BOSTON (CBS) — The Jeremy Lin sensation in New York that’s being celebrated throughout the NBA world has caught everyone by surprise, but a new report indicates that Danny Ainge had at least some idea of how talented the former Harvard star is.

The Boston Herald reported Thursday that the Celtics twice tried to acquire Lin when he was on waivers, but in both instances, another team beat them to it.

Lin, 23, was waived by his hometown Golden State Warriors in December after averaging 2.6 points and 1.4 assists in just under 10 minutes per game last season.

That’s when, according to the Herald, the Celtics put in a claim, only to be beaten by the Rockets, who were ahead of the Celtics in the waiver order. Lin didn’t last long with the Rockets, though, and was again let go, giving the C’s another chance to claim him. Injuries in the Knicks’ backcourt, however, led to New York adding him first.

With Lin as a starter, the Knicks are 7-0, with Lin averaging 24.4 points, 9.1 assists and four rebounds.