Highlights of Ainge and Doc’s Press Conference: Rondo, Free Agency, West

Posted by Brian Robb on Dec 1, 2011 225079 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F12%2F01%2Fhighlights-of-ainge-and-docs-press-conference-rondo-free-agency-west%2FHighlights+of+Ainge+and+Doc%27s+Press+Conference%3A+Rondo%2C+Free+Agency%2C+West2011-12-01+16%3A57%3A46Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D22507

Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge just spoke at length at a presser at the C’s practice facility in Waltham. The duo covered a wide-ranging array of topics, including the latest Rondo rumors. Our guy Chris Forsberg over at ESPNBoston has us covered on some of the highlights. We will have more extensive coverage and additional quotes as the day continues:

Ainge on Rondo: “I’m not, no,” bottom-lined Ainge. Asked how he’ll approach his young guard given all the media attention around the rumored deal, Ainge said he’ll be honest with him. “I”ll talk to Rondo,” he said. “But I won’t tell you what I’ll say to him. Rondo will be fine, Rondo knows that we love him. He knows that we like him. He’s excited to come back and play basketball, in my opinion. He gets a lot of attention; He’s a great player. There’s a lot of people that call me and aks me about Rondo. So, how these rumors get out, it’s unfortunate, but we didn’t leak those rumors out. We’ll deal with it. He’ll be fine.”

Other Tidbits (via Forsberg):
– The Celtics do not plan to use the amnesty clause to void a contract this season
– Ainge expects to only have the mini mid-level exception ($3 million) available
– Asked about a priority, Ainge said size is at the top of his shopping list
– Ainge said he hopes to have 10 bodies in camp when it opens on Dec. 9
– Rivers and Ainge noted at various times an interest in bringing back Jeff Green, Glen Davis, and Delonte West