Ainge On McGee: Reports Of Celtics Interest 'Accurate'
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Celtics are reportedly close to adding center JaVale McGee.
According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, the C's are working out a deal with the enigmatic big-man that will run through next season.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge shouldn't have said much about the potential deal, but basically confirmed it Thursday morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
"I probably shouldn't touch on that yet, because it's still in the works. I would say that report is accurate," Ainge told Toucher & Rich on his weekly call into the show on Thursday morning.
The seven-footer was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Philadelphia 76ers on deadline day this year, but was waived earlier this week after playing just six games for Philadelphia. In 23 games between the two teams, McGee averaged 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds this season. He's averaged just 5.5 rebounds over his seven-year NBA career.
A former first round pick, 18th overall by Washington in 2008, McGee has never lived up to his potential. But Ainge is hopeful he can put up more good plays, and make less appearances on the Not Top 10, with Boston.
"JaVale is a long, athletic guy. We don't have that type of player above the rim, offensively or defensively," said Ainge. "He's been paid a lot of money in the league, had a few injuries, but hasn't lived up to his potential yet. We're hoping he can under Brad [Stevens'] tutelage.
"I think he is in a good place emotionally and mentally, and I think he wants to get his career on the right path."
Ainge said McGee will have to earn his playing time when he joins the Celtics.