[OhCanada-Participant]

 

Let me start by saying Fultz is probally the best player available and is an effortless scorer that projects to be good enough offensively to anchor a teams offense in the future, kind of the way Westbrook or Harden does. I view him as a slightly more athletic Damian Lilliard. One scenerio I see him not being selected #1 is with the Celtics. Isaiah Thomas is a legitimate MVP candidate. When projecting how good Fultz will be I do believe he has the talent of a James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Isaiah Thomas but I think its more likely he becomes as productive as 2nd tier gaurds like Kyrie Irving or Damian Lilliard. All year Ive been saying Boston will take best player available but at this point Im not too sure they will. 

Boston has a great thing going with thier totem pole/pecking order in the offense. Smart, Bradley and Rozier really round out the gaurd play and all 4 gaurds are great two way players that deserve more minutes not too mention Brown can give you minutes as a big SG. If Fultz were to be drafted to Boston what could he provide outside of scoring playing off the ball. How good of a defender is he and how can he help your team the way Smart, Bradley, Rozier and Brown can four of the best defensive gaurds in the league quite frankly.

 Fultz may end up developing into a 25ppg and 7apg player if drafted by Sacramento but how productive would he be with Boston. Jaylen Brown has been amazing when called upon and even with Bradley injured he had been limited to 16 minutes per game. I feel like if they pick Fultz (or any other PG, SG, SF) wgoever they pick OR Brown will get stuck on the bench and it has a risk to become a blown pick.

 Markannen and Isaac are proving they are better than advertised. Boston has $30 Mil in cap space that nobody is talking about for next offseason but they also have Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko as unrestricted free agents. I really think that either Isaac or Markannen would absolutely thrive immediately in Boston in a similar way Brown has and be able to develop over time the right way. Isaac has already done that this year being an impact help and perimeter defender and rebounder while acting as a release valve for the Florida St. gaurds when they are pressured (even know they have absolutely no court vision). Markannen has the potential to be the most prolific 3 point shooting big man the game has ever seen and contrary to popular belief is no slouch defensively.

Fultz will push a productive player out of your current rotation and could disrupt Browns or his own development while Markannen or Isaac will likely provide a new element to the team that they have been lacking. 

 

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Just had a crazy thought. Imagine if Boston traded down to the Kings and drafted both Markannen and Isaac then signed Millsap in the offseason. LMAO! Probally wouldnt halpen because Stevens doesnt want to develop two rookie PF’s and they already have enough prospects waiting to come over like Yabusele and Zizic but that would be crazy. 

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

Boston drafts Fultz and forms a Udub connection. They still have the net 2018 pick that projects to be a top pick. Ainge will just keep taking the top player and make a move on the downside of King James rule

[kingoftheplaygroundParticipant]

i like the comparison of Fultz to Lillard. To me hes just a bigger and more athletic version of him.

[mavsatxParticipant]

 Man lillard is pretty damn athletic 

[BleedGreen808Participant]

Regardless of the guard depth I’d take Fultz.  An important factor is that after the 2018 season IT, Avery Bradley, and Marcus Smart(RFA) will all hit free agency.  There’s no way you can pay to keep all three of them on bigger contracts.  So long term the guard depth won’t be as big of a concern.  

[markfitz14Participant]

 Yeah I feel like either Bradley or Smart could get traded if they get a top 2 pick and get Fultz or Ball. Since they wouldn’t be able to pay them all I think Bradley will be traded for a future pick or something like that.

[HitsterParticipant]

 I’d take Fultz even if it possibly means moving Smart or Rozier and use Fultz as an impact guy off the bench. Ball would need to be a pass first PG so would not be able to operate round the existing guys as much as Fultz might. Plus Smart comes off his rookie deal in 2018 so if they wanted to use cap space elsewhere, moving him on might be something they would consider.

Boston will fairly much work out all the top guys and their need is probably more frontcourt if they don’t go BPA. I don’t know what the trade down scenarios are. Boston as a strong team would likely want more quality than quantity so may not want to do a deal with say Sac-Town plus they have two frontcourters stashed from last year’s draft to possibly bring over in due course.

