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“I don’t know,” Ainge went on before the Celts took to the parquet against Washington to complete their season. “We’re hopeful. I have some ideas and some plans that I’d like to do, but there’s just no guarantee that we can do it. We need to find good trading partners. We always are trying to make fireworks. Every summer we try to do something that’s unique and special, and we will definitely try this summer.
“I don’t know anything about what we can do. I’m hopeful. I’ll work my tail off to duplicate what we’ve done in the past, but there are no guarantees.”
As he looks back on a campaign in which the Celts took a purposeful step back, Ainge tried to sprinkle in some perspective.
“It was a long season,” he said. “I guess not that long, but it was a tough, tough year, and I saw a lot of positive things from individuals. I thought our team gave good effort most nights. I think consistency was our biggest challenge, and I don’t think the team was a great fit, great mix, but individually I like what I saw in almost every player.
“I just feel like we didn’t have the size inside to protect the rim. I thought that was a big factor that cost us a lot of games, and we didn’t finish a lot of games down the stretch.”
No guarantees? But, I don’t wanna lose any more…
I hate to say it, but it’s possible the Celtics get shafted in the lottery AND shut out in the trade market.
Just because we’re all poised to see a title contender on the Garden floor in the fall doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Ainge isn’t a miracle worker. He can’t force teams to trade disgruntled stars (see Love, Kevin).
Sure, the Celtics jumped from 24 wins in 2006-07 to 66 wins in 2007-08. But let’s not forget the mediocre 33 win season in 2005-06.
One year rebuilds are rare. I’ll let the legendary Bob Ryan explain:
“There have been very few instantly transformative players,” said Ryan, “Guys who took you from the twenties [wins], all of a sudden you’re winning fifty overnight. That doesn’t happen.”
If the draft can’t turn teams around instantly, how many years will the Celtics rebuild take?
“I don’t know… two years, three years.” he said, “It won’t be one year.”
As for the lottery, the Celtics and Jazz are tied for 4th. On Friday, there will be a drawing to determine which team gets 104 ping pong balls and which team gets 103.
Jabari Parker has yet to announce his plans for next year. What’s the hold-up Jabari, you’re making me nervous.
Related: CSNNE – Ainge finds positive signs | Wyc: I see where we are going and like it | ESPN Boston – Celtics bid good riddance to 13-14 | Cs finish tied for 4th worst | Herald – Rondo sees bright side | Fans deserving of a hand | Globe – After tough year, Ainge hopeful | WEEI – Rondo wants a say in rebuild
On Page 2, honoring the Marathon bombing survivors.
An emotional moment during last night’s game as some bombing survivors walked out to center court and were greeted with a thunderous ovation.
Check out KWAPT’s story on the special survivor sneakers Rajon Rondo wore during the game. Great gesture. I doubt you’ll hear anyone on talk radio mention it.
And finally, a little something to help you forget about this miserable season.
That’s Danish super model Nina Agdal going around the back on the lay-up.
Jabari who?
(h/t Barstool)
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Stevens showers fans with praise | Bass wins Auerbach award | Wiz 118 – C’s 102 | Globe – Celtics end dismal season with loss
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