Pitino has owner's blessing: Gaston is `100 percent'

[Joe Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

Pitino has owner's blessing: Gaston is `100 percent' behind coach
by Steve Bulpett

Wednesday, April 19, 2000

WASHINGTON - Upon engaging Paul Gaston in a public discussion of where
his team is and where it's going, one certainly need not  prepare for
long-winded replies.

The reason?

The Celtic chairman takes reticence to world-class heights in the
presence of a pen or microphone.

Put quite simply, Paul Gaston did not take control of the Celtics so
that he could become a star in the media.

While the Celtics were here last night preparing to battle the Wizards,
Gaston wrestled with a few questions on the club from his New York
office.

Q. Where do you feel the Celtics are on the path between where they were
three years ago and where they need to get?

A. I think Rick (Pitino) has articulated it as well as anyone can. I
think we're a few games shy of making the playoffs, obviously, and
didn't get it done the way we hoped we could. But we're not as far away
as perhaps some people think.

Q. Did the team meet your expectations this season?

A. I think Rick and I agree that the team didn't meet either of our
expectations, although they came fairly close. They made a good run for
it until it kind of all fell apart over the last few weeks.

Q. How concerned are you with the slip in attendance at the FleetCenter?

A. Our fans are great, and they have stood by this team for its entire
existence. They've really shown the meaning of what fans can be.

Obviously in our business, we're concerned. The league is concerned.
We're collectively trying to put the best product out for all fans to
see, and we think that, too, will improve.

Q. What is your reaction to Rick Pitino saying he will offer his
resignation if things don't work out next season?

A. I'm not entirely certain of what was said, but I'll say this for the
record: I'm 100 percent behind coach Pitino, and I think his
commitment to our team has been self-evident. And he's given me every
indication that that will continue.

Q. Much has been made about the Celtics' budget. Do you think it's
possible, considering what other owners are doing, to stay within the
salary cap and still be competitive for a championship?

A. I absolutely do believe going forward it's possible to stay in the
region of the salary cap and the league's two exceptions ($1 million and
middle class, which is $2.25 million this summer) and have a
championship team. I absolutely believe that.

Q. The issue of selling the Celtics always seems to arise. Do you have
any thoughts in that direction?

A. Earlier this year there was speculation that chief operating officer
Rich Pond addressed in as emphatic a way as I could imagine (Pond said
there were no plans to sell, but that every businessperson must listen
to offers), and I think those published statements are our answers. I'll
put it this way, the team is not for sale.