 

[r377Participant]

I know a lot of sheep on here all assume Fultz as the no1 pick but that is not the case. He is likely the number 1 pick but it is not guaranteed.

I currently have Fultz, Ball, Jackson and Tatum in the top tier who could go number 1, with Malik Monk just sitting outside of this group.

Draft stocks can rise if players have a good tournament, by Fultz not playing anyone of those other guys can still rise above him….

For those who say Josh Jackson doesn’t have a jumpshot

Jackson 51% and 38% from 3
Fultz 47% and 41% from 3

[BeastMode716Participant]

 lay ups & dunks in his Elite transition game. I would not say JJ’s Jump shot is "broken" I would say it’s average b/c he doesn’t really need to use it at this level.

Last summer when the first Mock Drafts appeared for the crazy deep 2017 Draft, I believed Harry Giles would be a Perfect fit for Boston w/ the #1 pick if the Nets do land the #1 pick.

Obviously Giles is out. 

So that leaves Fultz, Ball, Jackson, Isaac, Monk, Tatum, Smith Jr & maybe even Markennan up for debate not b/c anyone of them is clearly head & shoulders above the others but b/c Boston has an oustanding team & which will Fit best.

I do believe that Fultz is the best individual player in terms of a player who can be a #1 option Star for a franchise. But I’m not sure Fultz is a Great fit b/c Isaiah Thomas, like Fultz, must be Ball Dominant to be effective. 

Imagining any one of Monk, Jackson, Tatum, Isaac, Ball, Markennan on the Celtics is So tempting but unless the Celtics were to trade down w/ the Kings for the say the #3 & #6 picks I just can’t see the Celtics passing on a player they believe can be a Super Star

And for that reason I have to believe they Draft Markelle Fultz – a Legit 6’4” do it All combo guard who can get to the Rim at will or shoot the 3 or draw a Double team & kick to the open man. I just don’t see how Boston can pass on an All World talent like Fultz at the #1 slot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kobyzParticipant]

 They should take ball who is a sure thing two way player that make everybody better, he is like other version of john wall… I personally question how much of a winning player faltz gonna be in the nba, he gonna score but i worry of him being somewhat empty stats guy that doesn’t make other players better if he’s pg, i see him as a gilbert arenas type player…

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Two ways to go:

1. Take Lonzo Ball. Big point guard who can pass, dribble, lead, run an offense, and hit the long ball.  Not a freak athlete but can dunk and throw down alley-oops.  He can also rebound fairly well.  If he were more aggressive scoring the ball then you could compare him to Pistol Pete…

Ball is a point guard BUT he is playing off the ball some with Alford playing some 1.  So, Ball can spot up for 3, and you can probably have him posting up smaller guards.  

He can play ON or OFF the ball.  

IT is a scoring point guard and a great leader.  A top 5 guy right now…  IT can PROBABLY play off the ball some.  He and Ball would form a DEADLY backcourt combo.

Then you would have Marcus Smart as the 3rd guard.  A combo guy who can defend, get steals, make athletic plays, and run the offense.  

OR, you can throw out some 3 guard lineups… 

2. Josh Jackson would be a good option, too, but they have Jaylen Brown as that slashing guy…

What if they trade WAY DOWN???  I actually like Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard for them.  Allen can bring a bit of a James Harden type game for the Celtics.  He can start at the 2, or be an instant offense 6th man.  Or, even a third string point guard behind IT and Smart.  Luke Kennard is a great shooter and really crafty.  Either at the 2 or the 3.  With IT, Smart, Grayson Allen, Kennard, and Jaylen Brown your perimeter attack is basically set.

Then I wanna go out and get Ivan Rabb or some no-nonense power forward.  Olynyk is a strech 5 basically. Al Horford is pretty much an undersized center.  

Then I am going with a game-changer at center.  A guy who can effect the game without scoring much.  I am gonna go with Tacko Fall.  Can block shots and shut down the paint.  Is shooting really, really high from the field, albeit on dunks and point-blank chip shots, but isn’t that the point of being a center?

So, with this HAUL you have your perimeter set (although I would trade Avery Bradley for a 3 and D small forward), and add Rabb and Fall to an inside core that includes Horford and Olynyk.  

