Danny Ainge said he wasn't going to rush to judgment. That doesn't mean business can wait for the Celtics' new director of basketball operations, either.

Consider that as Ainge said yesterday he would not trade Antoine Walker, he also opened negotiations with Lonnie Cooper, the agent representing Jim O'Brien, and later expressed hope of extending the contract of the Celtics coach, who has compiled a 117-95 mark over two-plus seasons (13-13 in playoffs).

``We just had an initial conversation, and I hope it's not a long process,'' Ainge said. ``I hope he's our coach for the next few years. I hope he calls me back after this and says that he wants to remain coach of the Celtics.

``I certainly will take my time evaluating things, but I know that Jim O'Brien is a very good basketball coach.''