Report: Danny Ainge stepping down from role with Celtics

With the Boston Celtics eliminated from the 2021 NBA Playoffs, their front office may need to make major changes in the offseason.

The team will surely be facing major challenges ahead with a different president of basketball operations, as Danny Ainge is reportedly stepping down from his role.

Moreover, Brad Stevens’ role with the team will also change.

Coming into the 2020-21 season, the Celtics looked like one of the top contending teams in the East. Unfortunately, they ended the regular season just seventh in the conference with a 36-36 record.

Ainge is not entirely to blame for Boston’s disappointing season. The Celtics lost several players to COVID-19 issues as well as injuries. That hindered their ability to build chemistry and momentum in time for the postseason.

The 62-year-old Ainge served in the front office since 2003 when he was hired as the executive director of basketball operations.

For his role in helping Boston win the 2008 NBA championship, Ainge was named the NBA Executive of the Year. Subsequently, he was promoted by the team to president of basketball operations.

Ainge was one of the league’s longest-tenured team presidents, with only Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs and Pat Riley of the Miami Heat serving longer than him in the position.