Rivers: Ainge has last word

New Celtics coach Doc Rivers said yesterday he does not have final say over personnel decisions beyond those concerning his own staff, as he attempted to put to rest a report that appeared Monday night on ESPN.com.

The report said Rivers told ESPN NBA analyst Jack Ramsay he had "authority to approve all personnel deals" and that it was "in writing in my contract."

Not true. The final say remains with executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, according to both Ainge and Rivers.

"I was asked [by Ramsay], `Do you have control over personnel?' and I said, `Yeah, my personnel,' " said Rivers.

"There was clearly a misunderstanding on what personnel means to him and what it means to me, though I never knew I was being interviewed. I thought we were having a personal conversation."

When reached via email, Ramsay wrote, "I stand by my story."

In a phone conversation yesterday, Rivers said "my personnel" referred to his assistants, one or two of whom he could name within a week.

"Even with that [control], I wouldn't do anything without Danny's blessing," said Rivers.

The coach added that he would not want authority to approve all personnel deals, particularly those concerning players, because it gets complicated to coach and consider contracts. Rivers expects to have a solid partnership with Ainge and input when it comes to making decisions.

"There's going to be a time when we disagree and Danny will have final say," said Rivers. "Our relationship is strong and is going to be strong.

"I took the job because of Danny Ainge. Danny Ainge wants to win a title. His heart is absolutely in the right place. I don't understand why people don't like that [passion] in him. Danny doesn't care about the safe move. Danny wants to win and that above all else sold me on Danny."