Gritty, reliable hustler. It showed back in ‘86 and it’s shown in his undeniable need to make the next big move, acquiring players, contracts and draft picks that are both desirable and talented, as well as being able to liquidate assets if necessary. We saw that this year with the acquisition of Brandon Wright in the Rajon Rondo deal, moving him to Phoenix when the opportunity to add one of the most desired player contracts in the league arose in lightning bug Isaiah Thomas.

2015: Boston owns both their 1st round pick and the Clippers pick(Doc Rivers), as well as their own and the 76ers’ 2nd round pick.

2016: Boston owns their pick, the Nets’ 1st round pick(Pierce/Garnett), the Mavericks’ 1st round pick(protected 1-7 until 2021) and the Timberwolves 1st round pick(protected 1-12, or becomes 2nd rd. picks in 2016 & 2017).2nd round picks from Cleveland, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia are also on the board of possibilities. Boston will lose its’ 2nd round pick to either Memphis or Utah in 2016.

2017: Boston has the right to swap picks with Brooklyn(Pierce/Garnett), but would convey its’ own 2nd round pick(protected 31-45 or extinguished). Boston owns 2nd round picks from Cleveland and the Clippers, as well as their own.
Although draft picks aren’t the asset they once were, think 1992(Shaq, ‘Zo, Laettner, Sprewell) & 2003(LeBron, Carmelo, Bosh, DWade), they can be the “raise the bet” to get a deal done(see Brandon Knight to Phoenix). When players like have to decide where to sign next year, the ability to complete a sign-and-trade, though more difficult than in past NBA off seasons, can be the edge needed to get a top or 2nd tier player to build a franchise around. Ainge has the assets, the financial freedom and the cigars to get the Green back to the Finals.