The NBA world has seen several athletes revolutionize the game with their singular skill-set. These players have not only just won championships but managed to inspire other young players as well. One of them is Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. While fans were awed with his passing skills, it simply astounded his rivals and opponents. In a recent conversation, former Boston Celtics player and 2-time NBA champion recounted his match with the Lakers legend.

Having spent 3 years in the MLB with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 2-time NBA champion, Danny Ainge was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the year 1981. With his raw talent and skills, he led the Celtics to the NBA championship twice, in 1984 and 1986. And that?s not where his contributions end. But none of that would have probably happened if it wasn?t for the Celtics that drafted him or the game he played against Magic Johnson. In a conversation, the Jazz executive spoke about what spurred him to play pro basketball.

Danny Ainge talks about his match with Magic Johnson

Ainge might have realized his vision in 1981, but it all began during a basketball tournament back in time to when he was 18 years old. During a conversation on the ?Knuckleheads Podcast,? one of the host asked him about when did he consider the idea of joining NBA.?

To which he candidly shared, ?It was my first time playing in one of those tournaments; Magic Johnson was there and Kelly Tripuka? those guys were the players of the year in the parade All American. He added, ?I made the tournament team out there averaged like 35 a game and yet we had our battles I think we lost to Magic?s team a double or triple over time in that tournament and I felt like then that I can play with these guys like I belong on the court with them.?

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Danny Ainge?s impressive career

Ainge spent 8 years with Celtics and in total 15 seasons in the league. Following this, he turned his focus on coaching and then joined the Celtics as General Manager. During his tenure, Celtics won the championship again in 2008. Even now, he has some big plans for the future. His career was impressive and equally intriguing.

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Ainge was a remarkable player during his playing days in the league. After contributing 4 decades of his life to the NBA world, the athlete is now an executive for the Utah Jazz organization. However, his shift from the MLB to the NBA will remain one of the most iconic cross-sports connections. Who do you think had the most iconic cross-sport career? Tell us in the comments below.