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Ainge wants to build on Celtics' surprising playoff berth

WALTHAM, Mass. — Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and John Havlicek had some of their best years coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics. As did Cedric Maxwell, whose number is also hanging from the rafters at the Boston Garden.

So Celtics general manager Danny Ainge would like Isaiah Thomas not to worry about whether he is going to be labeled as a second-stringer.

"Sometimes you've got to play the role to win and do what's best for the team," Ainge said Thursday in a wrapup news conference that looked back on the Celtics' surprising run to the playoffs and ahead to the draft.