Danny Ainge

I can't they have big chill block and -- Billy Byrd are indeed in the studio along with the people watched our conduct -- the principal -- we're -- of the Boston Celtics joining us this -- the basketball operations over their Danny it's been awhile since we've spoken to them like all over the world haven't.

It's been good in -- you guys --

You know -- you know what it almost sensitive guy you -- that. Does that like I was China yup by the late -- get cuts next that you guys mother did you over there. -- ot that's -- predict it's kind of I'm going to be evasive answer is that he tells -- anyway this was a story that. Legs man evidence all over television got a hit when they get video these days. What exactly happened was that just coincidence how did you wind up with -- seat next that the -- moment.

Incidents I'd get tickets from the Texas coaching staff I had a completely different -- the game before. In that game really didn't know who was sitting next to me. Tell Holley wrote in his sideline reporter came up in. And that want to talk to -- cut it you know -- I I was caught on TV with the others but the damage at all done but obviously it impresses. Or more times but the course of the game and it beat deal.

Did you have conversation with this woman at all doing. Didn't like share -- or popcorn or in the like she didn't know you wore it. Women as the TV crew was coming at you probably think that we otherwise interview and they just blew right by -- it's -- the -- and that didn't remember him. Associate no recollection of you know.

Hell I don't I don't think she added each missile into the gamesmanship exist -- that -- on.

Danny is and hugging though crossing line. Are you amazed that they would find you and and the team 30 -- it's heartless thing. But he is that this I mean you've learned from the best read our practices read our back. Sitting next -- out of the facility at the complete coincidence solicited a man sitting next to the mom of the -- didn't want in in the whole country up which -- but I think it's really really. What is the protocol when when -- general manager whatever goes and watches a college -- you -- you got the tickets. From the coach what does the nor is there aren't Normal perceived need to know is that probably Barnes.

Well you know I think it. Where were we built -- we're not supposed to have contact but I mean that's some real gray area might indeed because I have contact all the time with people. It's -- members and so forth in the al Pacino on -- what what it's acceptable acceptable sports communication I think that that contact with anything out of the ordinary and obviously leagues but if would you have to love it I can't obviously go to -- house and talked to him about the NBA talk -- college -- the -- things -- things. I mean both of -- become the commute says higher. Have the commerce patient I mean it's just that the problem isn't a national TP.

So in other words it was the appearance here or more that it was the -- would it. What would David stern -- today no doubt about. Oh David stern expect you to say you'll excuse me mister I have to get up now because I'm allowed us to the army is that the recall we supposed to do.

I guess they expect me to get a and no where I don't know it's a question that sold on -- that it's sold out actually somebody I don't know. Did you talk at all then you'll have to talk to Baxter about the did you have any conversation with -- at all. Superficial conversation about you know that was not really no accident that the -- nasty about Boston in the weather followed I don't know.

In either one of movement of those 850 C -- around we -- when -- when you're talking about that you you view you have communication. With with family members you don't have them with underclassmen undeclared players.

I talked about communication -- saint you know someone recognizes. You know all I'm mr. you do a advocate year beach I'd trade because it's not at all. But that we knew we eat rub shoulders of people at these games because they recognize that that general managers are recognized that your. Larry -- go to any eight idea capture him and Michael Jordan and keep it -- Mikhail people like that have a have a miserable time because it's a.

Let's two point I would think that Michael Jordan Larry -- show while. And there are relatives of players who underclassmen undeclared players that get -- those relatives coming up to them all the time.

Michael Jordan's playing one on one with me for -- and we will look on our media to camp -- Santa Barbara. In the summertime he has all the college -- company. Council I mean there's a lot of there's a lot of things that -- better much to the matter it was rat on but it -- ought not. Brad Penny but it went -- song that it it's national team -- perception. Right.

Perception appearance. Tell me whether you had any questions at all after you heard and saw what happened in the game last week where your team. Was up against Charlotte by 18 points and suddenly.

Not not not even won an -- does not because you're -- that I was sitting in the locker. Watch in the game and I had to act seems the and would have done the exact same thing -- it was like. -- destroyed in the message was frustrated with these young guys want you can't have these guys the only other became. Paul couple yeah I need to keep -- blurry at the time. And it's just like how many times did this happen. Now I understand I don't I don't think she spots -- back. That it Charlotte I know he doesn't think about -- whole record thing I'd know what he's trying to do I knew exactly what you do at the moment because a constant competition. So I understand what it could look like. But I know for a fact of what we want to adopt that.

I tonight I will say that's. And again it's. Its appearance and not necessarily in -- follow lacked here but. The point that that that got me was in the post game press conference not mention that right off the bat but more importantly. Would somebody asked about all seasonal porpoises like he could go back into the game I was surprised that he did say it's not. Pierce got nailed earlier on the shoulder get flipped down on the you know on the floor. And then got hit in the guy I was surprised that -- simply this. And we couldn't put back into -- you've beaten up he was or. That was surprising to me I am surprised I was a border with the league me an inquiry to you guys at all about the game.

they can't -- immediate there's there's people that that that do that all the time what is Doc Rivers have the ability to coach the same way it's great pop bitch or. Aura Phil Jackson or pat Riley can coach can leave guys on the base and let their -- I understand what you're going to say but on saint as it shouldn't matter the record is still teaching.

Now getting knowledge when I was gonna say I was just thinking NB AQ and did that it is -- duplicity next exactly sitting next to a woman right.

All right what they can investigate anything they want that you know there's a -- but the difference between -- he. -- did it'll like the perception of the NBA England with the call it's in the -- the kids and so where you're in -- caught on national TV sit there. And you know you can make all the explanations to want and they eat -- in it. Police said they had some they had I think 45 coaches that have been talking about. East I raft and -- all of them in the top for the not -- sit next mother in the crowd. And so it's just you know to send a message to be entirely. This is what we don't. And there's a big difference and accusing the coach you know doing something that some people might proceed talked to a done. I think is complete better you better have some big time proved.

All right I I don't think anybody does in -- probably start it was all over national TV everybody was talking about that game. And again it was because you're playing Charlotte. That seeing that you had the most to gain now. By actually losing that game because they were the closest to you in -- number two spot again all appearances. Had it not happened a week after. Birdied the the fine for you sitting next to the Kevin -- mother we probably wouldn't think about it except that if they're concerned about the appearance. Of you sitting next to a potential draft pick mother. I was little surprised they were questioning the move because it was such a bizarre bizarre game.

There's there's a lot of like question -- That up at all up

but they've got you know he did you think it is about he thinks that. That they should be everybody should be in the draft right now because he thinks that's what happens a lot of teams linguistics.

Everybody has pitched better. That's David Stern's double figures with best.

In answer this question a couple months ago I think that was the 57 second you know like Indians who -- it was a long question it in but I'll I'll show here -- jibe with seven threes I think when I asked you. One into every one knows 34 and five you would you said Lowe you know let that development mundane Dwyane Wade and a couple years ago 345 guys came about. We're now here word final fours this coming weekend has. Three point 530 developed and I knew do we have can we win a title at the Celtics can they -- with the one of those --

Yes matter of fact I feel very competent that would going to be significant better team with that which took it it didn't think that there's things developing. I do think it's not that yet it's still a long time to beat. Now I've said that before -- you wasn't like the final four with final season as a lot of things happen and work out. A lot of players stifled in the systems again I think we talked about the players such as that I watched her there'll college careers out there's -- and Richard Jefferson and I had no idea several with a deep in the what likeable guys he had no idea plate in certain system that they were going to be all star players. And you know I think that there's there's still a lot of time this valuation process. I think football is if it is if not ask is completely different. Football -- people you know mock drafts and a professional them. Not to -- you don't have these guys practical side it after the Columbine after the visit -- after all the testing you know it's completely different. And it's it's it ships all around I still think that there's in which we have to the bandages to make that decision probably by that. Because it's hard to be on top.

