Danny Ainge remembers Larry Bird's trash talk, the Lakers Rivalry, battles against Jordan & more

We back this week with NBA royalty, as Celtics legend and current Jazz exec Danny Ainge joins Q and D on Knuckleheads. This man has done it all, played major league baseball, won multiple NBA championships as a player and constructed some all-time great hoops teams, and he gets into it all. Danny recalls his first time meeting Larry Bird and why Dennis Johnson is one of the more underrated players ever. He also discusses the formation of the Celtics’ Big 3 in 2008 and why he didn’t think getting Kevin Garnett was a possibility. Live on location from XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, you won’t want to miss this one!
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00:00 : Intro
01:09 : Who Bust Yo' Ass?
03:13 : Growing up in Oregon
07:14 : BYU
14:40 : Early Celtics Years
24:42 : Larry Bird
28:55 : Celtics-Lakers Rivalry
35:10 : Dennis Johnson
41:33 : Achieving success and later Celtics years
47:42 : Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers, & Phoenix Suns Years
56:47 : Post-career broadcasting and coaching
1:00:24 : Celtics GM and Winning the 2008 Championship
1:11:38 : Utah Jazz front office
1:13:13 : Danny's Starting Five
1:14:11 : The Evolution of the Game
1:19:48 : Danny's Big Purchase & Outro

[@knuckleheadspodcastTPT]

00:00 : Intro 01:09 : Who Bust Yo' Ass? 03:13 : Growing up in Oregon 07:14 : BYU 14:40 : Early Celtics Years 24:42 : Larry Bird 28:55 : Celtics-Lakers Rivalry 35:10 : Dennis Johnson 41:33 : Achieving success and later Celtics years 47:42 : Sacramento Kings, Portland Trailblazers, & Phoenix Suns Years 56:47 : Post-career broadcasting and coaching 1:00:24 : Celtics GM and Winning the 2008 Championship 1:11:38 : Utah Jazz front office 1:13:13 : Danny's Starting Five 1:14:11 : The Evolution of the Game 1:19:48 : Danny's Big Purchase & Outro

[@losborn411]

The real MVP (Comments)

[@Delirante69]

Perhaps 2 questions to consider: What whoud you like to CHANGE on ( ) SPORT? And what CHANGE on ( ) SPORT you don't like.

[@paulpetersen-iu1he]

This is a really great interview. Thank you so much. I'm super happy. I found it and I am a new subscriber!

[@matthawkins8337]

Here's a man who faced Nolan Ryan as a batter and guarded Michael Jordan. He's the Forrest Gump of sports

[@larrylaudig5197]

Major props to the Knuckleheads for having an even-keeled and thoughtful interview with a Celtics legend, the great Danny Ainge!!

[@sitarnut]

Spot on.. one of the best shows I've seen. I know I got lit big time hearing any morsel of memories of the great D.J. Please guys, do a DJ show..I can't be the only cat out here who wouldn't love that. Peace out.

[@thechalkfieldstcf3126]

Ainge is a real one… he was a very critical piece to the 80s Celtics. He was a dog. As a lifelong Lakers fan, I’ve always had immense respect for his skill and toughness.

[@I_Shit_on_your_shit_point]

Oh hes not a hologram? The question is, are you a real one? Because your practiced slang and generic nothingness makes you seem like a bot

[@donaldb93]

Dude was an all American in 3 different sports that’s crazy

[@pretorious700]

He's also the ungrateful idiot who wanted to trade McHale and Bird in their later years.

[@camoss3724]

@@donaldb93 He was also an expert swimmer and diver as well as a scratch golfer.

[@BST-lm4po]

Ainge played both professional Baseball and professional Basketball! For a long time, Ainge held the record for the youngest player to hit a home run in Toronto Bluejays history!

