partial credit for the tank-iriffic efforts needs to go to ownership as well. i am impressed with how they have been on board in a positive way with this. a lot of owners would not be as supportive and try to simply save money.
i think ownership should be given some credit for:
1. giving ainge the time to do what needs to be done to at least
try to build right. they are not forcing him into premature, hasty, or ill advised moves just to make moves or fulfill immediate desires. they are letting ainge work a long term plan.
2. i am very impressed the owners still are spending money to try to improve even though the team is not winning. i think that a lot of owners would have tried to cut costs during a rebuild. this ownership was ok with taking on thornton's salary since it facilitated getting a draft pick and zeller.
i also think that ainge could have dumped bass' contract to save money and not get anything in return, except salary relief. that would be money in the owners pockets. instead, the owners are willing to pay bass in the hopes that danny can move him for something of value to the rebuild.
the celtics also didn't need to sign turner since they are not winning this year, with or without him. but, he MIGHT turn into a good player for the celtics, or be flipped for something valuable.
finally, they agreed to pay Stevens his hefty salary in a rebuilding situation. they could have just hired some mediocre coach at 1/3 the cost. the w/l needle wouldn't have shifted last year or this year. instead, the owners will pay a LOT of money to do the rebuild correctly and teach young players to be better players. THAT shouts "commitment" to me.
i am impressed with the ownership so far. they are putting money on the table for this rebuild and are being patient. if they can be patient with their money, so can i.