CELTICS, RED CLAWS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

WEEI
By: Kirk Minihane

The Celtics and the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League announced a single affiliation partnership beginning with the 2012-13 NBA D-League season on Wednesday.

"We are excited to formalize an already great relationship we have established with Maine. Not only is it a perfect fit geographically, but the people of Maine are some of our most loyal Celtic fans, and Bill Ryan Jr. and the Red Claws staff have been great to work with," said Danny Ainge. "What a great opportunity for our young players to get game reps and develop their skills, while still maintaining the continuity and direction of our organization."

This partnership, also referred to as a “hybrid affiliation,” is the fifth of its kind in the NBA D-League. It allows for NBA teams to secure control of and cover the expenses related to the basketball operations of an NBA D-League team while partnering with existing local ownership, which maintains responsibility for the team’s off-the-court business operations.

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