Danny Ainge (born March 17, 1959) is recognized as one of Oregon’s finest all-around prep athletes. He went on to an outstanding college basketball career, then a two-sport professional career and finally serving as a long-time coach and front office leader in the NBA.
High-energy and always feisty, Ainge earned First Team All-State honors in basketball (twice), football and baseball at North Eugene High School. The Highlanders back-to-back 1976 and ‘77 basketball state championship teams had a combined 53-1 record over those two seasons. Dan was also named high school All-America in all three sports.
A four-year starter in basketball at Brigham Young University, Ainge earned All-America honors and won the Wooden Award as the top player in college basketball in 1981.
While in college, he began his pro sports career with the Toronto Blue Jays, playing second and third base and in the outfield. Then after his senior year, he entered the NBA draft and was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round. Ainge is one of a select group that have played both pro baseball and basketball.
Danny played 14 seasons in the NBA, winning NBA Championships with the Celtics in 1984 and 1986. Ainge played for four NBA teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers (1990-92). His NBA career statistics include: 1,042 games, 11,964 points, 2,768 rebounds and 4,199 assists. He appeared in 193 playoff games and one All-Star game.
In 1996 Ainge took over a winless Phoenix team early in the season. He guided the Suns to the playoffs for three consecutive years, then resigned early in the fall of 1999. Four years later, he was back in the game as Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics. Danny attacked front office work with the zeal he displayed on the court and on the bench. Aggressive deal-making led to the great success of the 2008 Celtics. That team recorded the NBA’s best record (66-16) and beat the Lakers in the Finals. Ainge was named NBA executive of the year. He would be promoted to President of the Celtics, a job he held until 2021.
Ainge’s “retirement” only last a few months before he returned to Utah as CEO of the Jazz.