Following news that Boston Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge suffered a mild heart attack on Tuesday night, Celtics players and staff would disclose their thoughts on the matter and as you might expect, there’s been no limit to the amount of care and concern.
Celtics second-year forward Jayson Tatum would say that he considers Ainge’s health more important than Boston’s postseason while Celtics head coach Brad Stevens notes that he’s been in “constant communication” with Ainge’s family.
Following Thursday’s practice, Celtics guard Marcus Smart — who has missed all six games Boston has played thus far in the postseason with a torn left oblique — would also discuss Ainge’s health scare.
“Everybody that knows Danny knows he would give his right leg to be with us,” Smart starts, discussing how a win in Game 3 would make Ainge feel better after his heart attack.
He would also detail the impact that Ainge has made on his life.
Smart, whose mother passed away last September, says that Ainge “constantly” checking in on him and his family, worried about their well-being. One of the most volatile players in the league and having developed a reputation as a hothead prior to even being drafted by Boston in 2014, Ainge also plays the role of a mentor for Smart.
“You know, Danny’s just one of those guys that takes time out of his life, his day — whatever he’s doing [in] his schedule — to make sure you’re alright.
He constantly checks in on us. My family… Personally, for me, he’s been another mentor for me. From when I first got here, Danny was the person I seeing everyday and talking to. So he means a lot to my life, as well.”
Ainge senses a sort of parallel between himself and Smart, as he was also a player whose competitive spirit was on full display. However, Ainge’s age, experience and wisdom have allowed him to help Smart channel his unbridled passion.
From the hardwood to home, Ainge presents himself as an approachable and accessible source of information for his players and coaches.
It likely means a lot to everyone he comes into contact with but for a player with Smart’s socioeconomic background and who has dealt with the pain of loss that Smart has this early in life, having an individual as supportive as Ainge is invaluable.
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