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[Saba Sports News] Danny and Austin Ainge are teaming up once again — and fans wasted no time pointing out the obvious connection.
The Utah Jazz announced Monday that Austin Ainge has been named the team’s new president of basketball operations, reuniting him with his father Danny Ainge, who currently serves as the franchise’s CEO.
The hire immediately sparked reactions across social media, with many fans drawing comparisons to LeBron and Bronny James — blending commentary with jokes about perceived nepotism.
Austin, 43, began his professional career as head coach of the NBA D-League’s Maine Red Claws from 2009 to 2011, during the same period his father ran the Boston Celtics’ front office. He went on to climb the Celtics’ organizational ladder, serving as a scout, director of scouting and player personnel, and eventually assistant GM. Even after Danny stepped down from Boston’s front office in 2021 and moved to the Jazz, Austin remained in Boston and contributed to the team’s 2024 championship run.
Now, Austin departs the Celtics for a top leadership role with the Jazz, joining his father in shaping the franchise’s future. While his résumé makes him a legitimate executive candidate, the family ties have drawn familiar criticisms — echoing the kind of scrutiny recently directed at the James family as well.