Futures uncertain for both the Celtics coach and veteran center.
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has yet to discuss the futures of coach Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett, but has hinted he expects them both to return for next season.
Following their first round playoff elimination to the New York Knicks, questions marks surrounded the Celtics and whether they would break up their current core to build for the future.
However, both Rivers and Garnett have contracts running through to next season, and Ainge doesn’t foresee any problems as to why the pair wouldn’t fulfil their deals.
“Doc is always unsure [about his future]. Coaching is very, very draining. Every year with Doc, he’s had to go home and sort of recharge and ask himself that question, ‘Is this something that I’m passionate about and want to continue doing?’,” Ainge told Boston sports radio WEEI, as reported by ESPN.
“I understand that. And we sort of give him time to unwind and relax, and after a couple of 92s on the golf course, he usually comes back,” he added.
Speculation has been widespread since the end of their season, with suggestions that either the Los Angeles Clippers or Brooklyn Nets could be lining up a switch for Rivers.
However, the 51-year-old signed a five-year, $35m contract extension with the Celtics following the conclusion of the 2010/11 season, and is expected to stay in Boston and attempt to lead them back into the playoffs next season.
While Garnett is expected to stay with Rivers, there are also doubts over Paul Pierce who will enter the final year of his current deal next season.
Ainge revealed that that will be the first bit of business they will attend to this summer and despite Pierce’s advancing years, he believes he has plenty of basketball left in him.
With Rajon Rondo progressing well in his rehabilitation from a torn ACL, it appears both Ainge and the Celtics are preparing to give their current core another shot at glory next season.
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