Swing for the fences? That's always Danny Ainge's plan

NEW ORLEANS There were three reactions when we read the report that sources are saying the Celtics plan to swing for the proverbial fences this summer. The mention came in a rundown of teams with money to spend and what their wish lists may be.

The first reflex was to digest the statement and the sections naming of potential Celtics targets.

The next two reactions were accompanied by laughter. Whoever gave estimable reporter Steve Kyler the line about the longball either messed up his metaphor or has a very good sense of humor. I mean, is fence-swinging really the best way to describe any activity involving Danny Ainge? The guy had 721 major league plate appearances and 665 official at-bats with the Blue Jays . . . and hit just two home runs.

The second and more serious response came after hearing people latch on to the fences phrase and treat it as a change in the way the Celtics are approaching their reconstruction process.

This is humorous because, well, has there ever been a time when Ainge did not try to go big?

You have to go all the way back to, lets see . . . last summer to find the Celtics desperately trying to inject themselves into bidding for elite players. They did, in fact, make a call to see if LeBron James might be available to them. And no one expects Marc Gasol to leave Memphis or Kawhi Leonard to leave San Antonio, but its fair to assume the Celts will try.

Last summer, the Cs thought Kevin Love was a more realistic target than James, and they pushed hard to get in on his sweepstakes. Ainge did everything in his asset-laden power to pair Love with Rajon Rondo, even though he knew he was putting himself in a position to have to overpay Rondo when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Celts would have taken that chance if it meant acquiring Love and accelerating themselves out of the hoarding draft picks and hoping enough of them hit so they can be kept or used as trade bait phase.

Ainge and the clubs ownership would much rather be preparing for a serious and deep playoff run now, rather than being appreciative of the collective patience of their following. Dannys the kind of guy whod trade his son and Celts player personnel director Austin if it meant getting a key building block. (Ainge to wife, Michelle: Sure I love him, but we really, really need a knockdown shooter in the backcourt.)

The Celtics also need a defensive presence at the rim, which begat the pursuit of free agent JaVale McGee that fell through yesterday. The club was willing to take a chance on someone with alleged personality issues, but not enough to guarantee him a contract for next year.

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Swing for the fences? That's always Danny Ainge's plan