Danny Ainge has a bit of a situation on his hands. He’s been busy lately, but promises to resolve the percolating Paul Pierce-Isaiah Thomas controversy.
Speaking to 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich on Thursday, Ainge said the issue between the two is complex but should be fixed within the next week. He also admitted he had a misunderstanding regarding the overlapping dates of Pierce’s number retirement and Isaiah’s video tribute.
“We have not resolved that yet, but just because we’ve been extremely busy,” said Ainge. “We will resolve that this week, I’m confident. And yeah, when I was with you guys last week I had different information. When I first talked with Isaiah’s representatives about this whole thing, neither one of us … knew that it was Paul Pierce’s day. So that was the first confusion.”
Paul Pierce (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for TNT)
Paul Pierce-Isaiah Thomas: A Quick Recap
In case you missed it, Isaiah and Paul ignited something of a controversy over the Celtics’ tributes to them. Isaiah had the team push his video tribute back to Feb. 11 when the C’s play the Cavs at TD Garden. But the problem is, that’s the same night that Pierce gets his jersey No. 34 raised to the rafters.
Pierce later said on ESPN that he would rather not see Isaiah highlights on the Garden JumboTron that night, which is supposed to be his big celebration. Ainge understands his on the matter.
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“Paul’s opinion matters greatly, absolutely,” said Ainge. “It’s a complex issue. I’ve spent time on the phone with Paul. It’s a little more complicated than you’re making it. But I think by the time we talk next week, it will be resolved.”
LISTEN: Full Danny Ainge Interview (Hour 4)
Ainge also updated fans on Gordon Hayward, whom he says is still far off from a return. The team still plans to hold him off until next season.
Listen above for the full Danny Ainge interview on the Paul Pierce-Isaiah Thomas situation, Gordon Hayward, and more!