[@mirkocapeta387]

Danny Ainge thanks you for Drazen Petrovic words, it means a lot for us in Croatia ❤

[@davemartino5997]

I remember watching him when he came into the league he was one of the few who have Jordan a hard time . Shame his life ended early he was damn good .

[@RemoWilliams1227]

​@@davemartino5997oh yeah, I remember him. He was absolutely mechanical on the jumpers, a jumpshot machine.

[@loodakris5928]

I was surprised they asked that question. I Was happy to hear about Drazen.

[@AbigailMcGarvey]

Drazen was super special. He was the poster-child for how you try to coach and create muscle-memory. His jump shots were carbon copies of each other. No wasted motion. Absolutely text-book.

[@brockman562]

dude...Ainge is a master storyteller. didn't get bored once in this interview. fuckin wicked.

[@Methadone4Life]

You can see what makes him a great GM.

[@brockman562]

@@Methadone4Life his stories are more interesting than MJs and Magic's interviews, which are boring AF

[@johncool1]

And Birds stories are better from the hall of famers who witnessed it..the greatest trash talker in all sports and still backs it up.. every year he is talked about like he is the "Kyser Soze" of sports.. who is a myth a legendary story that cant be real until there are other people to corroborate the story who were on the floor or the bench..and danny witnessed a lot.

[@brockman562]

@@johncool1 yeah bird has some interesting stories as well

[@lilpenny1982]

Danny Ainge was a very underrated player. A winner for sure.

[@scottipippen6554]

Underrated? How? He is not. Everybody, who knows about 80s/90s ball, knows how good he was.. ..why everybdoy has to be always "underrated" in the US, is beyond me, lol.

[@lilpenny1982]

@@scottipippen6554 Bird, McHale, Parish and DJ

[@pputnam100]

Yea the only reason he didn't get his due was only because he played on a team with unbelievable players, the absolute best in the world in Bird, McHale, Parrish and DJ

[@lilpenny1982]

@@pputnam100 I agree 100%

[@robertanderson9375]

He was never underrated. Everyone knew he was solid, dangerous at all times.

[@Fergus316]

Was just going to watch it for a little, but got hooked and watched the whole hour. This brought back a lot of memories as someone who started watching the NBA when Danny Ainge was a player.

[@cedwilliams7989]

I wrote this last week with bibby, it's great to watch a podcast to hear guest and stories that hasn't been heard . So many diff podcast keep putting the same people on and we keep hearing the same old recycle stuff. Great work guys

[@1regularperson]

This comment here. 💯 Most of these basketball podcasts not only recycle guests, but they all seem to have either a political undertone to it, it’s centered in gossip and messiness, or it’s tailored to basketball fans who are casuals. Knuckleheads is THE podcast for those who want nothing but hoops, and the in-depth conversations with many of the less celebrated greats from the history of the sport.

[@scrilluchiano4789]

They should pin this shit, nothing but truth here!

[@cedwilliams7989]

@@1regularperson facts. This is a true hoop podcast. You can tell they don't do this for clicks and views. Real basketball fans appreciate all of their guest and content

[@1regularperson]

@@cedwilliams7989 💯💯💯

[@yourotherbrother8]

Facts I love this podcast it’s the mos in depth and genuine one’s

[@pputnam100]

I wonder if these two young cats interviewing Danny realize what a great hoop player he was? They look amazed at what this old dude is calmly saying about his unreal skills in three sports, the greatest three sport player in history.. BUt in the NBA, man He was relentless, a great hustling player diving on the floor constantly, awesome shooter, could drive, and just so tough and smart. A great NBA player

[@nyjetfb5631]

Most of these posters don't even know!!! All they heard about was the hate he garnered cause he was the original pesky!!! Great Player and a three sport athlete. Crazy!!!

[@missayawk]

Also ran track too.

[@sungee3333]

As a Bird fan and Celtics 80’s fan I listened to this for all the Celtics stories. But hats off to your interview skills and questions you asked. I really enjoyed the entire interview based on yalls style.

