The question seemed fair just one week ago. The Celtics had already been hit with the bad news that both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford planned to leave as free agents this summer. A down season had previously raised doubts about many layers of the organization, from president of basketball operations Danny Ainge’s decision-making to head coach Brad Stevens’s ability to connect with top talent. If Irving and Horford had both decided to move on from Boston, would other free agents have concerns about the idea of playing in the city?
“I don’t think so at all,” Ainge said. “No.”
One week later, Ainge’s confidence looks warranted. The Celtics have recovered from a painful season to lure three-time All-Star guard Kemba Walker, one of the NBA’s top free agents. Months removed from a third-team All-NBA berth, Walker plans to commit to a four-year, $141 million contract with the Celtics once the free-agency period begins Sunday at 6 p.m., as reported by The…
