Steve Pagliuca, Celtics Managing Partner

One of the owners of the Boston Celtics steep value could joining us on the line hey Steve it's -- Michael how aria. Larry you located at a little worried about UN way can Danny and doc and everybody everybody all right.

I was just quick and any and doctor this morning and and we woke -- this Sunday come up it's it's nice day and it would spot.

The -- the sun did come up however the sun came -- predict it and you have the let you with the fifth pick in the draft. How much planning ahead Dunn Steve I I can't bank gone by getting the number one or number two pick by how much planning had you done as an organization 41 of these two young men -- Kevin Durant

you -- we we don't planning begun letting -- know he would get at least five and we also -- for 32 was well should be that thick so distracted very unique that at the 19 year old rule last year so many players would about out -- in the past it is not about. Distract tests double the -- top players in the as the probable draft and so when your so. There's the bad news is that is that we. Did not if you get -- think it is the best -- in -- tenure. It's that we we we we then basically for all the players drafted we have a lot about those two guys but their budget --

Is there any public relations work to be done a marketing. I'll work to be done to reverse the perception that this is devastating for the Boston Celtics and set the franchise franchise back several years.

Well I I I don't think I don't think that is always great get a chance to get some special players but. Assembly was taken number two and a draft in and there's been a lot of train -- all the way. Out there so I think he's going to be great players but I think the point is. There are some phenomenal players on five -- up draft. If you think about you'd go back. It's lead in 2000 story he has a lot dating you have to street late late Josh -- both great side yet. Amare Stoudamire Tayshaun Prince Carlos Boozer you know Britain five. It has Tony parker Joe Johnson is rich in Richard Jefferson and that's Michael Redd. A lot of research on Barrett -- a Ginobili. Richard able to him that would be self that Carter McGrady they were all I ever greater -- out Steve Nash -- we're excited and advocate is in this draft is stacked with good players.

Steve probably an unfair question hours after the draft lottery ends as disappointing Lee as it did but. Are you a fan of a lottery did you think it was fair even before last night's situation.

You know it it debate tried it is long history that tried it uses the proper ways that you know at the beginning of times is the worst teen people felt like been teams were not playing there artist so. They put it very -- systems in all time. You know it is what it is and I don't think it's productive. If if if you want it was allowed to but but if you lose that he -- questions system I think it look at it every year in BA. And you know the question would be Cuba or less tenure almost none of the time did the worst couple's teams to pick. So they'll look at it and maybe situation we've waited more -- more but it is consistent. Four -- playing part. And I I think it's fine and and you know get -- it is. Knowing that that that we at one and I've yet to getting it fixed so these staff as prepared you know looking at those top 30 players. And prepare any draft position and again it is it is. There are are just a -- really good players you know that are --

Steve we do this owners series because that allows us to take a microscope to all the local franchises and really get in debt so that said. That's the start of some of the things that have happened to your franchise beyond that the number five pick last night that that became official. You recently I gave Doc Rivers a contract extension or Danny Ainge did --

Because doctors that are really good job developing our young players and the players play hard if you watch any at a sports team a lot of it has to do with effort and doctors they're well prepared and the players they really are. I think it's tough just to sit here in tightly to adopt that would cost basis at 300 in and it. Games of injuries of different players must be their at a street last year and and so so it was should be like that I think he's. He's now got a lot -- that it would beefed up but draft choices I think you'll see it coach uses them.

I think -- that you said that because you know we had some callers that I go back and forth with them. They say the same thing that you said -- you can't let you can't just focus on wins and losses I would Doc Rivers it in your mind Steve. How how do you give me two or three things. That you used to evaluate the performance of -- head coach of the top the top two with three.

