If you're mad with Danny Ainge....don't be. Give him a chance.

[chambers]

This KG/Rivers situation is obviously upsetting you a lot.
This trade is a metaphor for the end of an era and people are treating it like Danny's just throwing away the Celtics for Jordan and a few picks.
 It's understandable, but Danny doesn't have much choice.
Put it this way. Wiggins and Parker are available next year and there really aren't any free agents available that are worth the money even if we had the money/capspace. Do we really want Josh Smith hogging 16 million for the next 5 years while Rondo slowly crawls past 30?
If we are blowing this thing up and going after Wiggins or Parker then we have to take what we can get. KG will only play in LA. Doc wants to coach KG and Pierce, but KG won't play here if Doc's not here.
Let them go play for a title. Ainge has decided it's in the Celtics best interest to go after one of these phenomenal talents in the draft. I mean it's very possible that both of these guys are on a Carmelo Anthony or Dwayne Wade level...perhaps even close to Lebron.
If we miss out like we did in 2006 then the free agent class of 2015 will offer plenty to a great organization like the Celtics with a crapload of caproom.

Regarding Danny, he's not perfect. He's had up and downs. but ultimately he gave us a championship by collecting assets like this last time and using his drafting and negotiating genius to:
a)pick Al Jefferson with the 15th pick
b)buy the suns pick off them at number 21 to get Rondo
c)convince teams that Gerald Green still had potential(lol)
d)flip Jeff Green into Ray Allen AFTER getting so darn unlucky not to get Durant (or luckily not get) Greg Oden.
e) He then turned Al Jeff and some assets into the best big man in the NBA in Kevin Garnett and changed the culture of this franchise.
You can bring up his faults but his brilliance has far outweighed his negatives.
You've got to give him a chance.
He's decided it's time to move on. Danny believes this is the best move for the Celtics so I trust him. You think he doesn't love the Celtics as much as you or me?
As a fan of Ainge, I don't think it's overreacting to say he's a borderline basketball GENIUS. An amazingly good coach, and amazing GM, and incredibly intelligent guy and  basketball scout. He is what the GM's from OKC, Houston, Nuggets all aspire to be- they're copying his methods now in Houston collecting 5 power forwards, picks and trading for guys like Harden and clearing room for Howard.

Please let Danny work his magic. He's not perfect, but in an industry that turns over GM's and Coaches like dirty underwear, he's an NBA cornerstone.
The cold hard truth is without him we never get Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen and most likely never win banner 17, if KG doesn't go down in 2009 it's arguable that we have 2 or 3 banners instead of just one, and without Ainge, we probably don't come close to one.

[wdleehi]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade. 

[Chris]

I feel bad for Danny.  He is getting railroaded by a tremendous job of using the media by the Clippers. 

In reality, if Danny can trade an aging (and perhaps breaking down) center, and a coach who they probably don't want to pay through a rebuilding process anyways, for a young, talented (even if overpaid) big man, and 2 first round picks, that is really pretty great value in a vacuum. 

The problem is, the Clippers have been leaking the "negotiations" (or what they want people to think the negotiations have been) constantly, making it look like Danny has been bending over for them, as they just hold firm.  It has made him look weak, and in their mind, it also probably kills his negotiating power.

If he takes a deal at this point, he is going to look bad, even if, in reality, it is a pretty good deal. 

I just wonder though, if the Clippers are playing with fire here.  I wonder if they are pushing him too far, and if maybe he will just walk away.

[Rondo2287]

I feel bad for Danny.  He is getting railroaded by a tremendous job of using the media by the Clippers. 

In reality, if Danny can trade an aging (and perhaps breaking down) center, and a coach who they probably don't want to pay through a rebuilding process anyways, for a young, talented (even if overpaid) big man, and 2 first round picks, that is really pretty great value in a vacuum. 

The problem is, the Clippers have been leaking the "negotiations" (or what they want people to think the negotiations have been) constantly, making it look like Danny has been bending over for them, as they just hold firm.  It has made him look weak, and in their mind, it also probably kills his negotiating power.

If he takes a deal at this point, he is going to look bad, even if, in reality, it is a pretty good deal. 

I just wonder though, if the Clippers are playing with fire here.  I wonder if they are pushing him too far, and if maybe he will just walk away.

Great points

[wdleehi]

I feel bad for Danny.  He is getting railroaded by a tremendous job of using the media by the Clippers. 

In reality, if Danny can trade an aging (and perhaps breaking down) center, and a coach who they probably don't want to pay through a rebuilding process anyways, for a young, talented (even if overpaid) big man, and 2 first round picks, that is really pretty great value in a vacuum. 

The problem is, the Clippers have been leaking the "negotiations" (or what they want people to think the negotiations have been) constantly, making it look like Danny has been bending over for them, as they just hold firm.  It has made him look weak, and in their mind, it also probably kills his negotiating power.

If he takes a deal at this point, he is going to look bad, even if, in reality, it is a pretty good deal. 

I just wonder though, if the Clippers are playing with fire here.  I wonder if they are pushing him too far, and if maybe he will just walk away.

Great points

Except for the "pretty good deal" part.

[chambers]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

[wdleehi]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 



The Celtics would have traded KG for him.  They will not let him just "expire"


They will either have to trade him (and his trade value is hurt by that contract) or extend him (with the likely raise)





What is this fear of guys leaving with out getting back something?  Draft picks teams have traded in the past for just money? 

[chambers]

I feel bad for Danny.  He is getting railroaded by a tremendous job of using the media by the Clippers. 

In reality, if Danny can trade an aging (and perhaps breaking down) center, and a coach who they probably don't want to pay through a rebuilding process anyways, for a young, talented (even if overpaid) big man, and 2 first round picks, that is really pretty great value in a vacuum. 

The problem is, the Clippers have been leaking the "negotiations" (or what they want people to think the negotiations have been) constantly, making it look like Danny has been bending over for them, as they just hold firm.  It has made him look weak, and in their mind, it also probably kills his negotiating power.

If he takes a deal at this point, he is going to look bad, even if, in reality, it is a pretty good deal. 

I just wonder though, if the Clippers are playing with fire here.  I wonder if they are pushing him too far, and if maybe he will just walk away.

I think overall people understand how hard it is for him to gain any leverage now that Doc has stated his desire to have no part of a rebuild. He's a tough SOB when it comes to the negotiating table.
The media is making Clippers fans feel good about it but we don't really know what's going on until the deal is made.

Most importantly I don't think Danny will let his emotions get in the way of the Celtics future. He's just too smart and experienced and the longer this goes on the bigger advantage he has. I noticed the reports of now wanting to see what we can get for Pierce on draft night. Danny's let this one out as a countermeasure to the Clippers who want Pierce as the third piece of this deal.

One of the toughest jobs in the world. Celtics GM. Hardly and pressure at all!

[Fafnir]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 

Do we get cap flexibilty faster without Jordan though?

[wdleehi]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 

Do we get cap flexibilty faster without Jordan though?

If Jordon is the centerpiece of a trade for KG, will the Celtics let him just walk when his contract is up? 

[Fafnir]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 

Do we get cap flexibilty faster without Jordan though?

If Jordon is the centerpiece of a trade for KG, will the Celtics let him just walk when his contract is up?

Sure you can. Why not?

You can't assume future bad decisions will absolutely happen. If Jordan doesn't develop as a player you let him walk. Then you have cap space in the same time horizon anyways.

Its a gamble that Jordan will start to meet his potential, if he doesn't you have to be prepared to move on from him.

[wdleehi]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 

Do we get cap flexibilty faster without Jordan though?

If Jordon is the centerpiece of a trade for KG, will the Celtics let him just walk when his contract is up?

Sure you can. Why not?

You can't assume future bad decisions will absolutely happen. If Jordan doesn't develop as a player you let him walk. Then you have cap space in the same time horizon anyways.

Its a gamble that Jordan will start to meet his potential, if he doesn't you have to be prepared to move on from him.

Could it?


Of course.


Will it? 


Very unlikely if the teams mentality is "we have to get something"

[Fafnir]

Of course he has a choice.  If the offers for your players are terrible, don't trade.

So let KG retire? Cut Pierce and pay him 5 million and don't get any picks, assets or anything? Don't let them compete for a championship now that we can't get one for them?
That helps us down the road doesn't it? Sometimes you have to forego pride for common sense and to give your future the best opportunity to be successful.
It's a tough pill to swallow and it consists of taking the majority of emotion out of your decision. This is almost impossible though as a sports fan because trades like this are a metaphor for 'the end' of an era.
All good things come to an end. Lets get something for a 37 year old KG while we can. Consider this a blessing that we'll get some picks and a young guy who we might be able to turn into a decent asset down the line.

Cap flexibility helps more the Jordon. 

Do we get cap flexibilty faster without Jordan though?

If Jordon is the centerpiece of a trade for KG, will the Celtics let him just walk when his contract is up?

Sure you can. Why not?

You can't assume future bad decisions will absolutely happen. If Jordan doesn't develop as a player you let him walk. Then you have cap space in the same time horizon anyways.

Its a gamble that Jordan will start to meet his potential, if he doesn't you have to be prepared to move on from him.

Could it?


Of course.


Will it? 


Very unlikely if the teams mentality is "we have to get something"

If you're afraid to make a move to acquire a talented player because you'll be pressured into overpaying him at a later date then you should just quit your job as a GM already.

[wdleehi]

If you're afraid to make a move to acquire a talented player because you'll be pressured into overpaying him at a later date then you should just quit your job as a GM already.

8



If you are afraid to allow a player to leave with getting something, no matter how bad the deal is, quit your job.



I have noticed good, long term GMs allow this to happen with their aging stars.  Sure, it can take a while to get good again. 


If the Celtics are going into "rebuilding" mode, then patience is the key.


This deals screams of impatience. 

[Fafnir]

If you're afraid to make a move to acquire a talented player because you'll be pressured into overpaying him at a later date then you should just quit your job as a GM already.

8



If you are afraid to allow a player to leave with getting something, no matter how bad the deal is, quit your job.



I have noticed good, long term GMs allow this to happen with their aging stars.  Sure, it can take a while to get good again. 


If the Celtics are going into "rebuilding" mode, then patience is the key.


This deals screams of impatience.

Why?

If it doesn't make our cap/tax situation worse (it doesn't because KG's contract matches the length of Jordan's and we have other salary tying us up) how is impatience?

Unless you're willing to hold onto KG and try to force his retirement I'm not sure what is going to be better.