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Ainge: Upcoming Draft 'Not As Spectacular As Everyone Makes It Out To Be'

BOSTON (CBS) - Toucher and Rich were joined by Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge and a whole host of topics were addressed, starting with the team's 89-83 loss to the Bobcats last night.

Al Jefferson, the central piece of the seven-player trade that helped the Celtics acquire Kevin Garnett from Minnesota, led the way for the Bobcats, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against his former team. The defeat marked their first loss in over a week and ended a four game win streak for the C's.

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Danny Ainge called the show Thursday morning and called it "our worst performance of the year," citing a sluggish offense and lack of energy as the main reasons.

Rich asked if it's the job of the coach to get his players pumped up to play, which Ainge shot down, adding that it's on the players to get ready for a game. Ainge complimented Brad Stevens for his game preparation and work ethic.

"I haven't been around a coach that puts the amount of time in that he has, maybe [former assistant and Bulls coach] Tom Thibodeau," said Ainge

"He is meticulous. He covers every detail and thinks of every sort of advantage. He covers it all, he puts the time in. He loves it. He's there all the time, working and watching film, meeting with players. He seems to really enjoy it."

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This segued into a conversation about Brad Stevens' reaction (or lack thereof) when Jeff Green hit a buzzer beater on Saturday to beat the Miami Heat. Ainge said he "appreciates" that part of Brad because he acts like he's been there before.

And of course, you couldn't have an NBA executive on air without asking him about tanking, and the prospect of having more ping pong balls in the Draft Lottery.

With all the hype surrounding Duke's Jabari Parker, Kentucky's Julius Randle and Kansas' Andrew Wiggins, the guys were curious to get Danny's perspective on this fresh crop of NCAA talent.

Danny Ainge called it a "good draft" but "not as spectacular as everyone makes it out to be."

Listen to hear the full interview below:

Ainge: Good Draft, Not Spectacular

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