Danny we pose this question -- is on the last hour and an admittedly to a marketing question but he concern that. If you don't get a certain to some. To use that term used before if you don't get one of those two players that are of these though the the Airways all sucked out of your future are you convinced. If it's not one if it's not -- but you'll still get what you want 34 or five.

Well it'll I'm not going to talk about the differences between one and 245 than it used about but what -- but it -- that would say is that. I think that the perception in and what. You know what you guys eight to. And why it is going to happen right now which you think right and eloquently going to happen what I am worried about it this week in November. That's what really worried about and so I understand there's lot of different scenarios -- happen between now in June 26 to beat in November. And so we'll just play it out it will adjust will -- the best player that we get based on which pick we get in. And will -- make it just to their roster or in the enough that's all I can really do but what but the question you're asking is I understand what. Public perception and I don't think that they have the picture. The adept at some games --

A -- the players have to declare for the draft what's the --

I think they. I have to equipment make.

Okay and how long a period of time to they have after the -- as they can declare not hire an agent and then go back to college correct.

Right there actually is two to 26 is 28 distracted that that last week in June. And I think it's about easily eight tipped it before that -- they have to do make their decision on whether they stay in the draft. Paul.

Do you. Not did you talk to which is -- do you talk to people out there. At the schools to try to find out right now or is it irrelevant right now to you this early. On who's coming up.

It's -- relevant you know that'll take care of itself there's been all sorts of opinions mean it's funny because. I'll get to be Baylor message from somebody get a phone message -- somebody that they know it. In that three to date or get a message somebody else -- think he know at two completely different answers so I really hope it much attached to that it is prepared work all of the different scenario that's all I can do I can't control what. With these guys do it can control ping pong ball elected to prepare prepare all the difference there.

A ticket anything that you here. Or read now is usually irrelevant as you know. There around their college team and their friends. They're not going to sit there and say that's it -- lot of Europe at the rose just don't do it in you get too much respect for the guys you've been around. And usually when -- minor league deal with -- financial advisors or whatever on the road that you -- when those things and they let me ask you this question. Do you have your boards that. Beyond let's say wanted to I would be shocked if you're one -- any different than anybody else he definitely give those guys come out but beyond that. Pretty much of -- board set up.

we have it's it's I think that it it's little bit cloudy there's there's still some pot there's a -- what we've done as we weeded out. At certain levels mean there's guys that have not that it is not cut the mustard in the top five that we. Looked at a peak value waited over -- that there's there's there's media -- five or 68 there's still and -- second tier of the draft and -- he still not certain on. And the top two picks -- the draft.

When you talk about the only thing you're focusing on right now is being a better team in November is there any concern in Europe more. That other than maybe a couple of players that we will match it might have an impact one offensively one defensively. That to be better in November you might have to if you outside that water to. Deal for a more experienced player to win games next over.

Well you know I would just say that that that's an option he. Went to retreat or with any pick books or almost all those -- on the board at all possible trades that we have to. To make a team better but you know I think he -- he -- its interest is to say that that is which you can do a beat I know that there's been a lot of speculation you gotta make trade if you execute certain if you don't get to talk to exit after the that is to hand it depends on who would it there's a lot of players have been playing very well that make a lot of money in this league have a lot of injuries that bodies are older than there. In the versatility could say. District where -- honestly that you that you gotta be sugar. Let's put it that we finished Beecher to strapped -- good good decision to be so we have a best chance.

has your opinion of this draft changed since last we spoke with -- you said a couple of months ago this looks like a good draft as. As a change it over the last --

Has changed beat just just that it -- which processes it's is further along.

I mean stronger it could -- me start with not a single.

I think it is -- that's -- have a -- to we could have the 32 33 pick in the draft. Right in the -- and that we think that there's a chance that we could get eight quality players -- well.

It Danny watching all these tournament games in march madness last a few weeks here as anybody suppressed or expectations or maybe climbed up on a notch or two just because of holiday performed in this tournament so far.