It's up to exert our number one has seen play hard. You know does the team play -- and in this team plays -- the one game with in the second thing is. By the players responding to the coach. In any changes in charges carry -- talked -- players and coaches on a daily basis. And that the players are really responding to -- that reverses a great leader. And it works partly to -- the and and therefore you were very very active peppers in the problem in general in in a journalist let's say that we can colorful like -- And and and and are now coaching great note you know Popovic we're fortunate to coach Dave Robinson Tim Duncan left and -- So you know I think -- a great -- these great players and vice versa. And and and it is so very hard to relate that we lost in Europe but the those factors of intensity of the -- it was such -- getting better and all of those doctors --

We're talking with Steve value could managing partner one of the owners of the Boston Celtics as we kick off bar owners series here on Sports Radio. Steve I say this -- admiration and I senate on a number of occasions during the course of the season despite the record. You were packed and people into that Garten the excitement level given the record of the team I thought was remarkable. How did you guys keep the enthusiasm up for this team. Even in the Mets at one point of an 18 game losing streak.

We thought it was so I think as a testament and the fact that Boston has the most passionate sports sport and around. So I think what what bought the -- about themselves as we ought. You know we've increased expenditures on players and coaches on obscenities on the game presentation dramatically -- four years. Our objective as an ownership group and we -- prospect is to win a championship. And I think it is seen that somewhat but -- do if any has packed the roster with eight a lot of exciting players who beat great players future -- English market see that this is not he. You know the city would -- about attempts in the game. In fact they understand that this team going in the right direction. So people at great time the games that we -- we hate losing we don't want to lose. But there's some developing and growing pains and it really trying to get a championship team to not also what -- team. Does it mean mediocre year year and in but for well it out. So we we had to take some pain -- where it day -- and think you'd see results that --

And I'm glad to say that Steve because you know Danny Haynes came to town in the middle of playoff series against New Jersey. Coming up this will be his fifth season and Boston as the head man at the head. That the leading voice of basketball operations I know that that is official title but we'll get back for now. His teams have not won a playoff series since he's been here. What has to happen next year is he on a short leash as Doc Rivers on shortly to they have to win at least the playoff series to keep their job.

You know we we don't. Measure that would I don't know but the short leash again a lot of this has to do with with injuries and what's going on but no -- If you look at a team that's successful they take very long term perspective. So that folks in Utah opens -- you're you're out you know step -- 17 years same structure. The problem is we news keep keep that switching around looking for the next rated the best thing you opposite yourself back to -- very patient if you look at any actual results in the in the drafting is that -- that we to explicit strategy going young. And growing players try to win a championship and you are going to -- At those run -- but I don't think that date open back if people evaluate any ought to. Where were drafting the draft tours we've been dealt the positions he's been in the very top we.

Well look I respect newspaper for the patience you're right Jerry Sloan has been around for a long time -- losing season you got guys who are were and in place and that helps let. Five years of how. How long ago above me hit it if I don't show results of my job over five years there they're probably looking to replace.

You know I think he got to look at all sorts of factors it's if people but to start watching television listening to the radio. And they blame you for that. Instead of take it up losing I think -- be an appropriate so -- close and personal but what did he doesn't and I got a tape from meeting the other regional editors and being a -- well for a long time. And lots of programs a lot of different coaches and GM's if -- is that what the brightest are working you know -- up their game. So he's going to get this right and to not productive to put anybody short leash. If this is the takes some time to put the right direction that we inherited a team that was was an older team and a team that -- challenge championships that we -- the decision to try to win we don't just want. Being mediocre keep -- lot of bad day -- it -- that team better in the last that's not our strategy. I think any excuse district well and support -- and one recollection of it this is.

Paul Pierce is your franchise player and has expressed some concerns with how quickly things are turning around here. Is there concern on your part. That the guy who was the centerpiece for your franchise is think him I don't have a whole level Leo gas left in this NBA tank here.

I think I think it back opposite. We want people that want to win it we don't want people check in trying to get stats which obviously has great player you can do well losing -- So Paul wants to -- through work just as frustrated any frustrated stocks retreated as all is about winning. And at all as they go on out there late argues actually that the -- oh we this week getting ready for the season. Looking great -- players have been and we got people LCL Tony -- is actually starting -- their work well. And so you know people are going to get frustrated we don't want guys that are happy --

How strong is the NBA as a as a whole as a as an entire entity I look at TV ratings. That are slipping both on a national level and I don't know much local TV ratings. Attendance figures would indicate that the interest is still strong but how concerned are you about this the health -- viability of your league as a whole.

I believe it duties let these strong grass with a Dwyane Wade to the world LeBron James now Greg Oden to react the player will get yeah utley is actually going back into a great victory with great players. -- those seeing it is status having once seen -- clearly has been awaited urge you agree when it there's there's six straighter and he went it. He's being more competitive balance group of a great players. Huge international interest I think 18% of the players are from out -- that that are playing in the league right now. Will be playing and keep an October in this. -- game in London. Is greater national interest tickets -- Europe are Arctic it's as strong as they've ever been were were ways where we've ever been in the programs these tickets -- So I think belief is that actually what position it's one of the few local sports and and in China basketball is that is popping up or. The serve very robust as well so I think you can eat great India product out there I think you guys who who watched this this style of play. He's going back to the up tempo that Golden State series it was just. Incredible without -- tempo frenzied style played bad luck. Our team is built the play that way as well but the word has very exciting he's in the cart.

Steve in Thompson of Sports Illustrated wrote that you don't have a scout dedicated entirely to NBA talent. In the organization responded by saying you do have a professional -- an assistant coaches help out as well is there anything the clarify here.

I don't be so mean it -- any run to crack operations and I think people see results that so we we have. Extremely knowledgeable people like Chris Wallace and -- you know. The ministry yours yours yours and there in China but it all the current players in the past players. They're going under every rock. And and checking every possible player if he's in the person media happened at this stepped watched players at least ten games -- There were it and and and and anti in the first as well like -- stated your facility in there with at the -- system which. Which called up to call up every player of the players made in certain game and -- it is used in the right in the collectively and so so we're very competent in in in the step -- there they're looking at everything into it is very suspect that.

For college and NBA players you're --

Ought to -- an -- the best it's it's it would well but then it's the best scouting staff I think in Italy and -- if you if you look at how about experience they are -- or experience the more continuity in the stepped up.

About a month ago Sebastian Telfair was arrested on a gun possession charge which grows -- was quote quoted in the aftermath is saying. They removed his nameplate from his locker room Waltham and he didn't have a Celtics locker at that point which didn't anticipate that he would. He hasn't been waived as yet what's the status of Telfair within the organization.

You know as the status of help here is that we're waiting to see what happens -- that we -- keeping better between --

Can make can I safely say based on -- initial reaction. That character issues are a concern within the Celtics ownership group.

I think from day one what we what team we we we we we believe that but developed greed of the basketball team. You know is good character and we we definitely are focusing on that. -- on the other hand you know we are we we don't believe we should be judgment so we don't believe that. We do that we do we we don't we go -- while better than anybody else so I think exit. Definitely Carriker is his focus of organization need to be I think you know victor goes putting -- well well.

You're right it it is probably too early to jump to conclusions on what happened with Sebastian Telfair but I I'm going to go with what I saw on the court this year I didn't think he was very good were you disappointed. By the player you saw who came in came in from Portland and and cost the Celtics a lottery pick.

Yeah I don't get I think I think I -- the locker approaching and you need a couple of years to be quote. What -- yet he agree he's note you get some great games yet. And that again is the issue the risks when you -- venture capital the company over rather than by existing company. You're taking a risk of of the start up. And Sebastien I think it was 21 this time in and any -- icicle. I think in general the the young strategy of getting players the ball was going to pay off that we went in the NBA but it would not be settler one number two you you can't do it look at -- game -- game and even even over what your period it takes the type of these guys -- the tropical those -- you know -- five teams. Five different teams before in the all star what to Detroit. And he sees several of those stories you know you know throughout so it is the best ever have a great season he played well on the plate now. Yes less brilliant you know yes.

