Ainge is elevated to president

Danny Ainge was promoted from general manager to president of basketball operations, the Celtics announced yesterday. Ainge's contract also was extended, and an NBA source said the extension is for three years and runs through the 2012 season.

Ainge, who played for the Celtics' championship teams in 1984 and '86, was hired in 2002 and last season was named NBA Executive of the Year.

"I've enjoyed my time with the Celtics and the challenge of getting this team to be an elite team in this league," Ainge said. "I don't anticipate a new contract changing me. I have a lot of people around me that make me look good with owners, players, coaches, and staff."

Said coach Doc Rivers, "I thought he already was president. It's phenomenal, he's done a hell of a job and he's been great for me to work with. I really did think he was already president, but any upgrade is well-deserved."

Speaking the truth

Paul Pierce delivered an emotional speech from center court before the Celtics' season opener last night against the Cavaliers.

"I never knew this day would come," Pierce said. "It's a dream come true for me, raising the banner to the rafters. I thank you for supporting me, I thank people for sticking with me the whole time. Moments like this I enjoy sharing with my closest friends and family.

"My worst year, I wanted to quit, to be traded. It wasn't going well - an 18-game losing streak."

Pierce named his high school coach first and concluded with his mother and Red Auerbach.

"Red is somewhere with a cigar looking over us," Pierce said. "One thing he would say is: 'Let's go Celtics.' "

Memorable night

NBA commissioner David Stern, who was in attendance for last night's banner-raising at TD Banknorth Garden, said his strongest memories of the Celtics here related to Auerbach. "It's a very exciting place to be," said Stern. "It always conjures up nostalgia.

"Red was always saying, 'Why did you send these refs to the game? They hate us.' And I said, 'Everyone hates you.' He blamed us for everything. We would go at it and he would protect his team with intensity."

Stern paid tribute to the style of play the 2007-08 Celtics used to win the NBA title.

"Red would have said, 'My team won it the right way,' " Stern said. "Unselfish, teamwork, passing, intensity."

Stern said he became accustomed to making the Los Angeles-to-Boston trips every June.

"I remember about Boston we were always worried about a lot of things," said Stern, "about having a rope around the court for the fans, having a camera installed in the locker room because there were so many reporters. It's all about the Garden and the banners."

"In this game, players say they are playing for the ring. It's the dream of a lifetime in professional sports."

A pass for Cassell

The Celtics didn't activate rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, or - surprisingly - veteran Sam Cassell for the opener. Cassell, who turns 39 Nov. 18, said he wasn't bothered by it; he's looking at the big picture. "Just save," said Cassell, who also didn't play in any preseason games. "I'm not trying to wear myself out." . . . The Cavaliers remained in their locker room during the pregame ceremonies. "We don't need to be out there clapping for them getting rings," LeBron James said. Said Rivers, "It's not his job to clap for us, it's the fans' job to clap for us. I wouldn't be there, either. First of all, it's long; secondly, they are giving us something they want. I agree with LeBron 100 percent." . . . The banner-raising was a team effort, with Rivers on one side and the players on the other. In 1986, the banner was raised by Auerbach and Bill Walton.

Marc J. Spears of the Globe staff contributed to this report.