I cant imagine the day Kevin Garnett retires, he runs with the best of them and has more heart when he’s on that court than 3/4 of the NBA.
From ESPN, I’m not the only one anticipating Garnett and a Doc Rivers return, the Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge does as well. Even though he has yet to speak with his core yet he sees everyone returning healthy and ready to go next season.
“Doc is always unsure [about his future],” Ainge said. “Coaching is very, very draining. Every year with Doc, he’s had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, ‘Is this something that I’m passionate about and want to continue doing?’ I understand that. And we sorta give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92s on the golf course, he usually comes back.”
Ainge also said that he approaches the KG situation like Doc Rivers.
“I do the same thing as I do with Doc: I give him some time away and I’ll touch base with KG probably sometime next week,” Ainge said. “He’s put so much into the game, he invests as much as any player I’ve ever seen. And he just needs time to chill and contemplate his life and then we’ll talk at some future time. But I do anticipate that KG will play. Just like I did last year, I feel the same this year. I don’t know for sure, but we’ll know more in the next couple weeks.”
Even with the rumors of a huge deal to send Rivers KG and Pierce to the LA Clippers, Ainge said thats not a major concern of theirs, “Its silly”. Pierce is first on their list. Pierce has a amnesty clause and the Celtics could let Pierce go.
“Conversation with my coach, conversation with Paul and his representatives,” Ainge told WEEI. “Opportunities that may present themselves. There’s a lot that will go into it, but it hasn’t even started yet, we have until June 30 to make any decision.
“Listen, Paul’s been one of the greatest Celtics of all time and that will play part in it. We love what he’s done for us, but ultimately we have to do what we think is the best for us from this point forward. And I think that Paul still has a lot of basketball left in him.”
Pierce in anything other than Green? I cant see it. Pierce and KG love the town of Boston, I don’t see them leaving willingly, only if they absolutely have to from contract terms and deals beyond their control.