Ainge On WEEI Says.....

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

- Team needs players who can create offense for other players.

- Offensively the Celtics struggle - no playmakers for Toine or Pierce.

- Area of greatest need is easy baskets: offensive rebounding, fast
breaks, etc.

- Ainge wants players who can play both fast break and half court
basketball;
doesn't want a Dallas situation of years past, where Don Nelson had to
choose
players based on situations: half cout, offense, defense.


- Wants to improve the Celtics.

- Views Pierce and Walker (ugggh) as the cornerstones of the
team, and he's here to build around them.

- Says 99 percent of trades never happen, and he'll never discuss
his maneuvers.

- Regrets timing of his announcement, but says players not distracted by

front office machinations, coaches perhaps.

- Plans to give Vin Baker the full monty.  Exploring ways of getting him
into condition
to play in summer league, and says Baker has to earn back respect of
teammates and
the shitty of Boston ( my own Kevin White reference). Of course, Ainge
is concerned
about his mental well being and future basketball contributions.

- THE CELTICS ARE NOT USING THE MIDDLE CLASS EXCEPTION.

- Ainge looking to save $4 million off payroll to avoid luxury tax and
$17 million tax
penalty, as the Celtics are $4.5 mil. over the luxury tax base.

- Every dollar over the luxury tax is 4.5 million for every million you
spend.

- Very few teams will use the middle class exception.
Ray