Grade Danny as the Celtics GM.

[Rosco917]

As I read through the forum, I'm feeling some are not happy with DA.

GM is not not an easy job, there are things going on that we as fans are not privy to. He has to balance and juggle contracts, salary caps, injuries, player personalities and complaints, on and on, all while balancing and building a team that sells tickets.

I think Danny has done a pretty fair job, he works hard, drafts mostly accurately, he's proven he doesn't get attached to his players, which in my book is positive, he pulled the trigger on the trades that build the 08 championship team. He's always looking to Europe for players. His dedication and communication are good.

Is he 100%... no. He takes some chances that don't pay off, just like other GM's. He did hire some bad coaches.
I can see his formula for success, its rather simple, gather and develop assets so when and if opportunity shows itself you have something to give, so you can receive. 

My grade on Danny is a solid B.

[manl_lui]

I say B+, A- range. Pre big 3 era is up for debate

07-08 season was definitely an A+
The gap between then and 2012 was a B+. A- range. I actually don't hate the rasheed wallace signing and thought it was good. He was frustrating at times, but let's give him credit (and Doc) for the defense against Howard in the ECF.

I am hesitating on grading Danny on the rebuild because I haven't even seen the final product of the rebuild

[ssspence]

A. The only thing stopping him from an A+ is his draft record, which is solid but not great.

It shocks me that people question his success as GM. Those who do, IMO, are either short sighted, or  don't really understand much about the NBA.

Example: the Nets trade could turn out to be one of the greatest of all time, when all is said and done.

[wiley]

A. The only thing stopping him from an A+ is his draft record, which is solid but not great.

It shocks me that people question his success as GM. Those who do, IMO, are either short sighted, or  don't really understand much about the NBA.

Example: the Nets trade could turn out to be one of the greatest of all time, when all is said and done.

Spot on analysis.  A+ if not for a few draft misses...

[GreenGoggles]

Well, in a league with more than a few terrible GM's DA is above average, but on his own I disagree with as many of his decisions as I agree with.

Things I liked that he did

1. Obviously 2007-2008 he put together one of the best teams I've ever seen assembled, young hungry players with veterans that meshed together perfectly.

2. I think our second trip to the finals also had a great team with Rasheed Wallace being a really underrated signing by Ainge, he provided a lot when he felt like it.

Things I didn't like

1. Held onto the big three too long, I would've been on board with shipping them all out after we lost to Miami after being up 3-2.

2. Moving Rondo too late to get anything of value in return.

3. Signing Green, Bass, Terry.


As for his drafting record, I feel the same way. He is hit or miss, he might find us some nice young players later in the draft but he also drafted his fair share of busts. Hopefully he can get another high pick this year and we'll have two consecutive years at the top of the lottery to see his true drafting ability.

But as for a letter a letter grade? I guess I'd say C+ or B-, not thrilled with but he did bring us a championship, granted that is now 6 or 7 years ago.

[greg683x]

I'd give him an A-

He took over in what 2003 and almost completely gutted the roster in a year?  5 years later were hanging a banner.  Not many GMs can say that I think.

Only reason I made it an A- is because of some failed trades/draft picks that were crucial to filling some holes needed to win another title (Giddens/Patty O'Bryant)

[Moranis]

B-

Was higher a few years ago, but I haven't been overly impressed with his work since the trade for KG in 2007.  Some poor decisions in free agency, some strange trades, and an average drafter since then. 

[mgent]

Was higher a few years ago, but I haven't been overly impressed with his work since the trade for KG in 2007.  Some poor decisions in free agency, some strange trades, and an average drafter since then.

This.  I feel he deserves a D, though grading on a curve would be a lot more fair since he's gotta be top 5 in the class.

[GreenGoggles]

I'd give him an A-

He took over in what 2003 and almost completely gutted the roster in a year?  5 years later were hanging a banner.  Not many GMs can say that I think.

Only reason I made it an A- is because of some failed trades/draft picks that were crucial to filling some holes needed to win another title (Giddens/Patty O'Bryant)

Shouldn't a grade of an A be reserved for people at the job/position who are consistently great? DA has had some great years, but no sustained greatness.

[timpiker]

I like Danny a lot but I'd give him a B primarily because of the misses over the years in the draft.

I wouldn't trade him for any other GM though.

[greg683x]

I'd give him an A-

He took over in what 2003 and almost completely gutted the roster in a year?  5 years later were hanging a banner.  Not many GMs can say that I think.

Only reason I made it an A- is because of some failed trades/draft picks that were crucial to filling some holes needed to win another title (Giddens/Patty O'Bryant)

Shouldn't a grade of an A be reserved for people at the job/position who are consistently great? DA has had some great years, but no sustained greatness.

Well then who deserves an A outside of san Antonio??  Its hard to hold the pre 2007 years against Danny because aside from pierce he completely gutted a roster he inherited and had it turned around and winning a title in less than 5 years. 

[GreenGoggles]

I'd give him an A-

He took over in what 2003 and almost completely gutted the roster in a year?  5 years later were hanging a banner.  Not many GMs can say that I think.

Only reason I made it an A- is because of some failed trades/draft picks that were crucial to filling some holes needed to win another title (Giddens/Patty O'Bryant)

Shouldn't a grade of an A be reserved for people at the job/position who are consistently great? DA has had some great years, but no sustained greatness.

Well then who deserves an A outside of san Antonio??  Its hard to hold the pre 2007 years against Danny because aside from pierce he completely gutted a roster he inherited and had it turned around and winning a title in less than 5 years. 

Most of my problems with Ainge come post our second finals appearance. Also I'd say Pat Riley is likely an A though his job is made easier by his location and market. The Grizzles also have been competitive in the extremely tough west with a limited budget and small market.

[MBunge]

I think you have to give Ainge an A.  The Ray/KG trades are two of the greatest front office moves in league history and it's looking like the Brooklyn fleecing may be one of the last great trade robberies we ever see in the NBA.  We got three first round picks, unprotected, for a one-year rental of Pierce and two years of a cooked KG.

Now, you can't put him in the all-time great GM category yet but if he pulls off a second rebuild that results in a title with a completely different roster, he'll start edging into that company.

Mike

[greg683x]

You kind of already made my rebuttal in your post but yeah put Pat Riley anywhere else where free agents dont flock to and his performance will fall off a cliff.  His draft record hasnt been that great.  Hes also had the best players in the game on his team for all his titles,  that would make chris Wallace even look competant.

Memphis is a great example but if you ask any of their fans they'd trade their great consistent steady going play with our championship season in a heart beat.  So i dont understand how theyd get an A and we wouldnt if theyd rather be in our shoes over the last several years.

[greg683x]

I'd give him an A-

He took over in what 2003 and almost completely gutted the roster in a year?  5 years later were hanging a banner.  Not many GMs can say that I think.

Only reason I made it an A- is because of some failed trades/draft picks that were crucial to filling some holes needed to win another title (Giddens/Patty O'Bryant)

Shouldn't a grade of an A be reserved for people at the job/position who are consistently great? DA has had some great years, but no sustained greatness.

Well then who deserves an A outside of san Antonio??  Its hard to hold the pre 2007 years against Danny because aside from pierce he completely gutted a roster he inherited and had it turned around and winning a title in less than 5 years. 

Most of my problems with Ainge come post our second finals appearance. Also I'd say Pat Riley is likely an A though his job is made easier by his location and market. The Grizzles also have been competitive in the extremely tough west with a limited budget and small market.

I replied to you in my previous post.  Sorry im on my phone I forgot to quote the text.