Watch CBS News

Toucher & Rich: Gorman On Board With Celtics Retiring Danny Ainge's Number

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics have 21 numbers (and one nickname) hanging in the TD Garden rafters, a reminder of all the greats to wear a Celtics jersey throughout the franchise's storied history.

Celtics' owner Wyc Grousbeck hinted last week that he would like another number hanging in the rafters soon: Danny Ainge's #44.

Retired numbers were a hot topic when Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett made their return to Boston in January, but Ainge's number isn't mentioned very often. CSNNE's Celtics play-by-play man Mike Gorman joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Tuesday, and doesn't think there is any debate whether or not the Celtics should retire Ainge's number.

"I'm all for it," Gorman said of having Ainge's #44 hanging high above court-side some day. "Danny was a member of four teams that went to NBA Finals, two won championships, and then comes back to run the franchise in what many consider its darkest moments, and orchestrates a champion. He definitely deserves to be up there."

Gorman is very confident that with all the assets he's collected over the last few seasons, Ainge will be able to build another contender in Boston very soon.

"That was his strategy then and it still is now; accumulate as many young players as you can, hopefully put them together and have them be your team, but if you can't or it doesn't work out you have enough chips individually to trade for veterans," said Gorman. "I think he's capable of doing that again. He has the draft picks all lined up and now it's a question of making good choices."

Celtics At 7: Examining Rondo's Improved Shooting

"I hope he has a chance to get the kid from Duke, because I think he's the only game-changer," Gorman said of Jabari Parker, the freshman forward who is averaging 18.8 points and 8.9 rebounds for the Blue Devils this season.

Gorman also touched on building around Rajon Rondo, Tommy Heinsohn's thoughts on LeBron James and Brian Scalabrine returning to Boston on Wednesday night:

Mike Gorman All For Celtics Retiring Danny Ainge's Number

MORE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.