You know Steve had a great moment a lot of I've made fun of -- but it turned out to be right. Yet at at a story that Jackie mcmullen wrote the Boston globe. Somehow you said it in Al Jefferson terms not to be Karl Malone will be very happy we did try to become well last year but he was very. And in the process I learned how to say your name is like lasagna as you -- to -- unhappy with myself there but. It if Al Jefferson continues to develop at this pace. You're gonna have to pay him -- some other guys coming up Delonte West. Tony Allen -- to make decisions on as the organization had discussions about these things long term yet.

Yet we beat -- houses irritation at having a very thoughtful strategic financial plan. And so we model out you know with a -- captives axes and alcoholic and think and we target. Money to be easier to keep marquis or players yes we all over that and which stopped them and in the group to the right vote if it tests out in the rain that -- the basketball so -- well aware that. We're happy to have. I don't -- problem on yet that. But and and as you know the interest to keep up the print media they don't get the holes directing that that out of practice. By the fact that. So or -- just sit here we look at all these players as having you know upside outside and try to get players that have a much upside more upside down. That's not always going to work out -- now from day one Maggette and Leo and Chris is discovered out that's Antonio icicles. Sitting in -- audience arms about upside. And we never -- that come problem -- Because great player for that matter but will we do know it -- the potential do -- certainly is it is is on the attractive epic and -- very.

Final question from me yeah you share a building with the with the hockey team that owns the building but there are obvious. Marketing situations in which you kind of hope things work out together this selling of luxury suites -- sign nature of things like that. Given the problems the hockey team has had and now the problems that the basketball team has had record wise. Are you finding that the marketing particularly the things that you guys might be marketing together is a difficult sell right now.

You know we're we're not we we established a really good relationship with the Bruins organization. And we at C we have -- do for -- dollar to score or supplied by both of them up there. Which is which is really as a lot in the game presentation our ticket sales are way ahead of where -- the past the the our sponsorships are at the top of the NBA is way ahead of where they've ever been as well. So we not experienced -- I think you know they're making progress on the Iraqi side as well. I think you eat you you guys and I talked about the the fact that hockey was coming out of the strike it big problem I think. That has do with our situation as well as their television contractor there major networks so. They've got other issues in the occupants but I think they're coming back as well.

And Steve this is my final question you guys had control of the team in 2002 when the Celtics went to the Eastern Conference finals. Did you have more season ticket holders then. 40 have more now

I I don't think we -- control of the team that went Michael so so I would actually know the answer that -- question. But today we have. I believe we have eight record number of revenues and tools you know you know this year than we've ever had before. I can I can check if -- that would stats and so that it's on very very well we can by the team I think shall have to at least for the next season.

I'm sorry I'm thinking you guys that's incorrect at that you guys took over in -- it was September the September of 2 -- three

I think I think actually was December 31 in -- country.

not my that. So are you comfortable with your seat -- it every -- rephrase that question on the run here. Are you comfortable with your season ticket sales now do you have more season ticket holders now than you did say two years ago.

I guess we do and and and I think we've reviewed the highest percentage used to date that we ever viewed as this when I'm as. You know as recently done with the fans and they -- the style of play eight they seem to potential in players. And you know they've been great supporting that and they look forward next year would have to deliver you know you cannot as quote you mr. al Davis you know it's when maybe when you got it. And since that won't happen forever but I do think they see the progress and at and they also suspected this ownership group. Is really really focus on putting money back into the team to try to win it. And you know we we enacted right every time -- our people Beckett -- side. But I think people give us the benefit that we appreciate that there were up -- you know put money in you know they'd be trying to winner that's what that's about -- we wanted to.

Steve we really appreciate -- kicking off our -- series forests and a and talking with us today thank you very much for taking the time we'll talk again in the future.

Okay I really appreciate guys in net and and Michael also used to go lasagna.

Smith of Atlanta didn't.

After last night I'm also going Allman and -- it going to burn all my big. -- on tables of the metric -- with.

Thanks the next -- The value of managing partner one of the owners of the Boston Celtics kicking off our owners series