Now I would say that deterrent but it's changed my opinion -- in view of the play you'd we public reverse now. I open up -- that but I would I would at least I -- there's at two guys have really dropped off for two guys that it moved up but that that's not the case to meet. We put we put a lot of time to be tightly guys in two games in one at 21 great.

That was so it's a tournament in general that that the you don't think the term is an accurate barometer of what a play can do war. Someone has just not impressed you good or bad.

I think it as a danger I think -- there's going to get those guys have great tournament brightly could play that well adult side you get a little bit more excited while they discussed. Especially the young guys oh. And -- a lot of mistakes and may just take an assortment he which.

Cash out that that the people in the NBA do that though like I think that's horrible we do any more of what fans do work more with the media does. You watching god played a terrific it was mentioned yesterday I really like what I've seen of Jeff Green -- at the -- from itself. Again there are still some questions that to his game or whatever but you do get a little bit more hyped up probably because unlike. Where you're watching these guys all season long fans are really focusing in on them now because they're seeing a lot of -- stage.

Right I understand -- like that -- you know but it it was a opera player of the years the MVP of pop it's that means he's played well all year. People are just dirty -- I go back I was in college in August a first team all American and you for the NC AA started. But because add an extra audience and all you know they do they work. But into the evaluation process by the NBA agent managers go. Into their freshman years at 16 years -- high school and these guys and take everything into consideration.

But did you do have to that this the the Ohio State Georgetown game the battle at center is going to be interesting for the fans but I mean one guys move an up than the other guy's been there for the whole season I I. -- not saying that that team doesn't matter at all to you.

I held out a pretty much and it doesn't batted the ball. -- pretty mcenroe I -- at it it's affected. You -- can remember 1972 there again haven't been able to remark to keep it in and -- bypassed because he had great game that the -- he's in the remark was drafted number one in the draft at a -- back. And you know that that was -- 71 you know stuffed on guys that are BA there's been a lot. Of big and we talked about this before but there's been a lot of mistakes. It's based on the premise of sides in particular league hitter and probably more cash strapped in big pass -- battery better that -- players there's a point -- and -- any other state meet in the history of the.

Did you have to make your your situation and -- was a little bit different even -- your first team all American TV wasn't -- Expos back and the pitcher on the west coast -- you know it at BYU but. What to -- most people in and around the NBA touch of Christopher baseball right.

Rye you know that you -- I was just trying to -- pointed out that the late -- you know there's there's not fortunately most of these guys because we we we know most -- Mark the end. So nice little bird certainly doesn't hurt there's talk but it means it doesn't all's said elevate guys that. -- spots in the draft her it might solidified -- questions. A that you might tough to beat players that in this year's in issues NC AA can -- it -- the beauty but it it up or down it.

He had a you know he's right -- what happens is defense that we get all caught up in it and you'll see in march you'll see Mark tracks changing because when -- get those immediate people usually York. You know fans -- of science report put those together. And and you know they get riled up about it I don't we get beat people do because it's one game yet he can't please you know one in the follow -- question of the any it allows you on base percentage he never would have been signed I. -- let me ask you about Doc Rivers is doctor came out. With the media the last couple days and has mentioned extension in his uncertainty if you had any conversation. With Doc Rivers about his future.

No topic I talked about the future. On a daily basis. Do it here so. It is ours contract extensions everything that's the oldest talked about in the summertime adopted ideally talk about the future of this franchise. -- in the development of our players continually.

If you're at his position would you understand the fact that you don't want to go. In to a lame duck season especially. When that could be some turn over here in the offseason and may be significant upgrade with personnel going forward for next year.

