Danny Ainge's comments on Rajon Rondo during an appearance on Sunday in Worcester will draw headlines, but Boston's president of basketball operations offered insight on other aspects of his team. A few that jumped out:
• No fireworks, but nothing silly: Ainge admitted the team didn't produce the much-ballyhooed "fireworks" that owner Wyc Grousbeck suggested might be possible, but expressed optimism about the future, including the team's two draft picks, Marcus Smart and James Young. "It wasn't the fireworks that we tried and we continue to try to do [them], but we're excited about Marcus and his future and James Young and his future," Ainge told the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. "We need to be more patient with James, especially out of the gate. I think Marcus is more physically ready to play at our level than James is today, but we hope for fast progress from James. I felt like we acquired some assets. We didn't panic and do anything that was silly."
• Limiting the goals: Ainge said he'll let his players determine the expectations for what's expected to be another rebuilding season. "I don't think our team is in contention for a championship," Ainge told the T&G. "We are a young team and we're in the development stages." He added: "It's hard for me to put goals on our team. I want to hear what they want to do. I want to hear what their goals are and what they believe they can accomplish this year."
• More praise for Stevens: Ainge likes to joke that he'd give coach Brad Stevens a six-year extension if he asked. He offered more praise on Sunday. "Our coach is spectacular," Ainge told the T&G. "He is a fierce competitor. He is a tireless worker. You hear this word thrown around a lot. I've spent a lot of time thinking about character, but he is a man of great integrity. I'm a huge, huge fan."