Danny Ainge addresses his decision to retire from the Celtics front office

Author Alex Barth

June 2nd, 2021 1:47 PM

Wednesday morning, reports initially indicated Danny Ainge would ‘step down’ from his role as the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. When the Celtics made the news official later in the day, they clarified that Ainge was in fact retiring.

Addressing the media Wednesday afternoon, Ainge, who turned 62 in March, told reporters his health played a role in his decision, which has been a few years in the making.

“When I had health issues two years ago in the playoffs, I started thinking about – You’re surrounded by your six children in the hospital and they’re saying, ‘hey, you need to quit doing this for work. It’s causing you too much stress.’ And that’s probably when I started thinking about it,” he explained.

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  The way the pandemic has altered day-to-day life in the NBA also took its toll on Ainge. "Then these last two years have been tough. In the bubble and all the rules and scrutiny and protocols that we've had to go through has not made it as much fun," he said. "I trust my instincts. My instincts told me a couple of months ago that it was time for me to move on."
  
  There was also some speculation that Ainge could end up with another organization in an advisory role. "I don't know what my future holds. I don't have any plans," Ainge said when asked about that possibility. "Right now my goal is to get Brad up to speed on the draft as like I said, our whole staff will be able to help and all that and and try to make this transition and get to put the Celtics in as good a place as we can be."
  
  According to our own Tony Massarotti, Ainge was asked to stay on in a similar role in Boston, but declined "because he didn't want to hover over the next decision-makers."

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Author Alex Barth

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Boston Celtics,celtics,Danny Ainge,NBA