Danny Ainge

Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge takes questions from reporters during NBA basketball media day at the team's training facility Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, in Waltham, Mass.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has prioritized patience since the beginning of the team's rebuild and wants to keep that mindset regardless of any minor struggles early this season.

During a conversation with WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman, Ainge discussed what he considers his team's greatest need -- "late-game offense" -- as well as the constant focus on targeting only moves that will help Boston over the long term. Given his team's health so far, Ainge labeled himself "anxious" to see the Celtics at full strength for an extended period of time, but also sounded like someone who already knows what he has.

"(The lack of health so far) doesn't really change my (approach) on the trade market," Ainge said. "I feel like I know our team. I know our players. I know our holes. And I know what we're looking for. So it doesn't really affect it."

What's the most critical need, then?

"I think offense," Ainge said. "Late-game offense, I think, is important."

"I think that's always one of the most challenging things to find," he continued. "I think that's why we do hear a lot of talk about transcendent players. And I think that those kind of players that can finish games against great defense are the most difficult kind of players to find in the NBA. So I think that rather than positionally, I just think that whatever position those players are in. Those are the most challenging players to acquire."

In other words: Ainge would like a star, guys, but those types of players aren't always available.

"I feel the pressure to get our team better, for our players, coaches and fans," he said. "My staff, we work tirelessly. We talk every day collectively. If we're traveling or out scouting college games, we're sending texts and emails with ideas and things about how we can make our team better. It's a daily discussion, so I do feel that (pressure).

"And at the same time, you can't do really dumb, short-term things, or things that will make you a little tiny bit better in the short term, but will prevent you from being a championship contender in the long term."

Acquiring elite talent remains a goal. Patience remains a priority. If those two objectives ever meet, the Celtics will be in business.

For the rest of Ainge's interview with Kaufman, click here.