Danny Ainge’s impact on Celtics title chances
The Boston Celtics have advanced to their second NBA Finals in recent years and look primed to finally get over the hump. With the Celtics on the brink of another title shot I figured it was a good time to look back at how they got here. Former Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge recently appeared on the Barstool Sports Pardon my take podcast and he discussed the drafting of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The interview was recorded before it was known that the Celtics would be in the Finals but I still think it’s important to look back at his thought process and decision making that led Boston to where they are now.
Obviously Brad Stevens has done a tremendous job since taking over as the Celtics general manager, while Tatum and Brown have elevated to superstar players but there were some serious question marks around the Celtics drafting them when it originally occurred. When Ainge decided to draft Jaylen Brown with the third pick it was met with heavy criticism and even boos at a Celtics draft party. Ainge however in his interview said “they had Brown as the second or third pick in the draft before the college season started” Ainge would later go on to say that Jaylen convinced everyone in the building he was the guy to draft after one workout with the Celtics.
Now with the Celtics waiting for the Finals to start Jaylen Brown is coming off a tremendous Eastern Conference Finals in which he was named the MVP and Danny Ainge’s bold move is certainly paying off.
![INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics accepts The Larry Bird Trophy after winning Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/05/GettyImages-2154947270_1716874977_.jpg?w=1024)
When it comes to the Tatum draft Ainge made an almost unprecedented decision to trade away the first overall pick to the rival 76ers in exchange for the 3rd pick and a 2019 first round pick. This seemed to be a bold move by Ainge in a draft where the #1 pick seemed clearly to be Markelle Fultz, however Ainge felt so confident in Tatum and his fit on the Celtics that he was willing to take this risk and time has proven just how right he was. Obviously you can never predict injuries and Fultz has been dealt a tough hand but Tatum has proven himself as the best player in that draft and with numerous first team All-NBA nods and Boston knocking on the door of a title, Ainge’s genius is on full display.
For Celtics fans it feels like a long time coming for this team to finally get over the hump. After watching them come so close numerous times in recent years. While this team is different and better because of Brad Stevens, Danny Ainge’s bold moves and impact on Boston’s franchise cornerstones shouldn’t be overlooked. A lot of general managers wouldn’t have had the trust or believe in themselves to make the decisions Ainge did and now years later we’re seeing just how right Ainge was as the Celtics are potentially on the brink of a title.