Quite a bomb dropped Wednesday morning in the NBA world as Celtics head of Basketball Ops Danny Ainge announced his, “retirement.” Interestingly, a word he did not use during that day’s press conference. He seemed at peace with the decision citing his health as a factor. I hope I can take Danny at his word that the stress of the job isn’t good for him. Some felt he left the door open for a return if he got the itch to manage a team again. When you think about Ainge’s accomplishments in the NBA, it’s a Hall of Fame resume. I hope he doesn’t ruin a legacy in Boston by coming back to the league elsewhere in 3 years.
- So, do we automatically assume that in his new role as head of basketball ops that when Brad Stevens trades a player, he’s secretly hated him all along?
- It’s good to see the chippiness in the first round NBA series between New York and Atlanta. Feels like '90’s playoff intensity.
- I am glad that Marv Albert is hanging up the microphones, he’s right on the edge of having stayed on too long. Guys a legend and one of the voices of this NBA fans childhood.
- I am VERY confident the Bruins get past the Islanders in Round 2. But the challenge of Tampa should await and that series makes me very nervous.
- In case you were wondering, my favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked. However, I only eat it twice a year.
- I have never listened to the #DORKpodcast. But no one has promoted it more than me.
- I am THRILLED Kevin Garnett put it out there early that he does not want to coach the Celtics. Cross him off your lists please.
- VICE’s hit pro wrestling series, “Dark Side of The Ring” is fantastic even if you aren’t a hardcore wrestling fan. It’s made so everyone can watch.
- Tennis player Naomi Osaka has stepped away from tennis in part because the media responsibilities are too overwhelming for her. A happy medium can be had with athletes making themselves available to the media, but only for a finite period of time after an event.
- Hate is a strong word, but I do hate me some Kyrie Irving.
- For those who listen to ‘Gresh & Keefe’, yes. I am that picky an eater. But would you believe I had Sushi a week ago today? Sweetheart roll. Fantastic.
- The most underrated and underappreciated player in Boston is Patrice Bergeron.
- Canada is guaranteed one conference finalist in the Stanley Cup playoffs and they still won’t be happy.
--Watching how my 16 & 19-year old boys react to sports, shows me how fandom has changed with the times. I was much more intense about sports at that age.
--Thanks to Rob Bradford for allowing me to spew my B.S. each week.
Gresh is co-host of ‘Gresh & Keefe’ 10a-2p, Monday-Friday on the WEEI Sportsradio Network. He is also co-author of ‘The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists’