Should We Blame Danny Ainge?

I was recently asked whether I have lost confidence in Boston Celtics general manager, Danny Ainge.

For the first time in more than 10 years. I hesitated to respond. Then, I straightened out with “nope, not yet”.

I understand the criticism Ainge has received in the last few weeks as the current Celtics roster appears set to change drastically. But, as someone who has followed the team closer than the average media member, I still think I’m qualified to evaluate the current GM and the status of his work.

Though some predicted it, nobody really knew Kyrie would clash with the guys on the Celtics roster. He voiced his frustration publicly on numerous occasions. It probably shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s rumored to be plotting his exit when free agency begins on June 30th. The shocker lately, has been the rumor about Al Horford and the possibility that he may leave too. He was the big signing that preceded the acquisitions of Gordon Hayward and Kyrie, though he is 33 and will be looking to snag his last big contract.

The collection of assets was meant to make a huge move for a player like Anthony Davis. That appeared likely, but the CBA’s language on Rose rule players prevented what would’ve been a done deal in February when AD’s trade request became public. Unfortunately, for Boston, the Lakers have had their eyes on Davis too and their injury-riddled season earned them a high draft pick that they would ultimately couple with their young pieces to snatch AD away from New Orleans. Another case of fate, where a Lebron-led team failed to make the playoffs and he sustains the first significant injury of his long career.

Some have become prisoners of the moment, citing moves that the 76ers and Raptors made this past season in hopes of contending. The Sixers GM Elton Brand brought in both Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harry only to be bounced in the second round. Having given up assets, potentially both Butler and Harris can leave this summer. The team that beat them, Toronto, took a big chance on Kawhi Leonard. They traded their franchise star, Demar Derozan, to acquire him, but the move had dual outcomes. They decided to take a chance on an elite talent for one year knowing that his potential departure would ease a rebuild. It took a number of breaks for them to become champions.

The last thing, and perhaps the most important is the power that star players currently hold. Due the current CBA, contracts have shortened, and there are seemingly always star players just a year or less away from free agency. This used to mean franchises should turn up the recruiting pitches and work back channels to let the player know they’re interested. Now, it feels like stars have pre-determined where and with whom they want to play. The where is often teams that reside in California or New York. The who is typically with other big name stars. Teams that don’t occupy either of those spaces are left with free agent scraps.

Those teams have to nail the draft and grow their own stars. They must win trades and hoard assets until the time is absolutely right. That’s what Ainge has done repeatedly, and about two years ago he was regarded as a genius for it. He can’t control where free agents want to go, or the injuries of his own players. All he can do is make the best personnel moves for his team, and I imagine he’ll continue to do so.