With the uncertainty about what lies ahead for the Boston Celtics, particularly the futures of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers, team president Danny Ainge addressed the pressing matter while appearing on Salk & Holley.
According to WEEI Boston, Ainge called the recent Stephen A. Smith rumors "silly," indicating that Rivers and Garnett will return next season, Rajon Rondo being back for training camp and Pierce's future being his first tough decision he has on his mind this summer.
On Pierce: "I think Paul has a lot of basketball left in him."
On Doc: "I think Doc will be coaching the Boston Celtics" next year.
On Garnett: "I do anticipate KG will play."
To read more details about what Ainge had to say about each, click here.
Former Celtics great Cedric Maxwell added his insight about what he believes the future will hold.
Maxwell sat down with CSNNE's Mike Felger on Sports Sunday to discuss the future of the Celtics.
"My hope is that all three of these guys are coming back but my true belief and my knowledge I think that they won't be back," Maxwell said. "I think Doc will take a leave of absence, he will go on. I think Paul Pierce, the team has an option right now on his contract at $16 million they can pay him $5 [million]. I think the financial part is going to [come] in. And as Kevin Garnett said, if Paul doesn't come back, I think Kevin weighs his options and says he wants to go someplace else."
If Maxwell is right about everything, Rivers won't be there to coach the incoming players.
"I think that he just wants to have a rest," Maxwell said. "I think that you look at a guy who's been here as long as he has. Been through the wars. Probably been one of the best coaches around. I just think that he'll want to take a breather."
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