http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/teams/boston_celtics/63 Recent articles about Boston Celtics en-us     The future of the Boston Celtics has a lot of question marks as of right now. One of the key moves to be made, is whether or not the team will decide to bring back Paul Pierce for the last year of his contract. The key is the fact that this final year of Pierce’s contract is not guaranteed and can be bought out for $5 million. While the Celtics have yet to decide what to do regarding Pierce’s future, apparently the star and his family have already decided to prepare for the worst. Per The Boston Globe via CelticsLife, sources indicate Pierce and his family have already been preparing for a relocation from Boston. The Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming that the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason. Personally, it would be great to see Paul Pierce re Sat, 18 May 2013 10:19:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_paul_pierce_family_preparing_to_relocate_from_boston/13645093 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_paul_pierce_family_preparing_to_relocate_from_boston/13645093 Report: Paul Pierce & Family Preparing to Relocate from Boston http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_paul_pierce_family_preparing_to_relocate_from_boston/13645093 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/c/5c5b43df23ea7fa319f10134fc5157a1bd7509a6/mini/80.jpg It was a strange season for Brandon Bass. Most of us expected the power forward to build on last season's success, but he actually took a big step back to start the year. While Jared Sullinger thrived as a rookie, Bass didn't seem to have a clear-cut role and was too often a non-factor. However, #30 came on strong for the stretch run to remind us why Ainge dished out a 3 year, $19 million contract in the first place. In April, Bass averaged 14 points on 57% from the field and hauled in 6 boards a game, well above his season averages of 9 and 5 (49% fg). Most importantly, he played excellent defense on Carmelo Anthony in the first round. His 6 for 7 shooting for 15 points Game 5 was the highlight of Bass' season. So the question is, who will we see more of next season: Badass Bass, or the Brandon who spent 5 months in hibernation? He clearly has the skills to be a solid rotation player, but with Jared Sullinger returning from back surgery, Bass will have to earn his min... Sat, 18 May 2013 00:10:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/brandon_bass_looking_to_improve_this_summer/13643362 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/brandon_bass_looking_to_improve_this_summer/13643362 Brandon Bass Looking to Improve this Summer http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/brandon_bass_looking_to_improve_this_summer/13643362 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/3/d3dc541b8246c9ea96cc7c5182b8ace2716b6b68/mini/6798248.jpg We all know that Stephen A  Smith loves the sound of his own voice.   First we had Stephen A predicting a trade of KG, Paul Pierce AND Doc to the Clippers.  Um.  I'm trying to remember the last time a coach was traded.  None come to mind.  Of course he probably meant that the Clippers would trade for KG and the Captain with the assurance that Doc would leave the Celtics and come coach their team.  At least, that's what I THINK he may have meant.  With Stephen A, who knows? No sooner had that rumor died down somewhat, with most people counting it out as being ridiculous with zero chance of happening, then he started a rumor that the Nets were actively recruiting Doc Rivers.   That one didn't get much traction.  Doc has 3 years remaining on his contract with Boston and other than a quick word after the Celtics were eliminated, hasn't addressed next year as yet. Doc's not at the draft combine with the Celtics' brain trust, which fueled a few rumors. While man... Fri, 17 May 2013 17:10:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/stephen_a_smith_stirring_things_up_yet_again/13641238 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/stephen_a_smith_stirring_things_up_yet_again/13641238 Stephen A Smith Stirring Things Up Yet Again http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/stephen_a_smith_stirring_things_up_yet_again/13641238 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/c/5c5b43df23ea7fa319f10134fc5157a1bd7509a6/mini/80.jpg The offseason is here for the Boston Celtics, and in just a couple of months, they will begin the process of putting next year’s team together.  We will take a look at the current Celtics and try to figure out what to do with each of them.  We continue today with Brandon Bass. You can’t help but look at Brandon Bass and think there things he should be doing out there. He should be rebounding better.  He should be better on the low post.   He should be more consistent doing the things he does well. Those comments were made a lot this year, especially when a rookie came in and stole his starting spot.  Bass’s inconsistency made us wonder if we were duped by a contract-year player… that is… until the last couple of months.   Bass suddenly found his game… shooting 56% over his last 27 games.  After a season of averaging single-digits, Bass averaged 14 points a game in April, and he was one of the team’s best performers down the stretch.  In the playoffs, he was considered by many to be p Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:47 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_brandon_bass/13640314 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_brandon_bass/13640314 What do we do with… Brandon Bass? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/what_do_we_do_with_brandon_bass/13640314 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/3/d3dc541b8246c9ea96cc7c5182b8ace2716b6b68/mini/6798248.jpg or "We don't know where we're going, but we're making good time." I am amazed not to have seen any discussion of the terrible handicap under which Danny Ainge is working.  Ainge finds himself facing an off-season that proffers wildly disparate outcomes ranging from adding one rookie to the fourteen players now under contract, to turning over the majority of the roster.  Yet he is hampered by a built in delay, perhaps a long delay that may stretch until long after most moves of the off-season should have been completed. It is widely acknowledged that the first domino, and one likely setting the direction of this summer’s activity, is resolving the Kevin Garnett conundrum.  Now this is not a novel situation.  For several years there has been a question at the end of each season as to whether this immensely talented, professional, and proud Hall-of-Famer would return game to which he has given, and meant, so much.  His off-season training regimen is legendar... Fri, 17 May 2013 13:38:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ainge_making_decisions_with_one_hand_tied_behind_his_back/13639675 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/ainge_making_decisions_with_one_hand_tied_behind_his_back/13639675 Ainge Making Decisions With One Hand Tied Behind His Back http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/ainge_making_decisions_with_one_hand_tied_behind_his_back/13639675 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png During the 2007 offseason, a horrible Boston Celtics team coming off a 24-58 campaign made a series of moves to create an unthinkable trio of future Hall of Fame players. The Celtics first traded for SuperSonics' guard Ray Allen in a deal that was headlined by Jeff Green (who now plays for the Celtics). Three days later, the Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett from the Timberwolves in return for Al Jefferson, two first-round picks, and a few other players. After the Celtics put those two players around franchise forward Paul Pierce, the team became a force in the Eastern Conference. Boston's big three won five straight Atlantic Division titles, and made two Finals appearances (winning one) during their first three years together. After five seasons, however, the Celtics' core began to unravel, as Allen opted against re-signing with Boston and headed down south to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. However, Pierce and Garnett still were able to lead their t... Fri, 17 May 2013 13:23:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/kevin_garnett_considering_retirement_paul_pierce_could_switch_teams/13639519 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/kevin_garnett_considering_retirement_paul_pierce_could_switch_teams/13639519 Kevin Garnett considering retirement, Paul Pierce could switch teams http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/kevin_garnett_considering_retirement_paul_pierce_could_switch_teams/13639519 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/b/fb0334063aa098e01e1bfd6f3b54b3fd5b2fbf69/mini/Los_Angeles_Lakers_c1e7.jpg The Globe’s Gary Washburn has an “update” on Paul Pierce’s situation: The Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason. Pierce struggled mightily during the playoffs, and Ainge was asked whether the longtime Celtic was injured. “Paul’s always battling little things,” said Ainge. “I think Paul’s healthy, but he played so hard and carried such a heavy load. “Paul had a terrific year this year, but in the playoffs, New York did a good job of taking away his strengths and taking advantage of some of our weaknesses. But I thought Paul had a terrific year.” Add this to the growing number of reports/speculation that Paul Pierce will not be wearing a Celtics uniform next season. I don’t envision moving boxes and ta Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/source_paul_pierces_family_preparing_to_relocate/13638089 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/source_paul_pierces_family_preparing_to_relocate/13638089 Source: Paul Pierce’s family preparing to relocate http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/source_paul_pierces_family_preparing_to_relocate/13638089 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/6/f6a44a4d0478ebe4d702d93aa75c7529409bda2b/mini/6863260.jpg Over the past 24-48 hours, there has been much talk of Paul Pierce having played his last game in a Celtics uniform after an article by Yahoo's Kelly Dwyer that reported what I consider to be a lot of speculation by CSNNE's Greg Dickerson on Pierce's situation. However, today the Boston Globe release a piece that mostly reported on Doc Rivers returning to the Celtics, but one paragraph caught my eye about Pierce's family already making preparations to relocate from Boston: The Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming that the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason. The article doesn't cite what specific NBA source gave this report on Pierce's situation. For all we know it could just be more speculation. But often in... Fri, 17 May 2013 00:34:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/nba_source_says_paul_pierces_family_is_preparing_for_relocation_from_boston/13635854 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/nba_source_says_paul_pierces_family_is_preparing_for_relocation_from_boston/13635854 Pierce's family ready to relocate? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nba_source_says_paul_pierces_family_is_preparing_for_relocation_from_boston/13635854 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/5/459703aacfa80d6d0a338dcb00dacde928338f32/mini/pp.jpg Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed Thursday that Doc Rivers would return to coach the Celtics for a 10th season. “Yeah (he’ll be back), Doc and I are talking about our team next year,” Ainge said. “(No  Thu, 16 May 2013 18:58:18 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/ainge_doc_rivers_will_be_celtics_coach_next_season/13633949 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/ainge_doc_rivers_will_be_celtics_coach_next_season/13633949 Ainge: Doc Rivers will be Celtics coach next season http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/ainge_doc_rivers_will_be_celtics_coach_next_season/13633949 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png From Gary Washburn's twitter, Danny Ainge confirms that Doc Rivers is returning next season as #celtics coach. "We've got a coach everybody would love to have." — gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) May 16, 2013 I'll be perfectly honest, nothing in Ainge's quote that Washburn selected screams, "Doc is coming back", but the rest of his tweet, and the basketball twitterverse, seem to portray that Ainge did in fact declare Rivers would return. This will be Rivers 10th year as Celtics coach, and I think most Celtics fans would agree that Doc has done a damn good job. Rivers has fantastic relationships with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, which is always helpful in an NBA where the inmates run the asylum. It will be interesting to see if Rivers has the energy and wherewithal to deal with another rebuilding process though, as he has already done that twice in his career (Orlando and early on in Boston), and may not want to go through that... Thu, 16 May 2013 14:51:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_doc_rivers_returning_to_the_celtics_next_season/13632182 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_doc_rivers_returning_to_the_celtics_next_season/13632182 Report: Doc Rivers returning to the Celtics next season http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/report_doc_rivers_returning_to_the_celtics_next_season/13632182 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/3/f33354bdaacb87160ffaf636f7134cf9b12ba909/mini/6153642.jpg   With the NBA finals scheduled four weeks ahead, a lot of action can be seen in both the conferences about the teams that are going to make it to the final dance. Other than the hard-core sports enthusiasts who are following their favorite teams closely and are hoping for them to secure a spot in the finals, there are some people who are holding their eyes high to win some handsome money out of their favorite team’s success. There are certain people who follow this game a bit too closely so that they can make money through informed betting. They follow online sportsbook strategies and tips available at various websites like www.bosports.net, and look forward to earning a good income by following the mentioned betting lines. Sportsbook betting has become quite a common affair in the modern day NBA world and a lot of people are trying their luck at the odds through several online sports betting websites. The Boston Celtics may have made an early exit in the playoffs and look far from... Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:45 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/boston_celtics_down_but_not_out/13630046 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/boston_celtics_down_but_not_out/13630046 Boston Celtics: Down But Not Out http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/boston_celtics_down_but_not_out/13630046 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png   The ESPN Trade Machine is a fun way to waste a Wednesday night. Danny Ainge has a multi-tiered mission ahead of him this offseason as he looks to either retool a contender on its (last) (double last) triple last leg or cash in on the reduced yet still prominent value of Paul Pierce’s in flux contract. Let’s play some trade machine and see if there’s a mutually attractive deal out there for Danny to lose a few weeks’ sleep over. Ainge has 6.5 weeks to establish Pierce’s trade market and pull something off. On June 30th, he either buys Pierce out for $5m or keeps him at $15.3m. Ben Watanabe from NESN.com and Brian Robb from Celtics Hub already wrote great breakdowns of Pierce’s contract mechanics and trade mechanics, so they deserve your full read. We’ll just take a look at Pierce’s trade market. First, let’s lay out the five key points for this exercise: 1. Pierce cannot resign with the Celtics if they buy him out. The NBA has a one-year ban on players re-signing with teams that wa... Thu, 16 May 2013 01:08:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/exploring_the_celtics_trade_options_for_paul_pierce/13628519 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/exploring_the_celtics_trade_options_for_paul_pierce/13628519 Exploring the Celtics Trade Options for Paul Pierce http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/exploring_the_celtics_trade_options_for_paul_pierce/13628519 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/2/f2839d97470400276a1c19808d21dae3f394a8ab/mini/18.jpg For the past 15 years, Paul Pierce has been a Celtic. He's been the face of the franchise for over a decade, and the leader for a Celtics team that has been a title contender ever since the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007. His final game this year was a rough one, an 88-80 series clinching loss to the Knicks in which Pierce scored only 14 points on an abysmal shooting performance, going 4-18 from the floor and 1-9 from three point range. That might be Pierce's final game in a Celtics uniform, depending on how GM Danny Ainge decides to move forward. Pierce has said that he would prefer to stay with the Celtics under his current contract, which would pay him approximately $15M next year. Ainge, on the other hand, is reportedly considering releasing Pierce and using the amnesty clause, or possibly trading him. That's what Pierce thinks will happen, regardless of what he actually wants. This could create a domino effect of sorts, as Kevin Garnet... Wed, 15 May 2013 10:11:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/paul_pierces_career_with_the_celtics_might_be_over/13621985 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/paul_pierces_career_with_the_celtics_might_be_over/13621985 Paul Pierce's career with the Celtics might be over http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/paul_pierces_career_with_the_celtics_might_be_over/13621985 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/6/f6a44a4d0478ebe4d702d93aa75c7529409bda2b/mini/6863260.jpg I was hard pressed to find a lot of funny moments for the Boston Celtics' blooper reel this season without our past team clowns like Big Baby, Nate Robinson, Shaq, and Mickael Pietrus. But there were a fair share of silly moments that included both Celtics newcomers and vets. This year's video includes appearances from NBA vets like Paul Pierce nearly losing his shorts while leading the team to victory and Kevin Garnett being videobombed by Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, and Avery Bradley; NBA rookies like Fab Melo breaking a chair and Dionte Christmas pranking people; and even Celtics announcers like Tommy Heinsohn going on ridiculous tirades and Mike Gorman accidentally calling an NBA team an expletive on air. What was your favorite funny moment from this year? Did we miss any? Share your thoughts in the comments. Blooper Reels from Past Seasons: 2011-2012 2010-2011 Tue, 14 May 2013 21:10:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_boston_celtics_2012_2013_bloopers_and_funny_moments/13618814 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/video_boston_celtics_2012_2013_bloopers_and_funny_moments/13618814 Video: Boston Celtics 2012-2013 Bloopers and Funny Moments http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/video_boston_celtics_2012_2013_bloopers_and_funny_moments/13618814 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png "It's not goodbye, it's see you later" - Denzel Washington, John Q After 15 years of giving everything to the Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce expects the team to part ways with him this off-season. Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports wrote this article, which quoted CSNNE's Greg Dickerson on what people around Pierce are saying. "I don't think they will (bring Pierce back)," Dickerson said Sunday on CSNNE. "And I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don't think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million. "I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he's played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million, but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform." […] "If Paul's gone, I think without a doubt Kevin Garnett is ... Tue, 14 May 2013 15:45:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_paul_pierce_believes_he_has_played_his_final_game_with_the_celtics/13616792 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/report_paul_pierce_believes_he_has_played_his_final_game_with_the_celtics/13616792 Report: Paul Pierce believes he has played his final game with the Celtics http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_paul_pierce_believes_he_has_played_his_final_game_with_the_celtics/13616792 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/7/b7ed7f25ecf65e0dbb8dc314450a2f694a88215e/mini/57.jpg The offseason is here for the Boston Celtics, and in just a couple of months, they will begin the process of putting next year’s team together.  We will take a look at the current Celtics and try to figure out what to do with each of them.  We continue today with Jeff Green. His contract was called “the worst of the summer” last July.  When Danny Ainge committed $36 million dollars to a player fresh off of heart surgery, and in the midst of a young career that had provided little evidence of justifying such a deal, eyes squinted and heads cocked in his direction. Ainge either knew something most people didn’t, or he was making a grave mistake. Now, with a full season of Jeff Green finally tucked under our shamrock festooned belts, we are starting to see some of why the Celtics made such a commitment. This is not to say the assessment of Green is easy.  It not, actually.  He found himself at the wrong end of Doc’s patience enough to raise a concern.  He still lacks the consistency y... Tue, 14 May 2013 15:30:31 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_jeff_green/13616684 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_jeff_green/13616684 What do we do with… Jeff Green? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/what_do_we_do_with_jeff_green/13616684 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/b/8b43dbe479b931a9804d0cf36edab1af8b604e27/mini/6803256.jpg Paul Pierce like any aging star in sports is now faced with the decline in his skills, the possibility of his career ending, and most importantly, wondering when and where it will end. Pierce is aware that many a great athlete has ended his career in a different city.  Pierce is prepared for that, so now the waiting game is set to begin. Pierce could easily retire, and enjoy the privilege of playing for one singular franchise, and going out on his terms.  Pierce wants to play a few more years, so now he’s stuck with the fact that he might play elsewhere. According to Yahoo Sports, Greg Dickerson, a sideline reporter with CSNNE is reporting that close to Paul Pierce are suggesting that Pierce doesn’t believe he’ll be a Celtic next season. Dickerson for his part, doesn’t think Pierce will be a Celtic anymore either. “I don’t think they will (bring Pierce back),” Dickerson said Sunday on CSNNE. “And I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don Tue, 14 May 2013 12:07:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/paul_pierce_reportedly_expects_celtics_to_trade_or_release_him/13614689 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/paul_pierce_reportedly_expects_celtics_to_trade_or_release_him/13614689 Pierce doesn't expect to be back? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/paul_pierce_reportedly_expects_celtics_to_trade_or_release_him/13614689 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/5/2/52aa6893cc61b5819d6dfa70ba6ee266f611ddb8/mini/pp.jpg   Celtics’ boss Danny Ainge still hasn’t made (or at least executed) any decision regarding the future of Paul Pierce. But on Sunday, CSNNE’s Greg Dickerson said he believes Pierce will not be a Celtic next season, and said Pierce likely feels the same way. "I don't think they will (bring Pierce back)," Dickerson said Sunday on CSNNE. "And I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don't think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million. I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he's played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million, but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform." We could pick apart the language here – does he mean he won’t be back at $15 million or at all? – but really its just speculation on top of speculation, and only time wi... Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/greg_dickerson_paul_pierce_thinks_he_will_not_return_to_celtics/13613858 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/greg_dickerson_paul_pierce_thinks_he_will_not_return_to_celtics/13613858 Greg Dickerson: Paul Pierce Thinks He Will Not Return To Celtics http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/greg_dickerson_paul_pierce_thinks_he_will_not_return_to_celtics/13613858 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/2/720a15eaa5d6662dcb83e1d327fa7b13abe81264/mini/6863254.jpg The offseason is here for the Boston Celtics, and in just a couple of months, they will begin the process of putting next year’s team together.  We will take a look at the current Celtics and try to figure out what to do with each of them.  We continue today with Courtney Lee. Courtney Lee’s career resembles a sine wave.   In his five years in the league, he’s averaged 8.4, 12.5, 8.3, 11.4, and 7.8 points per game.  This season was a bit of a microcosm of that career, beginning the season as a starter in Avery Bradley’s absence, returning to the bench when he returned, starting again when Rondo went down, and ultimately benched in the playoffs after a late season ankle injury and shooting slump. At his best, Lee is an all-around scorer who can bury the corner 3, drive to the basket and finish with authority, and be a lock-down defender.  At his worst, Lee is an inconsistent shooter who lets his poor offensive stretches affect his defense.  Sometimes, these two things show up in the... Mon, 13 May 2013 15:40:14 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_courtney_lee/13608257 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/what_do_we_do_with_courtney_lee/13608257 What do we do with… Courtney Lee? http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/what_do_we_do_with_courtney_lee/13608257 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/0/f04fad628229a0f2910ba23bb853fa5ec444fa09/mini/6783462.jpg Before the Boston Celtics won the championship in 2008 (after the team's President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge brought Kevin Garnett in a blockbuster trade as well as Ray Allen to the team) the last title the team won was of course in 1986.   Although the team contended for a title for the next few seasons with the original "Big Three" still intact, there was a span of subpar seasons after Larry Bird retired in 1992 where the team was not close to that championship level. It appears as though Ainge, who was a part of that '86 team as a player, is resigned to the fact that this version of the Celtics is headed in that direction as well.    During his weekly call with WEEI 93.7 FM, his final appearance of the season, Ainge admitted that the team was far away from contention and feels that even bringing the same guys back healthy wouldn't give them a chance at a title next year.   Ainge also stated that he didn't feel that they were even one player aw... Sat, 11 May 2013 12:20:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/danny_ainge_admits_celtics_are_not_at_a_championship_level/13596587 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/danny_ainge_admits_celtics_are_not_at_a_championship_level/13596587 Ainge: C's not at championship level http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/danny_ainge_admits_celtics_are_not_at_a_championship_level/13596587 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/c/9c840820cdef5a5fadfc5b8042f50d590990d5cd/mini/da.jpg