Danny Ainge has made a name for himself as one of the most important NBA executives of all time.
Currently running the Utah Jazz, Ainge has cemented himself as one of the finest minds in the game.
Years ago, when he was still a player in the league, Ainge saw quite a few memorable moments, including a surprising fight between Larry Bird and Julius Erving.
Speaking to the “Knuckleheads” podcast, Ainge talked about what caused the scuffle between the two.
When jogging back down the court, Bird said to Erving, “Man, you need to retire.”
And, according to Ainge, “Dr. J lost his mind.”
Erving didn’t often get into arguments like that.
And it wasn’t common for Bird to trash-talk the players that he really respected, like Magic Johnson or Erving.
But something got under his skin that night and Bird felt it was time to spout something.
That didn’t sit well with Erving.
Ainge talked a bit more about the sort of mocking that Bird would do on the court.
He would often critique the lineup of an opposing team and even bad-mouth their coach for sending in a group of players.
All in all, Bird made a reputation as someone who could really ruffle the feathers of opponents.
Ainge spent years playing for the Celtics, from 1981 until 1989.
Following that, he spent time with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and finally the Phoenix Suns.
During his career, he averaged 11.5 points and 4 assists a game.
But it was after he hung up his jersey that Ainge really found his stride.
Between his time with the Celtics and now the Jazz, Ainge has become one of the most well-respected executives in the league.
He clearly has some knowledge to share and some terrific NBA stories to tell.
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