Will Danny Ainge be remembered more as a Player or GM?

[straightouttabahstun]

What do you guys think? He was part of a couple championship Celtics teams, was an All Star, and was known to be a bit feisty on the court at times. We all know what he's done as a GM. What do you think?

[Lucky17]

Well, who's doing the remembering?

I'll always think of Ainge the player first. Whining to the refs, mouthing off to opponents, and getting bit by Tree.

[Donoghus]

Probably depends on age at the moment. 

If he brings a couple of more championships to Boston, his exploits as GM will definitely be more prominent.   The fact his tenure as GM is already at over a decade probably is already starting to solidify him perceived as GM more than player in many eyes.

[Celtics18]

I remember him well as a player, but I think when all is said and done, he'll be remembered more as a GM. 

[GratefulCs]

Well, who's doing the remembering?

I'll always think of Ainge the player first. Whining to the refs, mouthing off to opponents, and getting bit by Tree.

don't forget throwing the ball directly in the face of that rockets player

[passesofftodj]

I think he should be remembered as having played both professional basketball AND baseball.  That is an amazing thing.  He was an unreal athlete.

[bdm860]

He's better as a GM than he was as a player, so I think he'll be remembered more as a GM.

I think of Russell, Jordan, Bird, Magic, Isiah, McHale, Kidd, Baylor - first thing I think of is the player, the 2nd thing I think of is their later careers as coach, executive, owner, etc.

I think of Kerr, Carlisle, Riley, Phil Jackson, George Karl, etc. I think of the coach/executive first.

Jerry West, well I guess it depends what mood I'm on when I think of him.  First thing I think of might be him as a player or might be him as an exec.  He was pretty good at both.

Unless you're in the conversation for Top 25 player of all time, or had a very forgettable run as coach/executive (looking at you Kurt Rambis, Bill Cartwright, Chris Mullin), I'm probably always going to think of the later career first.   Even when you had pretty good careers as both (Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens).

[greece66]

At least, unlike Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, Danny has this option.

It's a luxury and a privilege if you think about it. He's top in every aspect of the game.

[passesofftodj]

He's better as a GM than he was as a player, so I think he'll be remembered more as a GM.

I think of Russell, Jordan, Bird, Magic, Isiah, McHale, Kidd, Baylor - first thing I think of is the player, the 2nd thing I think of is their later careers as coach, executive, owner, etc.

I think of Kerr, Carlisle, Riley, Phil Jackson, George Karl, etc. I think of the coach/executive first.

Jerry West, well I guess it depends what mood I'm on when I think of him.  First thing I think of might be him as a player or might be him as an exec.  He was pretty good at both.

Unless you're in the conversation for Top 25 player of all time, or had a very forgettable run as coach/executive (looking at you Kurt Rambis, Bill Cartwright, Chris Mullin), I'm probably always going to think of the later career first.   Even when you had pretty good careers as both (Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens).

Good points.  I think of West as the logo first, then take your pick among player, GM, or West Virginia.  He is a unique case, a true basketball icon on many levels.

[dannyboy35]

I'll always remember him as a player as one of the worst trades in Celtic history. I mark it when Red( rip) started to lose his touch. Not that they traded him but for pickney and Kleine.

[alldaboston]

I wasn't old enough to see him play, so I'll always remember him as the GM

[Celtic Fan Forever]

Well since I'm in my 20's I'm going with GM for me

[SHAQATTACK]

I remember the whole deal.  Watching him in college tourney .  Him being drafted baseball.

If you had watched him....... you would never forget the tuffness of this guy .  He was Stockton tuff .....but with an in your face .....kiss my behind attitude.

I loved him more as player.

[incoherent]

Definitely a GM since he will be our GM for a long long time.

[SHAQATTACK]

Well, who's doing the remembering?

I'll always think of Ainge the player first. Whining to the refs, mouthing off to opponents, and getting bit by Tree.

The tree fight was pure EPIC.