They can probably get Rabb at 10-15.  Kennard at 15-20, and maybe Grayson Allen at 25. Tacko Fall, if he comes out, could be a second rounder.

Even if they go with Lonzo Ball with the top pick, I would still target Tacko Fall in the 2nd round.  I would trade Avery Bradley and maybe even Terry Rozier for an extra wing scorer like Grayson Allen Kennard or a legit 4 man like Ivan Rabb.  

The C’s are in a great spot right now, but Thomas is PEAKING with a guy like Horford actually on the way down in his career.  Olynyk is the guy he will be.  Not much upside from here… Smart has upside but maybe not as much (All Star) as we thought… Jaylen Brown has upside.

I think their championship window is open RIGHT NOW and their IDEAL WINDOW will extend for the next 3 or 4 seasons.  

So, they have to hit a GRAND SLAM in this draft.

Now, what if Philly ends up with a Lakers pick at 3 and their own pick at 6?

With Boston at 1.  You would think about trading the top pick (along with Rozier and maybe another guy plus a 2nd rounder and cash) for 3 and 6…  

Right now, the Celtics are a top 5 team along with Golden State, San Antonio, the Cavs, and the Rockets. But they STILL need some upgrades — you know those other 4 teams will.  And, free agents would be less likely to go to Boston — unless IT can prove that he is a surefire MVP candidate, and if they can get a pass-first, dynamo like Lonzo Ball.

Ok, you draft Lonzo as the ultimate lead guard to form a transformational 3 guard rotation.  You have a couple of inside guys and add an athletic skyscraper who can block out the sun (Tacko Fall), then why can’t you go out and get another CORE guy like Jimmy Butler or Paul George?  Boston might not go out and get the TOP free agent, but they could be in play for those second tier guys…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EndlessknightParticipant]

The Sixers can’t end up with the Lakers pick at #3, 4 is the highest.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Bradley can guard 2 to 3 spots shoot threes and rebound better than Allen. He is better chemistry wise too. Makes 0 sense.

[Dell87Participant]

 You have to take the most explosive play maker/ scorer. The beauty with the Celtics is that regardless of what happens, they are going to have so much ammunition to either build or make trades . So just take the best damn player available. There will be no pressure on him because he doesn’t have to be a savior. He can develop at a nice pace. Plus we’re gonna have a top 3 pick next year that doesn’t​ have be a savior either and he can come along slowly .

[mgreener_34Participant]

 Alot of Celtic fans are very high on Jackson right now, and so am I. I think he is exactly what this team needs, and would fit a need. He would be able to come in day one and play a role off the bench, would give us athleticism, hustle, rebounding, defense, and solid passing. I think of a future with Smart/Brown/Jackson/Zizic and I can get behind that. 

But on the other hand I’m defineately excited about Lonzo Ball. He would love playing for Stevens, and his skills would be put to their fullest potential here than anywhere else imo. He could play point with Smart or Isaiah, would give us much needed size, athleticism, and passing, but also another player who show outstading leadership and big shot qualities. 

I would honestly be happy with either of those guys on the Celtics in all honesty, If Celtics get a top 3 pick, I’ll be happy to walk away with one of those three of Fultz, Ball, and Jackson. The true question to me is who would we take at 4? Because that’s not so obvious. Tatum seems the best bet right now, but that could change. 

 

 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

 Don’t forget Yabusele and Mickey

[BallerScriptParticipant]

Double Post 

[HitsterParticipant]

 At the moment I’d say top pick is between Fultz and Ball with Jackson a bit further back. One idea that did occur to me is if Boston did flip the pick then could Jimmy Butler be a top target. Jimmy has two years on his deal after this season and for a triple all star and triple all NBA defensive 2nd teamer he is on a very reasonable salary, so Boston could extend Ish Thomas in 2018 and still have Butler with a year to run on his deal.

Also it is an open secret that Chicago is looking for a long term PG and getting the chance to rebuild around Ball or Fultz could appeal to them.

