good post rollie, and my condolences on the recent passing of your namesake. it is a real loss for basketball and the world.
next, this is from SoSH, but i think addresses your final point on Ainge and his ability to work hard and change a team for the better. when i looked at the roster below from before, and what the celtics have now, it is amazing the job he has done.
FROM SoSH's HOMERUNBAKER:
My real purpose for posting in this thread is to recognize the job that Ainge has done in his second full rebuild of this organization. It was just over 2 1/2 years ago prior to the trade deadline when our starting lineup in a game was.......
1- Jameer Nelson
2- Avery Bradley
3- Jeff Green
4 - Jared Sullinger
5 - Tyler Zeller
Also included in our 11-man rotation that night were Brandan Wright, Phil Pressey, and Brandon Bass.