Rest assured, no surgery for KG

BOSTON HERALD

Steve Bulpett, Celtics Notebook

CHICAGO — The Celtics still don’t know whether Kevin Garnett will be playing basketball next season, but if he does, the veteran is obviously hoping offseason rest will solve the left foot and ankle problems that dogged him for a part of this past season.

President of basketball operations Danny Ainge reports that Garnett will not go under the knife to deal with bone spurs and other issues.

“I think there was some question whether he was going to have surgery on his foot,” said Ainge. “but the last I heard, which was a few days ago, is that he won’t need surgery.”


Ainge reiterated yesterday, as the workout portion of the NBA combine concluded, that the Celts are giving Garnett time to weigh his career options. This follows the club’s own need for time to see what type of roster it may be able to put around the big man, who turns 37 tomorrow.

Take your pick

The Celtics have just one pick in the June 27 draft, No. 16 overall. That may, of course, not still be the case when the night arrives.

“We’re always having discussions about moving up and moving down and moving out,” said Ainge. “That’s just like every other year. But I don’t know what the chances are of that happening.”

He feels confident the Celts will have choices to make regarding deals involving picks.

“Sure, I think I will have chances,” Ainge said. “It’s always about what price you’ve got to pay to do that — and what are you going to get for that, of course. But there will probably be a lot of discussion, because this draft isn’t as star-studded as some other drafts.

“I think there are good players. There’s just not franchise changers. I’m just hoping we can find a good player.”

And considering the Celtics’ situation, they will not limit themselves when it comes to the type of players on the board when it’s their turn.

“We’re not looking for any one position,” said Ainge. “We’re looking at all the positions. We won’t draft for position. Our draft pick won’t reflect our needs. Our draft pick will reflect who we think is the best talent available.”

Big-time networking

The combine is more than just a chance to look over the top eligible draft picks. The event is also an informal job fair for those in the hoop industry.

And with an opening on his scouting staff after the departure of Ryan McDonough for the Phoenix GM job, Ainge was a very popular target.

“As you can imagine, I’m getting bombarded here,” he said. “I have some thoughts as to who I want to hire and what I might do, but I’m not going to do any of that until later. I don’t need any of that before the draft. I’m not saying I won’t for sure, but I don’t feel the need.”

Ainge doesn’t think the Celts will feel McDonough’s loss in this draft.

“I have Ryan’s brain waves,” he said with a laugh. “I have all the information he’s gathered over this year for the draft. . . . And I know what Phoenix is going to do, too.” . . .

Among those here seeking a new career direction was Antoine Walker, who, according to M.L. Carr, is looking to break into scouting work. Ainge had not spoken to him as of late yesterday.

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