 

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Anthony Davis make the most sense IMO

The Pacers couldn’t possibly turn down a deal involving The Top Pick (Ball all day if Bird has any say so) and Jaylen Brown (who would start in place of the departing PG13

The Bulls also couldn’t turn down a deal for Jimmy Butler if they can get Lonzo or Markelle PLUS Jaylen Brown, bye bye Jimmy the Bulls would pack your bags on draft night…

The Big WHAT IF  no one talks about…

What if the New Orleans Pelicans flip the amazing yet fragile Anthony Davis for a monster haul from Dannny and the Celtics?

Let’s say the Celtics offer the eventual top pick Lonzo Ball, former 3rd overall pick Jaylen Brown and the 2018 Brooklyn pick to really push the Pelicans into the deal by way of pure potential

The Pels have DMC, Ball, Brown and the 2018 Brooklyn pick to become a contender out West

The Celtics would have the dynamic duo of IT and AD, not to mention their amazing core of role players like Bradley, Horford, Smart and Crowder would be kept intact…

Who says No???

Either way, The Celtics will trade that #1 Overall pick, adding a rookie PG like Fultz or Ball would piss off IT, Smart and Bradley, Rozier will likely check out mentally too, people talk about the logjam create in Philly by taking multiple Centers yet we act like taking a PG in Boston wouldn’t create the same problems on and off the court

Egos are always involved when a hotshot Rookie gets drafted at their position, IT wouldn’t like it at all if Ainge took Ball 1st overall…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RioRepParticipant]

 The Celtics will never win a championship with IT hogging the ball. He’s a defensive liability. They should trade him as soon as they can. They can have a team with Fultz/Ball, Brown, Crowder and Deandre Ayton and compete for ages. 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

I doubt they trade I.T but it would likely be to a playoff team with young talent say SAS for Murray + Anderson and maybe a third team like TOR throws in Powell for Rozier and Jerebko. (I know contracts won’t match up here but this is just a rough thought). Also why take Ayton when Michael Porter Jr. could prove to be an elite forward prospect with more upside ? (Time may change this though)

Boston’s new potential lineup:

PG. Fultz | Smart/Murray

SG. Bradley | Powell/Young

SF. Crowder | Brown/Green

PF. Porter Jr. (in a scenario where Horford moves on) | Anderson/Mickey

C.  Zizic | Olynyk/Johnson

And remember Horford could stick around in Boston and Yabusele, Nader and Thornton’s rights are still owned by the C’s

 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 I think a lot of people are forgetting the subsequent moves that Ainge can also make by adding one of these players as well. Guys like Rozier were caple of getting an Ibaka type player, so I would totally expect the Celtics to make some minor trade this year to subsidize their assetts. We can’t draft and stash again this year unless there is a can’t miss prospect. We have the #39, 53, 57 picks as well. Trades are going to be made. The Celtics are already in a total rebuild, and players like IT, AB, and Horford are all just stop gap players for us unless we get a homerun in FA (Blake Griffin this year). Our team next year will consist of 

Zizic

Olynyk-Yabs

Brown-Nader

Smart-Rozier

Like I said in my orgiginal post, Celtics can add any type of player to that mix and they will fit in. A scoring PG like Fultz would take pressure off of Jalen and Smart to score and give them much needed size and verstility. Ball would again provide size and another great passer who would help the Celtics get easy points. No doubt in my mind that a Ball and Brown combo would be sick on the break. Add Jackson to that mix and you’re getting exactly what that teams needs. More size, more passing, and more great team play. That is our bench next year, and I’m fine with that, because we also have the Net’s pick next year, so competing right away shouldn’t really cloud our vision too much. 

Going into next year we have Brk pick top ten projected, could be top 3 again. Our own pick, and would have another year to evaluate talent, prospects, and just the overall growth of our team. We will know where we stand on AB and IT, and decide what we actually want to do with this current team. We can dangle our picks for another player, someone like Paul George, Marc Gasol, or Jimmy Butler. Then we play the free agency game again, see if we could woo someone like KD, Paul, or Favors. 

There are many different directions this team could go, and neither is wrong. That’s why you take whoever you think is BPA no matter what, and take it front there. If that is Fultz, who cares if he pisses off IT and AB, they might not even be on the roster at the end of the year. Like I said, any one of Fultz, Ball, Jackson, or even Tatum would be welcome. 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts