http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/teams/boston_celtics/63 Recent articles about Boston Celtics en-us Today is Kevin Garnett's birthday. I have known KG's birthday for as long as I can remember, because I share the same one. When I was a kid I can remember looking up which famous people shared the same birthday as me, and seeing KG's name. I was probably 10 or 11 at the time, and I can remember wishing that Garnett would someday join the Celtics, because it would be pretty cool to have the same birthday as one of the C's best players. About a decade later, it happened, and I was right, it is pretty cool. Not so much for the whole birthday factor, but because KG is the absolute perfect player to root for. An efficient offensive force that doubles as one of the best defenders the game has ever seen, and has not taken a play off in his 18 year career. Garnett was gifted with amazing skill, but it's his competitive spirit and passion for the game that have turned him into one of the greatest players of all time. Another remarkable part of KG's make-up is hi... Sun, 19 May 2013 13:21:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/which_teams_does_kevin_garnett_put_over_the_top_breaking_down_potential_kg_trades/13649725 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/which_teams_does_kevin_garnett_put_over_the_top_breaking_down_potential_kg_trades/13649725 Which teams does Kevin Garnett put over the top? Breaking down potential KG trades http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/which_teams_does_kevin_garnett_put_over_the_top_breaking_down_potential_kg_trades/13649725 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/e/1e670386f2cb5fd4fe51cbf95744e5c72304ede3/mini/6904576.jpg Today, Kevin Garnett turns 37 years old.   Every Celtics fan today is wishing him a happy birthday. And, every Celtics fan is also wondering what KG is planning to do this season.   A few days ago, we got the good news that he wouldn't be needing surgery and that the problems he had with his feet at the end of the season should heal with rest.  Not having to face a grueling rehab from surgery on both feet is definitely good news. We learned that Danny hasn't contacted Garnett as yet because he doesn't have the answers to the questions that KG is sure to ask.  I'm thinking that the first question is going to be whether Paul Pierce will be returning for another year.   We all know that Danny has a tough choice to make.   He has to decide before June 30 whether to exercise the option to buy The Captain's contract out for the $5 million buyout option or whether to try trading Pierce to get something of value for him.    All of that will have to be decided before KG ... Sun, 19 May 2013 11:12:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/happy_birthday_to_kevin_garnett_and_a_few_thoughts/13649197 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/happy_birthday_to_kevin_garnett_and_a_few_thoughts/13649197 Happy Birthday to Kevin Garnett and a Few Thoughts http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/happy_birthday_to_kevin_garnett_and_a_few_thoughts/13649197 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/c/9cc7f008288bfc08d73a594213fecfa01d072638/mini/6917582.jpg A unique talent, Rajon Rondo is truly unlike any player we have seen before. With tremendous quickness, fierce will, and unparalleled creativity, #9 has dazzled basketball fans ever since coming to Boston in 2006. After being selected as an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, Rondo's season ended all too soon when he tore his ACL in January. Though the devastating blow destroyed the team's playoff hopes, Rondo should return next year with a chance to revitalize the franchise. As the summer unfolds, we will revisit Rondo's greatest games in a new series titled "The Return." Hopefully these aren't just nods to the past, but promises of the future in which #9 retakes the court. On May 9th, 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers came into Boston looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Unfortunately for LeBron on company, Rajon Rondo would have none of it. Rondo put up 29 points, 18 assists, and 13 rebounds on a series of phenomenal plays to lead t... Sat, 18 May 2013 23:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/the_return_rondos_masterful_game_4/13647745 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/the_return_rondos_masterful_game_4/13647745 The Return: Rondo's Masterful Game 4 http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/the_return_rondos_masterful_game_4/13647745 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/b/3b41b12ce7c69f16a86c5905bb1172093550bd41/mini/83521662.jpg   I’m not a big believer in “eras”; at least not as clearly demarcated periods in a franchise’s history.  I’m even less fond of talk about “windows closing” on a team. Reality is a lot messier than that. Each season is unique; even for teams with little or no roster turnover.  Rosters change.  Individual players change.  Roles change.  Rotations change.  The league changes. Some seasons, the changes are small.  Other seasons, they are substantial. Next season may include substantial changes for the Boston Celtics and it’s very likely those changes will center on Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. The next couple of weeks will be overrun with speculation about whether or not Pierce and KG will be wearing green come next October, but even if they are part of the roster next season, it is reasonable to expect that they will be cast in reduced, complementary roles.  Other players like Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green and Avery Bradley will take on more prominent roles. The identity of the team will ch Sat, 18 May 2013 21:19:10 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/memories_of_the_boston_celtics_big_three_era/13647349 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/memories_of_the_boston_celtics_big_three_era/13647349 Memories of the Boston Celtics Big Three Era http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/memories_of_the_boston_celtics_big_three_era/13647349 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/7/b7ed7f25ecf65e0dbb8dc314450a2f694a88215e/mini/57.jpg Danny Ainge has been around the game of basketball for a long, long time. He enjoyed a successful 14 year career in the Association and when he finally called it quits in 1995 he was able to call himself a two-time NBA champion and a one-time All-Star. Ainge's retirement was short-lived however as the former second round draft choice found himself back on an NBA sideline in 1996. Rejoining his old team, Ainge became the head coach of the Phoenix Suns that year and he would remain in that position until his sudden resignation cut his ties with Phoenix for good. A few years passed and in 2003 Danny Ainge decided to return to the NBA. It was then that he would join the Boston Celtics' front office as their Executive Director of Basketball Operations and thus, an era was born. Despite winning the 2008 Executive of the Year award, which ultimately got him promoted to President of Basketball Operations, Ainge has received a lot of heat since taking on his new role within the Celti... Sat, 18 May 2013 20:11:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/grading_each_draft_of_the_danny_ainge_era/13647016 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/grading_each_draft_of_the_danny_ainge_era/13647016 Grading Each Draft of the Danny Ainge Era http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/grading_each_draft_of_the_danny_ainge_era/13647016 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png If Kevin Garnett plays next season, it looks like he will be doing it bone spurs and all. According to the Boston Herald, Danny Ainge says Garnett will simply "rest" his left foot and ankle and will not undergo surgery. I think there was some question whether he was going to have surgery on his foot,” said Ainge. “but the last I heard, which was a few days ago, is that he won’t need surgery.” Full disclosure: I'm not a doctor. With that being said, this seems kinda crazy. ESPN's Jackie MacMullan reported multiple times last season that Garnett was battling bone spurs. There was even talk that they were floating bone spurs. Now either MacMullan was dead wrong, or the Celtics' medical staff is making a big mistake. I've never heard of players resting bone spurs. Ray Allen battled bone spurs in his right ankle his last season in Boston. He had surgery to remove them in the offseason. Bone spurs don't simply go away. There were many times this last seas... Sat, 18 May 2013 15:33:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/ainge_says_kevin_garnett_doesnt_need_surgery_on_his_ankle/13645924 http://network.yardbarker.com/nba/article_external/ainge_says_kevin_garnett_doesnt_need_surgery_on_his_ankle/13645924 Ainge says Kevin Garnett doesn't need surgery on his ankle http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/ainge_says_kevin_garnett_doesnt_need_surgery_on_his_ankle/13645924 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/1/41578863267ead91bf3d88363365fd338ada6c2c/mini/6893376.jpg     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 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   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 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 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