When the Boston Celtics announced this summer that Danny Ainge would no longer be running their front office, they gave the impression that Ainge was retiring from the game of basketball. At the time, rumors circulated that wasn’t the case and Ainge was not ready to call it a career. It turned out those NBA rumors were correct.
In a recent interview with Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, Ainge confirmed that stepping down from the Celtics’ front office isn’t necessarily the end for him. Should the right role become available, he would be interested.
“I’m not closing the book on other opportunities, but it’d have to be the right situation,” Ainge told Forsberg. “I’d have to be working with the right people in the right role. I don’t want to get back into 18-hour days. I don’t think that’s in anyone’s best interest, for that matter. But I know how much work it takes to be good at the job.
“At the same time, I have 40 years of experience in the NBA and I think I have a lot to offer some team that might see me as a helper to people in the organization. But yeah, just depending on what the role is.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: What Jazz Are Pursuing Ahead Of Trade Deadline — Revealed
Well, the right role has come along for him courtesy of the Utah Jazz. The Jazz hired Ainge to oversee their basketball operations as he was named the alternate governor and CEO of Jazz basketball on Wednesday.
Looking to remain in the game of basketball, but not wanting to be as hands-on with long days, Utah presented him with the perfect opportunity. Jazz general manager Justin Zanik runs the day-to-day operations and Danny Ainge will be working closely with him.
“We have big aspirations for Smith Entertainment Group and the Utah Jazz. Danny is one of the best basketball minds in the world and he’s also passionate about this state and our community,” owner Ryan Smith said in a statement. “We believe in adding the best talent to all facets of our organization and are lucky to have Danny’s acumen and experience.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: What Jazz Are Pursuing Ahead Of Trade Deadline — Revealed
The Utah Jazz was mentioned as one of the teams that could be interested in bringing Ainge on, along with his hometown Portland Trail Blazers. The opportunity with the Jazz was too good to pass up on, as he is longtime friends with Smith.
“I have known and respected Ryan and Ashley Smith for many years. What they are doing here in Utah is amazing and I am excited to be a part of their vision for the Jazz and Smith Entertainment Group as a whole,” Ainge said in the statement. “Joining the Jazz was a natural and perfect fit for me, as my roots in Utah are deep and strong.
“This is a team that has a tremendous foundation of players and people, and Justin and Quin are doing an amazing job. I am excited to collaborate with them, be a resource, and share the perspective I have as we work together to bring our fans the success that they deserve.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: What Jazz Are Pursuing Ahead Of Trade Deadline — Revealed
Danny Ainge himself is very popular in Salt Lake City from his time at BYU, where he was an All-American collegiately. He will be replacing Dennis Lindsey, who moved into a consultant role this past summer.
