Curmudgeon wrote:I think we ought to be thanking Sam Presti for giving us Horford back for Ainge's folly, Kemba Walker.
It was a very complicated time. Ainge tragically held onto the idea of Irving and Anthony Davis that ultimately cost Ainge his job. Irving gave the Celtics and the fans the middle finger. But Horford quickly snuck out the door while it was open. More money in Philly, more playing PF with Embiid at C and a possible sinking ship in Boston. Ainge had to make a quick pivot with the gain of cap space. At the time I wrote I "understood " why Ainge signed Walker but I was more upset that he didn't trade Irving when he was called by the Clippers and 10 days before the deadline and Irving infamously said of Boston "I don't owe anyone Sh$*."
Ainge's folly was digging his heels in with Irving. So I was totally upset with the result, Walker did at least play at an All Star level. But the irony was that this player who was an "iron man" player who could be relied on, became the opposite.
No one, not even Brad Stevens, envisioned just how good Horford's renaissance would be. He was used poorly in Philly but he looked like he might really be declining. But maybe he could still help at a position of need and certainly mentor younger players. Stevens quickly contacted Presti before anyone else went after OKC'S cap space. It was a great move that turned out brilliant.
Overall I liked Ainge. But he missed opportunities to win more championships with t&e Big Three Era and he fell in love with Irving and didn't consider his lack of character.
