National Basketball Association

Ainge isn't worried about fan reaction to Celtics draft

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:27 a.m. ET

foxsports

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) Celtics general manager Danny Ainge's biggest regret from draft night is that he didn't go out and face the boos from the Boston fans personally.

Ainge said he had no regrets about drafting California forward Jaylen Brown with the No. 3 overall pick Thursday night. But the fans wanted someone else - like Providence guard Kris Dunn. And they were also hoping that the Celtics would trade some of their record eight picks for an established NBA star.

Ainge said he was busy getting ready for the next pick when owner Wyc Grousbeck got an unpleasant reception from the several thousand fans at the TD Garden draft party. Otherwise, he would have welcomed the chance to explain himself.

Ainge said he would have enjoyed being booed, saying, ''It's what I love about Boston.''