Danny Ainge

" Four point four to go in the final seconds we'll take off the clock. Two years but the game's original my. Okay."

" That's all people remember I got the ball."

" But he gave up -- given up. This -- welcome back hit the big show the day after another championship near Boston this one for the Boston Celtics. Their seventeenth and Kemp's 22 years after they won their last championship with one of the main reasons this is all. Come to two another championship near Boston is against Buffalo in. So you've had an opportunity now and a reflect I'm sure it have a celebration reflect. -- you thought about all of those hours you put in all of this and finally culminated into that world championship he had an opportunity to think about --"

" You know we we're up. This morning watching K on the draft exit -- worked -- know the end of that detail and shortly. -- was around here. You know what an adult series that have been -- this team and I've been what I see in -- team even going -- And we have holes but. It's been on the -- around the a little blue chip -- I've enjoyed."

" Stop ripping your team after they just were in the NBA championship ways of finding by an Eagles are obviously you had become up. With the game plan from from day one. There was some bumps along the way it was some changes along the way but when you put this together and you finally got the Big Three. Talk about what you needed to fill in those other spots because that bitch came up big during the play."

" Ought to -- we got the victory means that the biggest question was just a 21 year old starting point guard who. You know Rondo is a great player and we know he's got great potential but you know couldn't handle the responsibilities. You know directing three all the same players. And the way to -- were going to defend him not being good shooter. You know this isn't -- like Randy Johnson or even Chris Paul who's been kind of a superstar -- life. -- they have struggled and colleges are we here and so forth and and he's -- Wondered how he was going to respond but that's what it was the single biggest question and without shooting we -- it would be each times when teams which now just without. And had a well we've brought Eddie -- let out well like we got the best available three point shooter out there too. If you look at it this and the code double off him that we put Eddie out it will be could make open shots and were forced to stay at home. And that certainly. And out and the Lakers series you know -- I think that would. Obviously was hurt can sit big baby or was hurt most of the year and when all it was so it wasn't going to be able to make it you know PGA teacher came into. In gave the veterans insurance and it in a quality player think EJ and expanded. I got more expand the role that any about had a bad when he first got here. That that we would be here PG -- hit that fifteen which -- And it was Cleveland cherry oak. You know and then Posey pulled it was huge -- for us because we needed some top. We needed you know a street fighter and it got investigator. If it is physical play brought intangibles was willing to take charges -- all the little things that he did last night and."

" And Dan that that sounds a lot like you almost describe yourself. When you talk about both street I don't street street drive street by either did instigate in in instigate -- Taking charges it's the game right dad means anything count thing. As you look that we didn't take you expected that -- you private. It's exactly Everett now. They keep active it. Danica really believed in in and so was the ex blue jay later big job may -- You laugh at bat and is that -- big job mayberry always abilities god then -- say -- This is what we don't do it you would talk that in India hamster dating. After going through all the trials and tribulations of the alive about you know plain and play -- the baseball. -- Bring all the stuff together -- what you think about you look back over the as of all the players in baseball basketball coaches that. It is there one thing that you think about more than anything else you with -- all these guys together in the clouds go."

" what what I think about -- it's on it's like this on everybody's so much different. I've been fortunate to play with good players and be on good teams and beat surrounded by -- people my whole life. You know we're back I school went to state championship great team great coaches and and conference titles in college and so forth and now. You know to me it's not about being banners and know that that's on that's great for the whole city and and I want them is that anybody but. What really -- of people that relationships which developed a long way and that's why. This team so fun to be around I mean it's always great to raise the banner and have this kind of success and I feel. What a great it's great for Paul Pierce's legacy it's great for Kevin Garnett legacy and Doc Rivers legacy repeating a great coach like Phil Jackson in. Gives some. You know. Give these guys that what they're all trying to strive for becoming the best they can be. But from being dated -- out I've lived the San Diego for almost thirty years special sport. It's just you know what really -- to amuse those relationships that you have your teammates. Tried to win championships and and the French systems develop online."

