To me the biggest danger in the NBA is falling into that mediocre zone that's so hard to get out of. Ainge did a masterful job of riding the big three just as long as he should have--you don't want to blow things up too soon--and then getting a great return from them. He drafted well, went after a good free agent, then cashed in some chips on Kyrie. And the coach looked good too. Up until this season, gold stars. Unfortunately, you have to be judged by results, and his grand plan simply didn't work.
Not saying I want somebody else calling the shots, and I'm still optimistic, but damn.