<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">As he looks for some long-term assurances this summer that his future in Boston is secure enough to relocate his family from Orlando, Rivers actually has more evidence that he is doing his part in the process even though his team will likely finish about 20 games worse this season than it did in his first year. While last summer's hope was based almost solely on the premise that the young players would show incremental improvement, this summer he can point to Al Jefferson going from an injury-prone, slightly-out-of-condition project to legitimately being one of the best young big men in the NBA. He can point to Gerald Green going from bleeding-steak raw his rookie year to accomplished scorer with a ceiling that seems as high as ever. He can point to Rajon Rondo as a point guard he has shown signs of helping develop. He can point to Ryan Gomes and Delonte West as later picks who can be projected as significant NBA contributors as starters or key reserves on a playoff team. You may not credit Rivers with any of this development, but he surely credits himself with some of it, and an objective view has to give him credit for a share of it if it continues to evolve. Whether it will be enough to bring Rivers back for a fourth season is unclear. Danny Ainge has stood firmly behind him, while ownership has voiced its support with the curious caveat that he is the best option for the maturation of a young team that isn't yet ready to contend for a title. Going forward, the key may be Rivers' own faith in his ability to move the process ahead. If he is content to add another piece or two this summer and head into the final year of his contract looking to prove he is the man that will eventually have this team back playing in June, then the bet is he is given that chance. He may even be able to work out the safety net of a short-term extension to alleviate the aura of a lame-duck season. But if one of the highest-paid coaches in the league seeks a long-term extension at a similar rate, either out of a sincere desire to stay or to test ownership's dedication to him as a coach, then the guess is the management group doesn't blink. Rivers has proved during a season of monumental struggles that he can help solve the problems of this franchise. What he has yet to prove, however, is that he is the answer.</div> http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x2092724503
