PHOENIX (AP) - Danny Ainge, who left the Phoenix Suns a year ago because they wouldn't let him continue his playing career, was introduced Thursday as the team's ''future'' coach.

Until coach Cotton Fitzsimmons decides to return to the front office vice presidency he gave up 4 1/2 months ago to return to the bench, Ainge will assist Fitzsimmons along with Paul Silas and Donn Nelson. Team president Jerry Colangelo said Ainge would take over as soon as Fitzsimmons steps aside.

After he joined the Boston Celtics following four years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Ainge helped the Celtics reach the NBA finals four times in seven seasons. He also reached the finals once with Portland and a sixth time with Phoenix in 1993.