Brad Stevens credits Danny Ainge for laying the foundation of the Celtics' success: "He set us up in every way"
Ever since the Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA title, Brad Stevens has been frequently praised for constructing the team at its best. He orchestrated the team's big-time moves that took them to the next level, acquiring both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, who served as the final pieces of their championship puzzle.
However, from the perspective of the franchise's top executive, he and the Celtics wouldn't be able to climb the league's mountaintop if it wasn't for Danny Ainge paving the way for them.
"First of all, we wouldn't be here if Danny didn't keep all of our everything stocked. If Danny doesn't do the trade and get Jaylen [Brown] and Jayson [Tatum], we're not in this position we're in. So he set us up in every way," Brad stated in an appearance on 'The Ryen Russillo Podcast.'
Danny started it all
Ainge made his mark in Beantown as one of the league's best decision-makers. He made bold trades and moves that helped the Celtics maintain their relevance for 18 years, highlighted by his blockbuster landing of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which propelled the franchise to win the 2008 title.
Danny was also responsible for planting the seeds of Boston's current success. In 2013, he delivered one of the biggest trade robberies ever with the Brooklyn Nets, allowing the Celtics to draft Jaylen Brown (2016) and Jayson Tatum (2017), who ultimately became the organization's centerpieces.
Upon stepping down and leaving the franchise in 2021, he assured Stevens would be his worthy successor to handle the keys of Boston. As such, Ainge didn't fail in his choice, as Brad perfectly replicated his brilliance in building the Celtics into a legitimate title-contending club.
Ainge deserves major props
Ultimately, the Celtics wouldn't have secured their 18th banner if Ainge had not provided the needed vision. He deserves a ton of credit for crafting the blueprint that Boston needed to make their way to the finish line. Yes, Brad might've gotten the job done, but it was Danny who laid that initial foundation for the C's to attain that ultimate glory they were savoring.
Although he is now working for the Utah Jazz, Ainge will always bleed green and is undoubtedly happy that the Celtics were able to get over the hump after years of shortcomings and frustrations.
