It has been "difficult" for Celtics Managing Partner & CEO Wyc Grousbeck this season "to watch consistent losses, focus on development more than victories, and cross his fingers for a high lottery pick rather than watch his skilled squad crush playoff opponents, as it did for most of the past six years," according to Gary Washburn of the BOSTON GLOBE. Grousbeck said, "Since 2007 we knew this year was coming. We didn’t know when it would be, probably thought it would be before 2014." He added, "We’ve had three or four true championship-contending teams. We’re totally spoiled. I’m spoiled. Our fans are spoiled. And now we’re not in that position. I will say the fan support has been extraordinary. The attendance, the enthusiasm, and the support for this project has been better than I thought it would be. They’ve been great." Washburn notes the Celtics are 12th in the NBA in average attendance "at a little more than 18,000 per game," filling 96.7% of TD Garden. The fan base has been "subjected to some painful moments this season, but Grousbeck is thrilled by the loyalty." He said, "I’ve got confidence that with all these picks and these young guys and our willingness to spend money that we can get there. We’re a patient group. We will take a multiyear plan if that’s what it takes." The Celtics "will have extensive salary cap space in the summer" of '15. Grousbeck: "There’s money everywhere in the league now. The money is so big in the league that guys will get their money one way or another" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/14).
