Danny Ainge, a basketball icon in the annals of Brigham Young University's rich history, boasts an impressive resume that transcends the boundaries of his sport. In 1981, he was bestowed the prestigious Wooden Award, solidifying his status as the nation's top collegiate player. However, it seemed that his true calling lay elsewhere, as he embarked on a journey to pursue a career in professional baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays minor league organization provided him with a platform to hone his skills, yet his batting average of.220 over several seasons hinted at a need for a change of pace.
As fate would have it, Ainge's future lay in the realm of basketball, where he joined the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. Throughout his illustrious career, he participated in the NBA Finals a staggering four times, in the years 1984, 1986, 1992, and 1993. His journey took him to various teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns, where he won two championships and averaged a respectable 11 points per game.
Ainge's impressive statistics, which included a career-high of 17.9 points per game in the 1989-90 season, served as a testament to his enduring talent. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, guiding the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns with distinction. Today, he holds the esteemed position of Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, a role he has occupied since 2003.
