Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

The tears flowed. The legends returned. The banner rose.

Red Auerbach's image on the video screen kicked off the ceremony. John Havlicek carried out the trophy and presented it to Celtics captain Paul Pierce.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made the decision not to watch the Celtics celebration on the court where Cleveland's title hopes ended last spring. Instead, they'll stay in their dressing area.

"We don't need to watch it," Cavaliers star LeBron James said before the game. "That's for the fans, and the fans will get an opportunity to watch it."

He then added with a grin, "They probably couldn't see over us if were standing on the court."

When asked about the Cavs' decision, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers quipped, "First of all, I didn't know they were invited."

Rivers, who never actually had the decision to make himself as a player, said he wouldn't want to sit and watch the ceremony either.

As for his team, Rivers said he did catch some of the players talking about the distractions and all the things going on prior to tonight's game. He responded by urging the players to try to enjoy the the experience because they earned and only one team a year gets to go through the experienece each season.

Ainge promoted

The season hasn't officially started and Danny Ainge has already won another title. Boston Celtics announced today that they have promoted Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ainge to President of Basketball Operations. Ainge’s contract has been extended.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Danny has been a key part of building our World Championship team and basketball program,” Boston Celtics Managing Partner and Co-owner Stephen Pagliuca said in a release from the team. “He represents all that is the best of Celtics Pride and we applaud his success.”

Ainge, the 2007-08 NBA Executive of the Year, orchestrated the trades that brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to Boston that brought the Celtics their NBA record 17th Championship during the 2007-08 season. Ainge was named to the position of Executive Director of Basketball Operations after the 2002-03 season. Ainge is currently in his 6th year in the position and his 14th overall with the organization.

“Danny was visionary as he assembled the players who brought home our seventeenth banner,” Managing Partner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck said in a release. “His work ethic, character and insight earned him Executive of the Year and earned us a world title.”