Is there a world where Doc Rivers is not coaching the Boston Celtics? Danny Ainge certainly cannot think of such a place. Now that the Boston Celtics' season is over and done with, the president of operations must begin to prepare for next season. While some of that might include releasing of veterans and hopefully bringing back their star point guard, Ainge certainly does not believe it entails letting go of their head coach. While rumors are swirling that a few teams will make a run at Rivers, Ainge is assuming he will be in Boston next season.
"From all I know, Doc will be back," Ainge told media.
Simple as that, right? Ainge is not placing too much stock on the idea that other teams are fighting for Rivers' attention. Rivers currently has three years remaining on his contract with the Boston Celtics, but after the team's Game 6 loss in the playoffs, Rivers sounded less than certain on his status with the team.
"I don't know. I mean, I don't know that right now. I can't make that decision now. I'm under contract and we'll see. I mean, honestly, I just can't even think about that right now, so I don't know," Rivers said.
The head coach believes right now he needs to detox after the long season. However, Rivers might not get that long because the Brooklyn Nets are looking to speak with him about jumping teams. The Nets have officially fired interim coach PJ Carlesimo and are in search of his replacement. After getting rejected by Phil Jackson, Rivers tops the list of maybe-we-have-a-shot coaches. There have not been any formal conversations between the two parties, but Brooklyn intends on making a move. The Los Angeles Clippers are also highly considering making a deal for the coach.
Ainge simply laughed at both notions. The pending futures of a few Celtics' veterans could easily play into what Rivers ultimately decides to do. Both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's futures are up in the air. Ainge declined to comment on either player.
Garnett currently has two more years left on his contract and has made subtle hints at retirement. He will be 37 in a week and has yet to make a formal decision on whether he wants to continue playing. Pierce has one more year left on his contract, giving the Celtics more leverage to decide his fate.
It remains to be seen where some of the key pieces of the Boston Celtics will be in the 2013 season. Next year's team could look drastically different if moves are made.