Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge believes that forward Kevin Garnett and coach Doc Rivers will be back next season but he seemed a lot less committal when discussing Pierce’s future in Boston.
Ainge said that he will talk to Pierce’s representatives, Rivers and his staff before he considers what will happen over the summer.
“There’s a lot that will go into it, but it hasn’t even started yet. We have until June 30 to make any decision,” Ainge said during his weekly appearance on WEEI Radio. “Listen, Paul’s been one of the greatest Celtics of all-time, and that will play a part in it. We love what he’s done for us, but ultimately we have to do what we think is the best for us from this point forward. And I think that Paul still has a lot of basketball left in him.”
The Celtics boss made it sound as though Rivers’ future lies in his own hands but seems confident he will be back to lead the team next season.
“Doc is always unsure. Coaching is very, very draining,” Ainge explained. “Every year with Doc, he’s had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, ‘Is this something that I’m passionate about and want to continue doing?’ I understand that. And we sort of give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92?s on the golf course, he usually comes back.
“I think Doc will be coaching the Boston Celtics.”
Ainge said he will allow Garnett some time to ponder this past season and the next before he approaches him on his future.
“I’ll touch base with KG probably some time next week. He puts so much into the game. He invests as much as any player I’ve ever seen. He just needs time to chill and contemplate his life, and then we’ll talk at some future time, but I do anticipate that KG will play. Just like I did last year, I feel the same this year. I don’t know for sure, but we’ll know more in the next couple weeks.”
