When Danny Ainge was hired as the Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics back in 2003, nobody knew just how much he would excel in his new role, even his ex-teammates.

In a recent interview with CSNNE, legendary Boston power forward Kevin McHale revealed that Ainge, who he won two of his three NBA championships alongside, has surprised him with his stellar job in the organization’s front office.

“Danny is doing it the right way,” McHale said. “He’s not panicking…which is the opposite of the guy I know. Danny is one of the most impulsive people I know and I’m shocked he doesn’t make a trade every week. He is a disciplined general manager which is funny because he is a very undisciplined person.”

Although, like McHale said, Ainge had developed a patient approach when it comes to making the right move at the right time, his reputation as someone who is always open to discuss a move remains. Ainge is not afraid to take risks when necessary and some of his trades have benefitted the team for the long haul.

His trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form the ‘Big Three’ in 2007 are definite highlights of Ainge’s tenure. The Celtics are also reaping the rewards of the deal with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013, in which they picked up a treasure trove of draft picks from the lowly organization.

Ainge’s patience was evident this summer. The GM was reportedly engaged in negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks in order to acquire Al Horford just months before, but remained patient and was eventually able to sign Horford in free agency.

It’s safe to say that Celtics fans will be pleased if Ainge continues to surprise McHale.