Ainge knew Red and he probably learned a lot from him. But he doesn't even remotely begin to touch Red's eye for talent prior to the mid eighties.
I think it's the same problem with comparing players from older eras to today. There seems to be a great debate about Bill Russell, but I bet he could translate into a modern MVP. He'd have to work on his free throws. The league keeps dramatically changing in trends. Now I am confused.
Red also had many less teams to compete with, tons less. Red was absolutely one of the all-time greats. He made us the NY Yankees of hoops. At one point after #16 I think we had won 40% of all titles.
Maybe as there are currency rates, it should be the same with comparing Danny to Red. He definitely has to go on a ten year run, win five plus times. I don't want to get greedy, but you can see he is looking to hit home runs. Stevens is showing the potential that coaches can impact teams more than it's ever been done before. So right there, Danny is nowhere near Red. I concede and you win. But I see Danny rubbing his greedy hands like Olynyk often does, yet honorably for the team. These guys seem to be on an unbreakable trajectory. It'll hurt if we get pick #4, but it's not like Pierce or KG were that good. Danny has one title under his belt. We all know it depends on guys like Smart, Brown and new guys coming in next year and that takes time. I like what I'm seeing out of Amir. I hope Jerebko doesn't destroy his nose without the mask, but he was turning into Butch Hobson. Old timers will remember that pain. Zeller is too goofy. Mickey is in James Young mode. I could go on all day. Pardon my indulgence.
Okay, Danny is attempting to duplicate an epic Auerbachian run, but there are no guarantees. I respect this. You aim low, you reach low. You aim high, you might reach high. Maybe Smart puts it together in the off season. He'll probably do nothing but take jump shots eight hours a day. He said this a few months back that it's difficult to work on things like shooting during seasons. He might become a force down in the post. He's better than Horford. I am praying for Horford.
Smart doesn't seem a lost cause like Rondo despite his numbers looking very scary in ways. Thankfully he hit all those free throws. Rozier is another one who does everything right then chokes at the rim. He is a great shooter. Stevens is keeping his options open. He's not afraid to go to the end of the bench. But he might not to if we stay healthy.
Beating Cleveland would be nice. We are due a strong game.
I'm not sure why Wyc has to say we are two players away. I think it's one. It could've been Noel, but Danny didn't want to pull the trigger. Rumor says we are in the running for Bogut and that news could come out tonight. He probably didn't want Sanders just in case he is stoned during games. Some people can shoot lights out only after a toke or two. Danny's a Mormon and Brad is as straight milquetoast as possible. Twas not to be. We are that one player away.
The worst Danny can do is end up as good job, good effort. He'd have a wishy-washy legacy. He will have to win it all at some point and then start piling up some titles. He's getting closer. Thanks Brooklyn.