[@PastorAaronEdwardsHall]

Danny Ainge took that first question literally 😂😂😂

[@JamesonScalia]

Wow, what a humble guy. I always felt like he was so cocky on the court, but to see this side of him, so much respect. Great interview, fantastic questions, and way to let him speak at length. Well done!

[@jibsmokestack1]

He was the cockiest player on the court. It’s great to see him here be so different to his court persona!

[@TheRespectable1]

It wasn't cockiness, Danny was just confident and aware of his level of ability and skill. He was a relentless scrapper at every level. Perhaps to this day, the only All American in 3 sports in history! I am blessed to have attended High School with him! # theREALgoat # NE Highlanders

[@jeremykothe2847]

That's the job.

[@Fergus316]

I think he's calmed in his old age. Ainge the player was an instigator.

[@simonpiacente3989]

In many ways, it's hard to find a better guest to have on regarding his resume than Ainge. He is kind of like the walking history of all basketball for the last 45 years, and still going strong. From being around college b-ball in the legendary early 80's, to all the 80's Celtics/Lakers/Pistons/Sixers wars. To the early 90's Blazers/Bulls and Suns/Bulls matchups, to the 2000's Celtics Big 3 teams and that era, all the way until today. Nobody has arguably been around more big basketball moments in the last 45 years than Ainge. Oh, yeah and that he probably could have played pro ball in 3 sports. Man.......straight up legend.

[@qtluv27]

This!

[@useyourthirdeye9083]

Him and Steve Kerr are very similar

[@lawrencesmith5661]

​@@useyourthirdeye9083kerr never made an all star team LoL ever plus didn't start too much definitely a great role players though 🤔

[@shamgod815]

Bro he answered that last question the way I wish everyone on here would. He saved that bread he made, went to the auction. I wish more brothers had that mindset as a rookie.

[@jaydowling213]

Most people don't realize what a great athlete Danny Ainge was. Pro baseball player, pro basketball player. Not, like Jordan, a minor league baseball player, but the real deal. Then on to the Celtics - pretty damned good athlete, who somehow rarely gets mentioned in the lists of super athletes.

[@Alphasports576]

All state qb

[@kanajingly8957]

I've gotta be honest, the main reason I'm here is to hear another Larry Bird story more than anything else. But turned out that this interview by Ainge was a great one.

[@missayawk]

Me too 😂.Now I wish they get Kevin McHale on here......that dude is hilarious.

[@bonnieplasha4684]

​@@missayawk😂😂 Kevin is a trip. And he talks about how hilarious Bird was!

[@billhair9552]

I was here for both Larry Stories and I wanted to hear about his beating Notre Dame in the NCAA. But, these guys havent done any homework

[@austinpoll]

Being from Utah i to thought i knew a little bit about Danny Ainge but this interview taught me just how much i didnt know, and shows how he has always been a flat out competitor, as much now as ever.

[@joesoil1102]

I can’t believe this interview actually happened. Knuckleheads always surprise me

[@MrAitraining]

Keep the OGs coming. They are much better guests with more stories than the real young guys.

[@MrKristian1408]

D Miles always has a greater energy and so much more passion when it’s the older guys on the pod! Love to see it 👌

[@RemoWilliams1227]

I noticed that too, just a respectful dude.

[@nymike06]

Danny is so right. The 86 Celtics were indeed special. Maybe the best team ever.

[@dirtyface-capone7622]

Danny Ainge.The ultimate "Can only love him if he plays for your team" player..Maybe in the history of the NBA.

[@chrisguevara]

He was Laimbeer before Laimbeer

[@irishgrl]

I love Danny Ainge regardless, but to me the only uniform that belonged on him was Celtic green!

[@bryanpinto4051]

I am a life long Philadelphian and I agree 100 percent. Andrew Toney, the strangler. I am 57 and basketball back then taught you how to clinically play the game.