" That he turned back into the little boy did you know that I'd knew the young -- that I knew when I saw you. Last night if first you with the general manager the Celtics went toward the basketball operations of the Celtics. When they had the camera on -- and you didn't laugh -- you knew you had a camera and you and you it. Viewers stand in this you know almost like the president United States and being you sneak over to the boys."

" This estimate was go to your mind at that point the crowd. Glorious as the crowd. That it times has -- you would the past and yet you got the wildest ovation when they put the camera you I almost. And I said to these guys earlier -- just looking at the the expression in your face that clearly was emotion here. You wanted to do something at that point which held about what we think."

" You know I've really at that point in somebody keep clock move means. That we if there ought. -- That felt the way we came out the third quarter with in the third quarter mean. It would have taken out miracle my net game -- sort of good about it by now most. Seriously worked for -- You know it's just all stories. All the players and -- ought to think about -- throughout playoffs in each game that -- it completed stepped up whether -- from the pole changed -- the year. -- I just with these guys go to each their -- that any one of the plane burst out what the minute Sam. But it is minutes and it we saw hung in there. This experience and Leopold just like story appears we -- know that story's been very public. And I'd think about those situations in a and that with the recent -- over the last years. It's just it's on to -- has gone through to live with it and it -- more it's more. Rat line in this position and even as a player as a as a player you're self esteem and -- and it yet the championship ring that. You're still a year and you know these kids win. And."

" It is kind of variety you sound like like you're talking about parenting almost. There was the moment matches talking about it until about four and a half five minutes to go on the game and put up on the scoreboard. Couple of minutes after that and I am not mistaken news precisely with 231 to go like that Everett down. You've got up you have to see you walked along the baseline he went over to the bench and -- on the shoulder. And he immediately turned around and then obviously joined him in the celebration. What inspired you to go and did you want to wait what did he say -- you what was that interactions like with those guys on the -- you want to dance with geno."

" You know you come out want to celebrate with with with the old -- right and Americans everybody could see was celebrating at -- we probably a little bit premature and celebrating and everybody else was doing -- so wanted to join in with them it was a crucial moment we've been through a lot and it was a great moment that the great moment I'll never forget."

" can you share at all will it without giving anything away what the general conversations and discussions -- Mike with. -- about what some of those guys."

" You know it was like the three guys just Paula -- he'd just thank you -- at that moment you know forgiven him a chance to get together. And mistaking them for you know make it happen there's a lot of great teams that are put together on paper which summer. That won't come together and so you know I'll would give the credit the players and the coaches that do the work I -- And you know arms he -- great ownership would have been enough talent in the off season so we all do our jobs that. On paper teams don't -- make it work on the court."

" I gotta say I thought that was the best part of that you had such huge lead. That the guy's got an opportunity to show affection to Tim represent each other what you've been through through this entire season. And do it for prolonged period of time I did I. To me. That was the most touching pointed and that is that the guy's got an opportunity and watched him in Iraq on the sidelines. A -- Perkins was out they would -- doing -- if you would match -- was a minute 35 left of them but can't. I'm sorry I love that the crowd lighting up cigars. That to me was. Was it a Crennel I ask you go about. Keeping everything together in that organization from the top with with Stephen baba and all the investors that you. And Doc Rivers I think the people like -- looser who's been a long time trainer and just a marvelous trainer who was put together morsel bodies over the years in yet that guy came aboard as a young man. In 1987 do the math. Didn't work out for him he was not the -- 86 and yet last night. Culminates into his first NBA championship ring but getting back to the pointers to get -- of keeping everybody together. That couldn't have been easy because you guys went through so many periods where it got Rocky where it did get shaky. UA great faith in Doc Rivers how did you guys keep that all together only ship your position all we D'Amico."

" You know I think that. John -- that you recruit reading John wooden book and I remember when a coach of the Phoenix you know he's fitness that I'll never forget I didn't book. All changes all progress is the result change but not all changes progress. And you know you have to identify what the real problem are -- just and so much our society. Because the media operates in the scrutiny that we're under its just so easy to blame the coach it's so easy to blame Paul Pierce. So easy to -- Garnett or the general manager where there are so many more factors that are really there that are underlying factors. Of the team's success I think that that's my most important job is to. Identify the real -- As an avid except."

" It's a different because with which stuff goes wrong Richard tempted aren't you. Pressured by other people you know at the end of this network and how we have to go in the stretch it. I'm impressed by how on many different layers you guys all kept it together. And it and and that's that's the making even more special because all of those guys with their from the beginning you -- personnel this past year. But staff all the people there with a from the again."

" Dog stand and and -- it's not easy as it is that might appear to keep everything together 24 when he's in an eighteen game losing streak and especially with. Public outcry for all sorts of types of changes but. I think that not I don't really pay much attention to. What the public says look upon the -- and you know I I'm home I marvel at our whole. Notion that. People in New England more than any other place a -- and I love the Boston fans but everybody think kicking coach. And nobody everybody knows they can't beat David Ortiz or Kevin Garnett. But they -- think they can beat Terry Francona they'll they compete Doc Rivers and and the second guessing that goes on it's unbelievable and the little thing but it made this substitution as best timeout in. Those things are so insignificant to the overall idea of winning. Leadership is what's really really important. And -- leader he's a born leader and he has these guys attention and even in -- losing environment last year and the players still. Compete that they still. And so every immediate -- Jackson who's got as many wins and anybody. He still makes -- other mistakes that people trying to criticize Doc Rivers or. But they're winning -- it doesn't matter and so finally bought win and he can beat this great coach and so you don't want the it you know in the -- but -- sit back there -- still don't feel beaten us because."

" But that's okay and that's okay that's that's fine I just choose not to pay attention."

" Stay on that theme Danny the way doctor media has handled Russian on Rondo and couple years and and how he. It is an amazing the transition and use our last night again. I ended Rajon Rondo is going to -- His success I these will be perennial all star you're succumb to Doc Rivers and how he handled him the first couple years you."

" Well so I think one little thing is that an example that most you know -- a 100% of the fans won't even notice. -- struggling a note in the series got LA and they've they've had changed their deep and so on I mean you're as young point guard has been through this and we're running our off and -- to stand in the middle -- cheating and getting six -- In game five against so it blocks in the shootaround yesterday. -- says here's what we have to view. For Rashad eat too big -- unsuccessful for all we -- to you know Ron. Which is what we always try to you know but that's easier said than done yet to get rebounds and -- But each day he emphasized with our big guys that you -- Russia -- You're not setting screens are not sitting screen to the correct angles in the field they walked through setting screens that better angles. So they can't go under the screens as much and just by changing Ingle of course screen in emphasizing the screens. I thought that was the single biggest difference in the game it's free version on -- in the confidence to attack the basket -- just live in the paint the whole night."

" He set the temple of the game in the first quarter until set the temple again I totally agree that -- it went few."

" It that he created yet but Arnold burst that -- the set the couple looked like he was -- the point guard is getting out that passes he was getting rebounds he was getting steal he was getting deflection and he was creating that the opportunities for."

" Oh -- there's a deploy totally agree with that new with -- wanted to ask you and I guess sum this all -- back this. You know me knowing you as well as that happened and I have seen you. I guess. To know you've now it's you know you have a cop that you are about basically everything you do. And I just remembered that the one you that the few times I've ever see you. Maybe second guess yourself was when you what do you struggles not knowing if you can hit the jump shot in the NBA. How the UDT do you ever think back on those times. You know when you did not have a belief in yourself because you always seem that way but I do remember sometimes actually knew though when I was work which -- just -- that belief that Hughes you know count had second --"

" Well you know it's kind of funny max because I think that I have used that experience a lot. That experience my rookie year coming -- to a championship team in the middle of the season. And you know being the great shooter my whole life that a great scored very competent player and it'll come into the team where. It's almost like everybody else is questioning you more than you question yourself but it takes it take east are wondering. And then. But you really you'll be down all he needed an opportunity I need to play twenty minutes when I need to missed ten shot he'll case. I -- license commit yeah yeah and you know and that's where you'll have used that experience a lot and I seen so many players are coached. As I've been in management that I see I can sense the same thing there really that players. Like big date -- an example he's a good. And she's she has competence issues dislike all young players especially with been consistent minutes. Who -- you don't play for four games and then you get the fifteen minute opportunity you know air -- you know ray Allen's shooter it's going to be hard to make shots. And so I always tried try to -- the coaches. You know that that. -- because coaches don't see that well and they don't understand that you know inconsistent -- provides inconsistent play and yet. You can't give everybody has been that. You know you can only give you know we have seven very I think it consistent minutes there's always going to be the -- good -- that going to get consistent met. Oh but you know experience the struggle at -- on the experience of that as a player. And I have been one of those guys that put a lot of thought of that twelfth man on a good team have been leading scorer. A bad team had been you know an all star that didn't seem that -- seventh minute on a good team I mean. I played just about every role that you could play on an NBA roster that except to superstar."

" Well that's the list still counts you know you never know if you keep in shape and make it out then that'll -- everybody."

" and that's why that's why we -- just pretty much. End of this whole notion of having my number in the Raptors by the way anybody that knows me knows that that will not happen in my."

" While mats doesn't want it up there anyway he wants. Hey those chances on the bottom of that rung me. He wants to leave the bottom square Altman so people focus up on 31 maybe go to -- site as number so you want nothing to do with that I mean clearly I okay well let's let's be honest about. -- good player. You're not a player based on what you did as a player with the Boston Celtics that would dudes that deserve to be okay that we we all agreed but. What you'd just the with a franchise that had been stated. For you know 22 years to turn this thing around. I'm sorry that's a helluva an accomplishment yeah and and when you look at this franchise when you look at this franchise. And what you've done for -- to be able to sit back and all I know your personality no you wore. You're not the guy that's going to sit there and and and you know take the ball on a regular basis that's why you couldn't smile last night when everybody wanted to cheer yeah I get that. Deep down inside understand it what -- been able -- a lot of people that came through those are standing. I mean it's that was a pretty big -- I wouldn't get done you've got. Is that not deserving if somebody else of the team itself once on you in is that not a."

" As any I -- league musically I mean we we you -- it all in you know you know you'd you'd be probably it will happen you watched it. In the majors he will be retired but that have -- acquired you know actually they hit the culmination the culmination of things that you. You know these these are special things and in I am going to be like big job mayberry you know to be proud. --"

" While the other night he -- to say in an -- infield but you know what race in the banner. 2008 indeed -- better is enough. And that's what I deserve I believe the numbers retired are for special players believed that for all famers of the you know multi false start -- the guys I don't electric all quietly the next. The other Nextel. Player's number that will go and the Raptors will probably be Paul Pierce -- pretty sure that. And you know if there's you know maybe multiple multiple championships in our future and Austin and in May be acting and and I am retired and all that and the stuff than that you know maybe I earned it as a general manager of the Boston Celtics. The this is Richard it in and I you know it's my opinion that those -- special opportunities as stupid this would be one that would be. -- seeing the general manager -- number retired."

" So Shell and a re read your answer to where Grossman -- thank you but."

" exactly and you very much -- it's been nice gesture and I know that we are we it means well and I understand at all but it is. That would be really important."

" I can't even get him a good bottle of champagne as he doesn't drink an assistant while I was going to ask you do any not to make this a referendum on religion and choices but did you drink last night."

" The disappointment. Okay well it was more I'll -- it obviously it do you I don't believe that."

" I have boy I avoided all the champagne bubbles Sam did get me where they can't have --"

" There one question and in your -- repeatedly periodically. Through the course of the season and Oakland master bedroom and got up to 29 -- Just about the the way this all came together and how quickly team together looking back now. -- did you expect or championship could in the first season. -- did you think well the probability is against it might happen year to year."

" I thought that it could but I certainly didn't think that it that it. That we network title -- thought we were that the team is. As the -- six or eight teams did not think there was -- six or 84 Celtics seamer you know on 85 Laker team in our India. So I felt that even with the whole that we might have that we had a good pitching as anything but as I did. Believe that it had to come all come together we had -- good fortune. And ethnic about how fragile -- it means and here we are. I -- five. We're -- fourteen in this in the second quarter and John from the post ten straight points knocks -- two straight threes and you know save. At the more dire point of the season we were so -- to get beaten in five. And then PJ brown knocked down a fifteen foot shot that you know maybe the biggest jump shot at the year for us. And down. But that's self fragile winning and losing to -- through this process -- opted out some good fortune. To stay healthy in the end you know we needed to have great team chemistry and all of those things came together and -- you never know whether that all happened during the course of the season net and so. There is there is a lot of luck involved in. And everything else that -- this year."

" When you first got here I remember talk at you when you talked about moving the team. That would be similar to the Sacramento kings of time with the Dallas Mavericks it turns out that the team that you assemble that wins this NBA championship is one that doesn't. Double most teams battle. It's a very defensive minded team -- team that can make stops and shut people out the end. And it turns out like the Pistons that that's right that that's the difference right now in winning the NBA championship as we look at it. The Lakers were too soft the Lakers didn't play the type of defense it could make the stops that you guys may win. During that period that you suddenly shift and say. I think it's different because I have a sneaking suspicion nudity. You start seeing teams even in the Western Conference. We're going to start to change their style little bit and at least become more like San Antonio it's at Utah's on that on that road now. And be more defensive one."

" Right well what we was so what what -- the Sacramento marble was not in. In the fact that their styles politely and it was more in need. Way to construct of the team because he. You can sit around and wait for a Colby Bryant or LeBron James are seem a lot to want to come along and we just keep making waiting for 25 years. So my point was that you can get a lot of really good players like Detroit Pistons did. You know not any one superstar with Chauncey and rip and you know Rasheed. I felt like that's how you have to go about trying to get the best players can't. Rather than waiting for one special special player and but because of that aren't good fortune last summer we were able to get is special player. To put alongside another special player in and I think that battle -- in and -- KG special players but they're. You know really good fit for the way they play their."

" Also -- is in the the port today at that people talk about -- that you talked about these guys are all good friends. And -- sometimes you don't see that members we. Just remember you know Larry it was a really differently with non you can that would have Larry Kenney -- Yeah it was because those -- drink your buddy but for the most what you think about teams. Pitchers superstars aren't not I guess who hang out again. It there account holders -- their they're by themselves. And in this case you have all three of these guys who like each other they go out they hang hang out with -- each other and they really like. Generated like that you."

" Seem to have that through the whole roster much attention was paid. To that the character to these parts fit not only as players out on the court. And where their games mesh together even though they have different unique skills but had they mesh together personality wise."

" Well you know raid was the one that was going to have to sacrifice the most in the beginning because just about such as course Aldridge on call and and Katie at the ball -- hand more so great can make that sacrifice. He was going to be you know number four in just get out of time the ball in his hands. And all KG -- I mean those guys are perfect for each other appalled loves to score the basketball look out the ball in his hand. She loves to passed the basketball and do all the little things. And you know and and the way to keep he'd defer all the attention from the eight -- rise in LE. Made it all he's saying I mean you know the -- He's a superstar player -- which -- twenty hit it twenty points and a half rebounds a block and a half steeler helped throughout the playoffs which is unbelievable numbers. And yet he's not a dominating offered the player it's a strange stating that he needs a player like Paul. Play opposite you know in and out and all he's the player like Indians so. Those two it in particular it's it's just a perfect match and in personality as well because KG doesn't want any of you know he wants to differ all the tension you know as part of our embassy has believed that he does a pretty good job of keeping -- teammates involved really cares about the feelings of his teammate."

" Then one last thing you've ever seen Gatorade dumped on anybody indoors before basket."

" Well never missed a we gonna get a technical it's somewhat dejected. But that was that was pretty -- never --"

" What you see the bill from the building. Did he talk you talked a lot about all your players and how happy are for them how happy are you for --"

" Altman and you know I think that the thing that makes -- so great for doc is not just not only winning championship -- beating the Lakers. Which adds to the legacy and beat Phil Jackson. Which -- the legacy and being put Jackson with the so I'm Phil Jackson the past read our bat. And just all of you know it's really the first time the Sox had a team that should win. In the playoffs and so it's just it's just great he's worked so arc in the east. He doesn't he hasn't really missed on it too much -- Excuse and he's off he's never quit working -- the face of adversity. In couldn't be happier for anybody and -- as coaches in just knowing coaching myself -- just know how -- that work he has. Even with a good team. It's really awkward and -- maintenance and it's is heatley managing those and energy players and try to fit. Then we throw you know Samad aim at the end of the year we throw TJ adamant in the year he's got -- you know bandage Eddie House in. Find you know who's going to play air beyond the playing well others PJ get it and it. There's a lot of things that go find the scenes there and outside the octaves it masterful."

" What's interesting because you look at last year you look at losing Paul for prolonged period of time. With Tony Allen started to develop them and really became a -- to play with -- because -- an injury. You lose eighteen in a -- people obviously looking streaks like -- look at 44 wins people forget that with that very depleted. And inexperienced roster. He kept them in most games watched that the people fail to realize that that to me. It is is a marvelous record for for coach to be able to keep the team that -- against the usually general Danny. Those -- quick Mike January then gonzo."

" Well you know not always mean like. Winning each game was not a priority as much as like developing young players getting them to learn -- Gerald Green up their play. In the games. Finish games to see how he would respond in those situations and so -- was feeling some of the growing pains adjusting young team to those stretches to. But you know -- so a lot of bottles of this year November it would his father passed away. -- just tell -- the few role I would that the funeral on the boast. -- different -- adoptive people out there don't get to see. -- you know this real thick -- talk hard nosed guy well he wasn't there yet how he just kept -- he showed a great example to the team that there's a lot of things -- happen. Life that we can't control. And we have to move all. And you know ray had a heroic performance yesterday you know things that he's been going on is -- over the last 48 hours. And you know I think doc -- at the phone with. What would that kinda thing in the get the guys really look up to -- He's got that at half net and consistency in his personality. I think the players we got to Kevin Garnett told me you know what I'm listed there he came out of the meeting with -- and a walk up the stairs while at least. And that's the best coach I've ever. And he just does some in the -- said that it was just really left an impression on him."

" Danny and that you always see you never stopped and the ball is always -- you always looking forward. Tell us a look that right now what this team needs to do what you want to focus on that though James Posey can possibly opt out of his contract I think. So I -- you that first but whether the other priorities for this basketball club that you see. That you point to address over the summer or that the draft what do traits."

" We'll have to talk about that next week. Let first ways I need to I need do -- the players and an agent and everything else for eight and addressed position."

" Celebrate -- just asked the question was important I think that 48 hours -- I asked them questions Bulls began to that I can do is ask questions would teach you brought it -- government. -- at the I Margaret Thatcher I'm Pete went to. -- congratulations it's."

" Then an unbelievable run this season -- ride in especially where it where it came from I think that probably makes it even more special where. You know 22 years of this franchise goes through all sorts of stuff we. Talked a lot about it through the course of the today show and yet here you more sitting with the NBA trophy so congratulations and I tell you what we will reserve that. For next week. And will do attraction was the next week I was network is perfect night and read this next week this is radio -- what -- set them up now but next congratulations and welcome to Yankee mentally and spiritually -- congratulations -- enjoy Danny Ainge"