Celtics president Danny Ainge believes that the current incarnation of his team is better than the one that won the 2008 NBA title.

"Yes, definitely I think we're a better team now," Ainge said Tuesday.

Since Boston won the title two seasons ago, Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins have improved and the team has signed Rasheed Wallace.

"I think Rondo and Perkins' improvement has been dramatic," said Ainge, who added: "I do feel an enthusiasm again. People are excited like they were two summers ago."