[@cyber6sapien]

I think Rodman has that crown, but Ainge is up there too.

[@QuestionEverything562]

​@@chrisguevara lol nah, nobody wanted Laimbeer on their team. Even the Pistons hated Bill.

[@jarvaroushill2714]

Another 🔥🔥🔥 interview, Danny Ainge is well spoken.

[@marioleoa]

As a Sun I can say I was very honored having him at the end of his career, he helped Suns a lot to get to Finals.

[@freewill9457]

Damn Danny thought he really meant busted his ass like fighting wise 😂😂 D Miles had to reword the question 😭😭

[@donaldb93]

Lmao old school player mentality for sure

[@missayawk]

I'm glad DMiles rephrased it instead of just settling for that answer.

[@broaddusmarines]

Lol the 80s NBA was different. Literally every rookie in that era got an elbow (or fist) to their face their first few games in the NBA.

[@chacarawilson1969]

Right we were all thinking that not what that mean 😂 80s players 😂

[@edwolf6017]

Loved when Danny took on Tree Rollins in the playoffs

[@MrAitraining]

"You need to retire" lol Bird to Julius. I love new Bird quotes.

[@donaldb93]

Bird was a dawg the worse part is he’s so good there’s nothing you can do to shut him up

[@donaldb93]

That’s so cold I love Bird lmao a superstar today would never say anything like that to lebron if someone dominated him the league need more killers like Bird

[@rdubb77]

Bird says he didn’t say a word to Dr J in that game but we all know that’s bullshit.

[@bonnieplasha4684]

​@rdubb77 Bird talked to everybody! Granted, he talked more to some than others, but he let everyone have it.

[@davidroseman4917]

If this interview was 3 hours long I would have listened to it all. Great interview

[@murrayspiffy2815]

Was sad at 1:21 when it ended.

[@user-cv2iu6eq3f]

Excellent interview. I am amazed by how humble he is. Danny is a legend. If you know his story, you understand he is one of the greatest multi-sport athletes of all time. Unfortunately, the guy never gets the respect he deserves as a player (or coach or executive).

[@kevinhouse4376]

I've been a huge Celtics fan since around 1970, so I really appreciate this wonderful interview. And I'm so glad Danny mentioned John Havlicek, my favorite all-time player. Great job, guys.

[@silewis9396]

We got an OG in the house! I wish I was old enough to have watched the NBA that long. I'd love to be able to ask you about guys like Paul Westphal and Marvin Barnes

[@BigDan21.]

Love hearing people's favorite players from other era! All I've seen is highlights of Hondo!

[@kevinhouse4376]

@@silewis9396 Westphal was a great player in his prime. If you want to see him at his best, watch the triple overtime game from the '76 finals in which the Celtics beat Westphal's Suns. He made some unbelievable clutch plays in that game. Marvin "Bad News" Barnes was a great talent who couldn't be trusted off the court. Of course, Barnes started his career in the ABA. I think you might enjoy reading "Loose Balls," Terry Pluto's history of the ABA that talks a lot about Barnes. It's a very funny book because the NBA was full of characters.

[@kevinhouse4376]

@@BigDan21. I sure wish you could have seen Havlicek play. Boston sportswriter Bob Ryan says Hondo was the best non-center in the NBA in the early '70s, and I believe him as Oscar Robertson and Jerry West were in the twilight of their careers at that point. Of course, Kareem was the best player in the league during that era. Havlicek was a good shooter and passer and a great defensive player. And he was awesome in the clutch.

[@BigDan21.]

@@kevinhouse4376 are there any full games available that you are aware on line?

[@dextersfinest175]

Growing up in Detroit in the 80's watching those Pistons/Celtics throwdowns Ainge was a pain in the ass!!! Much respect👍👍

[@SupermanHopkins]

"George Gervin gave you 38 tonight, huh? 32 points and 6 stitches!" 😂

[@gregoryharlston0602]

It was Andrew Toney!

