The Boston Celtics are at a pivotal point for the franchise's future. They have been somewhat successful but have been unable to make it to the NBA Finals. Led by rising stars in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, it is time for the Celtics to do more.
Some Celtics fans have been calling for head coach Brad Stevens and general manager Danny Ainge to be fired. While this season has been disappointing the Celtics should keep Stevens around as a coach. He has shown the ability to draw up great offensive plays and get the best out of his roster. Ainge on the other hand needs to be on the way out. He has done some great things for this organization, but as of late he hasn't put enough talent around the team.
Why Danny Ainge needs to go
Ainge was once aggressive when it came to trades, but has become more conservative. An example is at the trade deadline this year when Aaron Gordon was being shopped and the Celtics got Evan Fournier instead. Although Fournier is a solid player, the Celtics would have benefited more with an athletic wing like Gordon. Gordon was rumored to be going to the Celtics, but Ainge did not pull the trigger which has weakened the ceiling of the team.
Ainge has also not been able to sign a good center on the roster. Center has been a position of weakness for the Celtics recently as they have seen mid tier to slightly above average players as starters. A perfect fitting center Myles Turner was on the trade block last off-season and Ainge again wouldn't pull the trigger on a trade. Turner would have provided them with exactly what they needed. He is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA and can space the floor with his good three point shooting. He may have elevated the Celtics to a top five seed in the Eastern Conference compared to the seven seed that they are currently.
Ainge also seems to not be aware of a situation taking place in Boston. A few days ago Kyrie Irving shared that he had heard racist comments toward him from Celtics fans.
Ainge replied by saying “I never heard that from Celtics players in my 26 years in Boston.”
Celtics guard Marcus Smart was also asked about it and he said “Yeah, I've heard it. I've heard a couple of things. It's hard to hear that and then have them support us as players. It's kind of sad and sickening.”
When you are a general manager you should know what is going on in the arena. If racist comments are being used by fans towards your players it is your responsibility to make those involved be held accountable. This should not be the reason they let go of Ainge, but they should consider how connected he is with the players.
How can Danny Ainge save his job
Ainge was recognized as a great General Manager not that long ago but he has been very conservative since then. If he isn't let go this off-season then he better go out and make a big move for the team. Although the roster has talent, it is not currently constructed to win a championship. Ainge tried to bring in a third star with Kemba Walker but without a center it didn't help the team much.
If Ainge wants to keep his job, he should make a move for a center this off-season.
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