Ainge wants Celtics to get smarter

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) _ The Boston Celtics aren't focusing on a particular position, the sharpest shooter or the best passer in next Tuesday night's N-B-A draft. <br/><br/>What they really want is

Friday, June 24th 2005, 6:46 pm

By: News On 6

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) _ The Boston Celtics aren't focusing on a particular position, the sharpest shooter or the best passer in next Tuesday night's N-B-A draft.

What they really want is a smart player.

Danny Ainge, Boston's executive director of basketball operations, says he wants players that are ``brilliant on the basketball court.''

The Celtics don't draft until the 18th spot in the first round, but Ainge thinks they can pick someone who will help as a rookie.

Three rookies from last season's draft -- Al Jefferson, Delonte West and Tony Allen -- already have helped.

The Celtics also have two second-round picks, the 50th and 53rd.

Ainge says he probably won't make a trade to move up.

In fact, he says the draft is so deep that he might not lose much by trading the 18th choice for one later in the draft plus a future pick.