[@KimClinger]

Ainge seems like a super talent; humble, positive, driven! Great interview!

[@nicholashansen7947]

great questions and flow to this discussion. you could feel the love and respect they all had for each other. Fun listen!

[@norwolf4765]

Danny Ainge was all-state in four different sports in high school. People forget what great athlete he was.

[@lucianostevenjames]

A legend here in Utah his coast to coast buzzer beater in the sweet 16 against Kelly Tripucka and Digger Phelps Notre Dame squad in 1981 still is legendary. My dad always said ainge was one of the best all around athletes he ever seen. Not a Celtic fan I'm purple and gold through and through but those Celtics squads in the 80's straight beast mode

[@busterkeaton1001]

Bird said Ainge was a natural athlete, he could just pick up anything and have a knack for it.

[@michaelhurley9999]

Excellent interview fellas! Great questions through the progression of Danny's beginning throughout his entire career! Well done!

[@jtelo7102]

Knuckleheads The goat of basketball podcasts!!!!

[@jingqi9106]

Danny Ainge was a great college basketball player. At BYU he was a dominant wing and could pretty much do it all - drive into the lane and Danny was an excellent deep shooter. His bucket against Notre Dame where he went the length of the court to hit the game winning shot, a legendary layup over the out stretched hand of the super athletic Orlando Woolridge, was so clutch and showed what Danny was capable of doing. Ainge was also an underrated athlete that was fast and could really get up.

[@dusty975]

That drive by Danny Ainge through the entire Notre Dame team, and as you stated, finishing over the super leaper Orlando Woolridge, is one of the greatest plays in basketball history. Thanks for the reminder of that fantastic moment!

[@jingqi9106]

@@dusty975 My pleasure, I still remember his clutch shot over Woolridge!

[@jasongreen5775]

Brilliant and intelligent as always Mr. Ainge. Great interview guys. One of the best I have seen.

[@philippesauvie639]

Danny Ainge is considered the greatest athlete the state of Oregon has ever produced. Oregon isn’t a big state population wise but we’ve had our fair share of really primo athletes and Danny is at the top. I got to see him play in 1977 in the state basketball tournament which by the way was loaded with some really good players, several of which made the NBA. Of course North Eugene, Danny school took state. It wasn’t a surprise that he had a great professional career as well.

[@murrayspiffy2815]

I was there in 77 too - they played The Grant Generals.

[@carlhammill5774]

It took me 30 years but I can finally say I now appreciate Ainge. Insightful, genuine but is under-selling how incredibly aggravating (as Sixers fan) it was to watch him and Bird play. Bird was best player I have ever watched. But then here comes another white dude who doesn't have same skill set of Bird but is just as confident. Ainge was very underrated and if he played on a less loaded team him numbers surely would have been higher. He was clutch shooter and tenacious defender who was always running down a loose ball and doing anything and everything to get under the skin of opposing players. You simple win championships with those kinds of players.

[@rafaelfrias8053]

Excellent interview!! I was impressed with the sequence & rhythm of the question from two interviewers…… and just letting your guest answer the questions.. Danny Ainge, what a legend!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Blacklist324]

I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this.

[@jeremyseven9468]

Deceptively athletic, and played for two of the best fastbreak teams ive ever seen. Absolute buckets and heart. Learned a lot watching this guy play. Always thought he was underrated, lol i didnt find out how old he was until he got to the suns, i was like this guy played with Bird?!!?! I had to go back and watch the old games and highlights. in the 90s i thought Portland was his first team😅, i found out around 97.

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

Danny Ainge was all state in three sports in HS. He was literally the best athlete in his state. Dude could ball and his IQ was off the charts. People don't realize that the Laker and Celtics of the 80s were both super teams.

[@andrewford4100]

He was an All American in 3 sports, not just All State.

