| Aingish Into English Authored by Jaren Cantin - October 4, 2005 - 4:55 pm
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This kind of honesty is rarely found in the NBA. In a league where executives devise schemes and stories to build players' trade value, defuse reputation problems, and preserve team morale, honesty is certainly not a premium. Any NBA executive worth his salt can tell you that Mark Blount is in great shape and is ready to contribute to a Celtics team destined for another Atlantic crown. Any NBA executive could look you straight in the eye and tell you that Paul Pierce may not be perfect, but he loves the Celtics, and is just giddy to be lacing up his sneaks in the new Garden. Believe me, Danny Ainge is no different.
Danny Ainge has made several statements this off-season as to the status of his allegedly disgruntled star Paul Pierce. With only two options, trade or keep, Ainge has been rather tight-lipped with his words. However, in a recent Boston Herald article, Danny Ainge made some interesting statements, albeit covertly. To truly understand these statements, we must understand and analyze the context, and "translate" them from "Ainge-speak" to "Ainge-meaning".
"Paul understands that he was a more productive player last year while taking fewer shots."
This statement is "Sports Executive" for: "Paul Pierce is naturally a me first, confident, self-trusting, shoot first player. He developed terrible habits while under the negative and limited tutelage of Jim O'Brien, and was in fact the true co-coach and co-decision maker of that team. Last year, we told him how we want things done in the new Celtics era. He resisted our instruction. However, as time passed he inconsistently played along with, and occasionally embraced our style. As a result, his efficiency improved marginally. Should he fully endorse our style, his numbers will likely reduce in sum, but improve in efficiency exponentially. Additionally, the Celtics will win as a team, and will be a much more formidable opponent."
"I'm confident it's going to happen, after our conversation, I know that Paul's anxious to start his second year with Doc.''
This statement, if decoded, is read as: "Paul and I had an interesting meeting. Sure he was a bit angry and hurt by the trade rumors, however, I assured him that we simply could not get equal value for him in trade. So, he is going to be a Celtic for the time being. If a great deal comes forth, sure, I'd trade him. The unfortunate fact is; Paul's trade value has dropped dramatically over the past few seasons. As it stands, he is going to have to come in a play his tail off for the Boston Celtics. If he falls in line with Docs system, and the team wins, two beneficial things happen. First, the Celtics are successful and the game becomes more enjoyable for everyone in the organization. And secondly, Paul reinvigorates the trade market for his services. If he can commit to this plan, and he still feels that this is not the city, team, system, and coach for him, we will aggressively explore trades next off-season."
"`I'm just trying to diffuse this notion that all of the onus and responsibility has to be placed on Paul,"
What Ainge really meant is: "Okay Paul, we have a deal. I'll try to take some of the pressure off of you, but you have to reward me with your play on the court. This team is young, they are imperfect, but you are not twenty-three anymore. It's time you started leading this group. Antoine is gone for good, and I expect more from you than Al Jefferson and Delonte West. Lead by example, or I will trade you to the Hornets, yes, the Oklahoma City Hornets!"
"I believe in Paul Pierce. I believe in Paul's character,
and his ability to help this team. I know Paul's not perfect.
That's OK with me.''
Danny Ainge closed out his earth-shattering revelations with the above statement. On its face, the statement looks encouraging, however, the truth was far less supportive. "Paul Pierce is a very good scorer and rebounder. Without him, I don't think this team could score ninety points a game, forget one hundred. But damn this guy is action-packed with issues. Not only does he demand the play run through his hands, but he overestimates his own trade value, can have a tendency to turn the ball over excessively, has been a thorn in Doc's side, refuses to run, and often doesn't trust his teammates. Unfortunately, there is not one player in the NBA without flaws. We have Paul Pierce. He is a Celtic, and the Celtics are a better team because of it. I know he is flawed, but damnit I can't get anything better for him!"
In the modern era of Politicians, Judges, and NBA executives using the media as a tool, the careful and guided use of words has become an absolute necessity. The politically correct, consider everyone's feelings, and "say everything, disclose nothing" philosophy has taken firm hold of media communications.
Danny Ainge is the final say in Boston Celtics basketball. Everything he says is under a microscope, and to this end, everything he says MUST truly reveal nothing. As fans, we all want to know the inside scoop, understand what "the man" is thinking. However, this is simply unrealistic. Ainge cannot come out and criticize Paul while preserving his deteriorating trade value. Conversely, Ainge cannot come out publicly and gloat on Paul without risking Paul reverting to his old habits. The bold truth is, the brief statements Ainge made above do communicate more than they initially suggest. Surely, my "translation" may be exaggerated, but Danny Ainge is not satisfied with Paul Pierce, and vice-versa. NBA Executives will never be the kind of honest with the media, that we are in our most trying personal confessions. As Celtics fans, we can merely hope that Danny Ainge is that kind of honest with Paul himself. |
