Danny Ainge says he’s already offered Kevin McHale a job
On Monday night, the Celtics beat Kevin McHale in his final game as head coach of the Houston Rockets. On Wednesday, McHale was fired.
While the Celtics’ victory couldn’t have helped McHale keep his job, team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge was quick to extend a helping hand — and a job offer.
“We’ve got a spot for him,’’ Ainge told reporters Wednesday. “I know we could figure something out for him in some capacity, but I think he’s just in a wait and see mode.
“He appreciated me reaching out to him, but I think he’s just going to lay low. He’s probably got bigger and better things to do — or more relaxing things to do. He’ll have some opportunities in TV, and maybe when the dust settles I can get him out to teach the slippery eel to Kelly [Olynyk] and Sully [Jared Sullinger] and Amir [Johnson].’’
It wasn’t the first time Ainge has tried to lure McHale to work for the team. He said he’s “always tried to get Kevin to come work with me and work with my big guys.’’
Ainge had the pleasure of watching McHale’s “slippery eel’’ move as a teammate when they played for the Celtics. But their friendship may not have been the only reason Ainge extended an offer. The coach, who spent four seasons and 11 games with the Rockets, should be in high demand. He posted a .556 winning percentage with the Timberwolves and Rockets, and finished first in the Southwest Division during the 2014-15 season.
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