[@fredball8240]

Wow, I never knew he grew up a Lakers fan. Certainly he was hated by many fans because he played so hard and never backed down. A money spot-up shooter. And you know watching the games closely as a Celtics fan I always sensed there was some on-court politics on who should be shooting and who shouldn't. Very enjoyable interview.

[@timothy4664]

Great interview guys. I grew up watching 80s Celtics. I enjoy today's game but God did I love that era

[@MrDuncanquasar]

Lifelong Celtics fan. Great interview. Also loved the props to Drazen Petrovic!

[@qtluv27]

🙏🏾

[@iamionscat9035]

Love this interview - you guys are really hard working and ran an incredibly smooth interview that just flowed like water. Helped me relive my youth watching those incredible Celtics teams.

[@garlingoins2988]

I remember DANNY, but didn't realize what a great athlete he was. I now he wasn't in the limelight because there was so many great players.

[@JeffWilkes]

Salute Q&D you have done what I thought was impossible. This episode made me appreciate {and dare I say even like} Danny Ainge.

[@stevelegreid]

I graduated high school in 2000 so I love you guys. My favorite college basketball game of all time is when KMart went off on Depaul in 2000. Never seen a player take over a game like that. Most grown ass man I’ve ever seen in college basketball

[@dallas7129]

Lets go been waiting on the chapter for the knuckleheads

[@TheSstretch68]

This was a dope interview. Props to all parties involved.

[@markd6430]

One of the best interviews I've ever watched. Love the laid-back format. Looking forward to watching others.

[@Milordvega]

In that 63-point game in 1986, Danny Ainge actually scored 24 points and had a crucial game-tying layup at the end of the first overtime to send the game to the second ot.

[@jcornett777]

Great interview. Loved watching Danny play. He would have easily been an all star multiple times if he didn’t play on more than one team with multiple hall of famers.

[@rashb3994]

Never expected to see Danny Ainge on here and it was an awesome interview! I was going to use the time markers to skip to parts I was highly interested in but I ended up doing it once and was glued the entire rest of the time. Great job and great respect between everyone in the room showed to each other.

[@cognizable1]

time waits for no one... those were the days. A complete team with great chemistry. It was a romantic era for basketball. Something exciting n surprising n shocking would happen ever night in the eighties... when bird stole inbounds pass n passed to DJ with 2 seconds left for the win. i was a kid n i was doumbfounded by that moment. n insightful moment... the game is never over. even in life. play til the end

[@JohnG4me]

Danny Ainge joined the Celtics when I was a young man in the Navy. People, meaning everyone but Celtics fans hated him with a passion. Danny was ultra competitive, and it didn't sit well with a lot of people. Some people thought he didn't deserve to be in the NBA. Being on the Celtics didn't help. That being said Danny was a major piece of the starting five. High energy, could shoot, and a great finisher. He was fun to watch, and I've always thought of him as Larry's little brother.

[@mudiabubakar8503]

Great interview! Boy could he shoot! Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson were dynamic duo backcourt for the Boston Celtics!

[@ThunderPants13]

Those Celtics and Lakers teams in the 80s were incredible. Both loaded with HOFers and great coaching too. Those were fun games to watch, especially with the intensity of the rivalry.

[@nymike06]

Indeed. What a rivalry they had in the regular season and in the Finals

[@spencerhammer5870]

It was fantastic to be a kid growing up watching the rivalry. I didn't know how good I had it. Wish lakers- celtics would have met one more time in the finals in 1988.

[@nymike06]

@@spencerhammer5870 Nah, the Celtics were clearly fading by 1988. The Lakers had just a little more gas in the tank and should of lost to the Pistons in 88 if not for a phantom call late in game 6.

[@audiotomb]

The Lakers were undefeated in the playoffs going into the finals with detroit in 1989 They had so much time off Pat Riley ran them to the bone. Byron Scott gets injured, then Magic in game 1 and they get swept in 4 by the pistons - what could have been a 6th title

[@spencerhammer5870]

@audiotomb yup. Unfortunately got my favorite laker coach of all time fired. Dont know why he ran those practice sessions before finals like basic training. Most of time it's counterproductive.

[@sydneydance]

What a great episode to shine some light on Danny. Most people think of him as trader Danny, but this was awesome guys 👍🙌👏

[@blackezi3]

As a Boston Celtics fan, I love Danny Ainge. Miss him as a GM. Thanks for 2 Finals appearances, 1 title, and the 2 Jays, Danny!

[@markDwattssr]

I have Danny Ainge’s MLB rookie card!! Loved those old Celtics but I grew up in Chicago as a bulls fan. Loved him on the Suns too. Always played and started on winning teams, never seemed to get any real credit but he played the Point on championship teams and was a consummate professional. Props to Ainge for a great career!!!

[@Speenzoidotron]

Great watch guys. Danny has had one of the more interesting lives in American sports history.

[@regrich8795]

I was never an Ainge fan because he was a scrappy little dude playing against my Bulls but you gotta give he credit he could definitely play 😯

[@robleethal]

I moved to Utah a couple of yrs after he left. I loved the fearless way he played. Wish you asked a Len Bias question, but that’s kind of heavy for that big an interview. Keep killin’ it, your podcast is like that👊🏿

[@phillstanford6036]

This and All the Smoke podcast the only podcast you ever need it's nice to see how far it's coming and the interviews are only getting better

[@ralphjenkinsak]

Love love love this podcast. I'm a huge Danny Ainge fan and really enjoyed your interview, great questions and awesome interactions with all of you. This was my first time listening to your podcast and I am now a subscriber!

[@600north6]

that was awesome what a solid level headed dude, if I learned one thing it is to value those early friendships

[@Milordvega]

I didn’t like him as a Boston Celtic player, though I knew he could play. I liked him much more with Portland and Phoenix. Now I know I could listen to him talk sports all day.

[@Uncle.Shizz-onIG]

☘️LEGENDDDDD

[@user-kv8qx9kw8j]

Thank you for this interview i yesterday was a very good job asking questions and Danny is such a great man. Humble man who has had a great life. I could listen to you three all day. As I said Thank you!

[@rafikz77]

Danny was clutch, wasn’t afraid to take big shots down the stretch

[@michaellorenzzbindoc1324]

Thanks for the episode...very entertaining..More power to you guys.

[@artmeddaugh6669]

This was a good interview. Mad respect for Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics for the way they played in the 80's. This interview could have been better if there were some questions and commentary about the Celtics/Pistons rivalry. This was one of the biggest and most competitive rivalries of the 80's. The champion Celtics against the upstart Pistons in the mid 80's and how it evolved and the contempt both teams had for each other. That was the only thing missing in this interview, and it was a big miss.

[@sebastianstark8517]

Never liked Ainge when he was a player, but this interview has changed my mind on him. He's so well-spoken and earnest. I also didn't realize he was so talented in so many sports. He was certainly a part of some great teams, perhaps none greater than those Bird-led Celtics teams, but he was there because he belonged there. He earned his spot. Kudos to you, DA.

[@craigmabry1392]

Kinda let's us know that those player weren't plumbers

[@brockman562]

lmao 3:04 '32 and 6 stitches' lmfao... didn't know mchale was that funny haha

[@loodakris5928]

Listen to his commentary and interviews. Mchale is wise and hilarious. 😂

[@brockman562]

@@loodakris5928 yeah dude gonna have to listen to his shit. Kevin was super underrated...look at his fuckin stats. amazing that he doesn't get mentioned much among best PFs.

[@DeWin157]

I remember when Danny lived down the road from my Dad's cousin and her family when he was with Portland, she said he was the nicest guy.

[@loft107noam]

My first real NBA ball memories are from the 85:6 season. I saw most games delayed, black and white. This episode was Fantastic. A real throwback for me. Ainge is the real-deal. I didn't know or remember he excelled in the 3 sports. The stories are amazing. The story telling - the way you guys managed the flow with Danny - that's extremely well done. Terrific.

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Deion did the same thing at FSU, playing for the Yankees in the summer and coming back to FSU in the fall. He wasn’t even on scholarship at that point, he paid his tuition (state tuition was around $3K a year back then) from his baseball money. That’s why he could arrive for games in a limo, have diamonds in his ears, etc.

[@EzMoney95]

No one care podcast isn't about prime time 😂😂.

[@dreyhavocs]

Danny is clearly older than Prime and so Danny did it before Prime The question was who had done it before Danny so his answer was valid

[@TheGaffla]

Great point, @MrRufusRToyota. They are not making the connection. Baseball was always a loophole.

[@rogerdavis9962]

The choir boy was one of my childhood heroes...

[@craigburnett6099]

Reading comments from fans of many teams. Many probably hated Ainge then but hearing his human side, everybody likes him. That’s how it should be. Reminded me of Magic and Bird. How they disliked until they get to know each other.

[@kennethknight2020]

First time seeing this podcast and glad I did. Great interview style. And nice to see my era of being a fan. After The Dream Team I lost interest, but still enjoy replays of those great times.

[@richardmather1906]

That was a great interview. Good job all around.

[@JohnNiemsMusic]

I lived in Phoenix when the SUNS traded Dennis Johnson for Rick Robey and that trade has to go down as one of the worst trades in NBA history! Dennis was one of the few who could make Magic Johnson work for his points and assists and the SUNS trade him? Danny Ainge had a great career and tells great stories here.

[@coachshawnkent397]

Shout out Danny Ainge I remember Watching him at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto 🇨🇦 when I was a young Kid ....! Playing baseball for the Blue Jays. Then a few years later I'm watching him playing in the NBA Finals .

[@charlychips]

What an amazing guy. Thank you. Watching them back in 89

[@moneyball647]

Damn, Ainge was an athletic stud. To be elite in 3 sports? Gaddamn!

[@eMann586]

Ainge started small ball coaching 96-97 Suns. Starters - J Kidd, KJ, Rex Chapman, Wesley Person, Hot Rod Williams w/ Nash, D Manning off bench.

[@Purlypurlington]

Very humble “u bet” at the beginning 💯

[@MrBill-mq7ti]

Great interview. Thanks for the memories, Danny.

[@kevinwheesysouthward9295]

As a Sixers fan, I despised Danny Ainge. My perception of him, on the court, couldn’t have been more different from the guy he actually is. Turns out, he’s a guy that I ended up having a ton of respect for. He’s one of those guys that, if he’s on your team, you absolutely love him but hate him if he’s not.

[@CS-np2oo]

As a 46 year old Celtics fan...the BEST TRADE Danny NEVER made was not giving up the Jays to the Pelicans for AD. 💯💯💯💯💯💯 !!! THANK YOU Ainge ! If he had made that move ,we'd be F=÷@$d !!! That would have been our whole future.

[@gregoryvschmidt]

One of your best interviews ever. The quality of many of the questions was outstanding

[@bdub4006]

LONG RANGE DANNY AINGE!!!! Thx for all the hustle in your years in PHX my man!! Met ya one time in Fiesta Mall at the Hat CLub!! Thx for the great memories!!! 1993 phx suns team was the most special time in my life and the best team the suns have ever had! I miss those years! Way to make my childhood the best!

[@user-fe8yp1rb9m]

I had no idea Danny was such a legend. Fabulous interview.

[@rickbackous1041]

Don't let the current package fool you. Ainge was an absolute wild man back in his day. Also, it's one thing to play 3 sports in high school but to carry that on to college and then have an offer from a couple different sports in the pros, PLEASE. And he probably could have played golf too, at least at the college level. What a humble dude.

[@mitchlancaster566]

I've always been a fan of Danny