I would say this adopted immediately case that he -- players that he'd what's at -- He wants to continue building what we started I got a lot of pride in his job in his work in -- would would -- want walk away you know. With the with the 20 complete its season in Boston and -- where that at the field about the players in the future in the bright spots. I don't that he knows that he's getting better as a coach in. And he's -- out about these guys aren't. So I think -- excited about the future where we are petite. I understand the whole concept I think it's immediate -- I think there's so many examples of coaches. Have had success in the scenarios of that. You know I think that there's there's it depends but it. You talk about sit down and discuss all this stuff he's --

As a guy whose coach before do you think it's fair to put a coach in to a last year of contract. Where it allows players who already have big guaranteed contracts. That halfway during the season if they don't like with the coaches saying tool they can shut them off because we know he's got no future.

throw or throw or throw. The owl at the coaches --

I would it was our coach Bill Clinton that's that's like -- you know lasers have have reached contract old -- their contracts and it is so different could -- year when you're you're struggling that your team has not -- coaches have a lot of time getting the attention the players regardless of the contract which.

But this is a lot easier arisen I mean experience.

I I understand the -- it's not working it's not work it anyway. But there's been a lot of mean they pick villages to two years ago had eight contract situation in in that Seattle had one of the pressures they've added a decade. When he witness and coach and a body and the past master the hit. Isaiah Thomas is Bennett albeit most pressure -- that you should even though they've had you know they just recently had to injuries that have. He's -- question. That -- in the context which is reporting it to 500 if I'd had to play up spot that but -- a -- David based on their expectations have. Pretty good season and now. You know worked out for -- you know and for the -- so I think it and there's more there's more situations like that but I understand the concern I understand -- to understand downsides were fully aware of that and I don't really know we're docks you are about this in this in this in the I did a great time probably the first month after the --

Did you find that -- usually actually talked about it. Publicly.

Well I'm you know I'm not because -- adopt is. He's the media guide but beekeepers -- in the first team all interview players first -- all it'd be coached. You know he saw that he apologize via the date for not be able to talk about -- of apartment get talk about you know. The draft picks you know he feels like he needs to give answers and he is in front of that microphone every single day sometimes twice today. And so -- it and it quite honestly you know I think he does stay in Boston and probably -- security.

I asked this question before can he sit next to Patrick Ewing junior's dad.

I think they'll I think -- look look the other way and.

Well it's it's unfair and -- before we let you go you go you'll get trouble for this -- this week in the true

well I explored speaking out here. We -- already won by you back over -- What can you do that you actually have a rule that I know -- at that part of what it's like physically and you know I did get excited that there is one important just that was the last wrong. And he. I don't know all but mind I should it doesn't want to recognize the dogs are dirty tee it up probably with Redick. Chris lost -- that you publish a separate Chris is an act at about 30 guys actresses in the top five Leo -- the -- way the ball bullets second way to let adult.

I feel like you're like floor. Libya does does George tells offense that Princeton offense they play in the fact teams don't see that on a regular basis. Do you think that gives them an advantage and a one game out situation like this weekend.

I don't excellent. I don't think it's that each speaker that usual I I I'm not a big fan of that off -- I do like the talent at Georgetown. A skeptic there are some advantages of it but it there's just damage that it in like like Pete I think that he has a lot of talent well I think it's a tragedy cut in the system in you don't take. It the other almost Arctic India. I didn't -- big time the bandages on the low post with two guys with the other two interior players and I just don't think I think it lost. As a result of the Princeton it's they did that in in the -- utley. Got really dangerous they got the ball outside in in and people who went with it.

Danny have you ever seen a really good team and North Carolina certainly is not only good team with a deep team. Should it could team fall apart like that badly.

Well they're so young and what should play a lot of people meet blue good estimate -- people about it. And it looked over at -- that's one of I just don't understand it I still try to get this out with all the time about how nowadays he beat out -- I. It seems like we direct the game's biggest goal for amber in the college game and understand how he never quite an -- eight. Substitutions 18 minutes in the first half. Just to start -- demotion. And I think that there's there's -- advantages in -- brash but there's also a bit at disadvantages of just -- certain players not get sore --

I throw but those threes that you knew worst perk up -- point best part of -- Let's it is great to have you back to the cubs well yeah and and we'll talk in excellent all right I have a good -- that's --