This was diplomacy and political correctness at their finest. Yes, Jason Kidd said, he would consider playing in Boston if he thought he could win a title. And he'd think about it because friend Danny Ainge is the new executive director of basketball operations.

"If there was an opportunity to win a championship, I would [consider it]," said Kidd, who played for Ainge in Phoenix. "I would give them a chance only because of [Ainge]. That's about it."

Ainge said this weekend that Boston fans should lighten up on Kidd, the target of all sorts of verbal abuse. Ainge's stance was don't alienate players the Celtics might try to recruit as free agents. Plus, they could sway others.