Ainge: Celtics' Defensive Struggles 'Discouraging,' Team Lacking Confidence And Trust
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics are off to a disappointing start to the season, and their main struggles are coming from an uncharacteristic area.
The 48-win Celtics of last season were one of the league's best defensive teams, and they spent much of the offseason and training camp talking about how they wanted to take that a step further this season. But through the first seven games the Celtics have been anything but a good defensive team, and now rank dead last in the league in terms of defensive rating. They've put up back-to-back horrendous efforts on that end of the floor, allowing 123 and 118 points in losses to the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards, respectively.
Brad Stevens and Isaiah Thomas have both called out the team for their lack of results on the defensive end of the floor. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge joined Toucher & Rich on 98.5 The Sports Hub on Friday to discuss the team's defensive struggles, and doesn't believe it's from a lack of trying.
"It is discouraging. We did have a lot of guys talk and a lot of stuff in training camp about how good we could be defensively, and we just haven't backed it up," said Ainge, noting the absence of Al Horofrd and Jae Crowder has not helped the C's cause. "It's been frustrating for the players and coaches that we haven't come with more confidence and trust in each other defensively. I feel like our guys are going to get that. We'll get our guys back soon, but if you haven't played a lot together it's hard to develop that trust.
"I do think they're bringing effort. I don't think it's an effort thing," Ainge added. "I think it has more to do with execution and trust."
Making their defensive struggles worse is the fact the Celtics also rank last in defensive rebounding.
"It's not an emphasis; we're not blocking out and can do much better with our current players," said Ainge. "Before the season, that was my biggest concern. We've won games over the last two years by not being a great rebounding team. It's frustrating for [our players] that we're not rebounding better, and I anticipate we'll get better at it."
Ainge said that Horford, out since last Monday with a concussion, is progressing through the NBA's concussion protocol. Horford participated in some non-contact drills at Thursday's practice and the C's hope to have him back soon, but Ainge did not have a timetable on what that could be.
The discussion then shifted to the results of Tuesday's presidential election, which has become a hot button topic in some NBA locker rooms. Detroit head coach Stan Van Gundy ripped fans who voted for president-elect Donald Trump, and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has also shared his displeasure with the results.
Ainge said the team has had discussions about the election, but he doesn't think the results will cause any problems in such a strong locker room.
"The mood is fine. I was in the locker room yesterday and I don't think there are any repercussions from us," said Ainge. "Our guys are mature guys and they know you move on. You don't always get what you want and you move forward."
Ainge admitted that he did not vote for president on Tuesday, but had Fred on his mind when he stepped into the booth.
"I went to the booth thinking maybe I'd feel inspired. I really struggled with both candidates and I couldn't get myself to circle one of the names," admitted Ainge. "But as I was standing over the marijuana law, I actually thought of you, Fred. I thought, am I voting yes or no on this, and I thought, man Fred could be a presidential candidate, or owner of the Celtics, maybe, if he hadn't smoked so much pot in his youth. I had to vote no.
"I also thought of Bill Walton at that moment too. I just had to vote no. It's limiting the potential of people like you, Fred," joked Ainge. "You're both equally as successful, though."
Listen to the full interview here:
