG role in camp | Herald – Stevens more than stat geek | With new staff, it’s all in details | CSNNE – Shav headed to China | Pressey confident he’ll get time at point | Mass Live – Stevens looking for Olynyk, big men to space the floor
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