Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I think they’ve done a terrific job of not only gathering assets but also remaining competitive while they do it,” said McDonough, formerly the assistant GM under Ainge. “It’s not an easy thing to do. We’ve tried to do a similar thing in Phoenix.
Celtics’ Rebuilding Plan Gets High Marks Around NBA-Steve Bulpett
It would’ve been very easy for Danny Ainge to strategically “tank” through the 2014-15 NBA season. But Ainge had other plans. He decided to try & make moves that would bolster his squad for the future. Unloading Rajon Rondo & putting the team in the hands of a rookie PG wasn’t the most popular move among some Celts fans, and others clamored, “what the hell are we going to do with all these draft picks?” But all and all, despite sacrificing a few notches in their draft order, Trader Dan has done pretty well in the eyes of many. Including Larry Legend.
“It’s hard to do what he’s done,” Bird said. “I think he’s done a good job. He even got a first-rounder for his coach, you know.”
And with that, Larry laughed. With the draft coming up in June, the league’s GMs have been reminded of the fact the Celts have an extra first-round pick, No. 28 overall, from the Clippers for releasing Doc Rivers from his Boston contract.
“That’s what you do in this league,” Bird said. “You try to get as many assets as you possibly can, and at the right time maybe bunch them together and get a hell of a player. This league is All-Star driven, talent-driven, and that’s one way you can get a lot of talent.”
I personally think that Danny Ainge has done a hell of a job since starting this rebuilding process with the blockbuster move that sent KG & Paul Pierce *wipes tear* to the Brooklyn Nets. With Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and Avery Bradley, he’s got a decent nucleus to build around or guys he can use to procure an instant impact type of player. And let’s not forget one of Ainge’s best moves, bringing in head coach Brad Stevens in July of 2013. I was skeptical of Stevens at first-mainly due to the fact that most NCAA coaches fall flat on their face when making the jump to the NBA. But Stevens has been fantastic. Lesser men would’ve crumbled, even resigned under the pressure that comes with being the coach of the most successful franchise in NBA history. But Brad has shown growth, resolve and a true desire to bring the Celtics back to the higher echelon of the league.
Here’s a look at what Boston has stockpiled via Real GM:
