Post by jb on May 11, 2007 18:13:27 GMT -5
Scott Souza, the preeminent Celtics writer for the Metro West Daily News, fresh off a tour de force interview with Danny Ainge, will grace the CelticsstuffLive bandstand, this week.
The “one-on one,” was published in two parts. The first appearing in Saturday’s Boston Herald,
celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1000852&format=text
The second in today’s (Sunday) Metro West.
www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1964929643
Ainge commented on the draft, Paul Pierce’s attitude, trade possibilities, Doc’s contract extension and even the possibility of Sebastian Telfair returning for training camp.
“We can’t be focused on getting (this year’s) Tim Duncan and everything will fall apart if we don’t,” …(In 1997) Tracy McGrady is a guy they could have drafted…Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady could have done some spectacular things in Boston had they waited and had patience.”
“The reason why Paul is still with us, and still believes in us, is because I do talk to Paul….I wouldn’t do a trade because Paul did or didn’t want me to if I thought it was in the best interest of the franchise. What I do want to get out of Paul is a feel of where he thinks our young players are. In almost every case we see eye to eye… He likes our young players more, and would never do those deals to get that veteran player, and yet he wants veteran players.”
“The most important things are his leadership and his character in dealing with difficult circumstances…How he continued to work and lead the players and never quit coaching the team……
….X’s and O’s are somewhat overrated in my mind. Critiques of substitution patterns and timeouts are overrated because, in my opinion, just about every NBA coach is on a fairly equal field in those regards.”
Ainge said he remains in contact with the 21-year-old point guard (Telfair), who is working out in Las Vegas with other NBA players.
“He is still with us, even if he doesn’t have his nameplate back up on his locker yet……I am actively trying to move Sebastian in trades.”
…I think Sebastian is a good enough kid that I don’t think this could prevent him from being a Celtic again.”
Scott also interviewed Chris Wallace last week. www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1038173694
Here are a few of the Wallace comments on the draft:
“…a draft is never about one or two players.”
Wallace points to the 2003 draft that was all about LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, but also produced Chris Bosh at No. 4 and Dwyane Wade at No. 5.
He said he does not expect the team to move the pick just because it doesn’t fall in the top two.
“…you don’t ever want to skip out of a draft,” he said. “The draft is a free shot at players. Deals are very hard to make in the NBA. You have to find a willing dance partner. The money has to work with the salary cap. A lot of other things have to fall into place.
“Experience is certainly crucial to success. But in the NBA, talent is of greater importance.”
“Let the draft come to you,” he said, repeating the words of former Portland general manger Stu Inman. That philosophy, Wallace said, led the Celtics back into last June’s first round when there was the opportunity to trade for a pick to select Rajon Rondo at No. 21.
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