[omphalosParticipant]

A realistic take on how the Celtics could keep Rondo and still build towards the future. Apologies for the length, let me know what you think.

—–

As a Celtics fan, this season has been a grim awakening to the realities of the NBA. A team that took Miami to seven games in the 2012 playoffs now a shadow of its former self. There was chatter leading up to the trade deadline that Celtics stalwart Rajon Rondo would be traded, to better embrace a total rebuild.

However, the Celtics haven’t been sitting idly by while their doom approached, and instead have stockpiled a number of draft picks, and young, talented players to surround their lone remaining star in Rondo. With the deadline passed and Rondo still in green, it begs the question, what now for the Celtics? Should they trade Rondo in the off-season, hope to land either Embiid, Wiggins or Parker in the draft and prepare for a few years of mediocrity? Or should they build around Rondo and their other pieces, using this draft to add pieces, not build a new foundation?

 

Before going into what they need to do, let’s take a look at their roster as is, and what young pieces they have already.

 

First up is Jared Sullinger, a guy who was projected in the top-5 if he’d been healthy, but fell due to concerns about his back, allowing the Celtics to pick him up in the early 20’s. Although healthy was an issue last season, Sully looks to have put his back problems more or less behind him and is having a solid sophomore year, exhibiting his shooting stroke, rebounding ability and high basketball IQ. However, he’s average at best defensively, and is a far sight from the sort of rim protection the Celtics are accustomed to having from their big men. While I wasn’t too high on Sullinger coming into the draft, I still believe he can be an excellent undersized 4-man in the mold of David West, but only if he improves his conditioning.

 

Backing up Sullinger was last year’s draft pick Kelly "The Clinic" Olynyk, the Canadian 7-footer with a soft touch inside and out, and hair to make Bill Walton jealous. Like Sullinger, Olynyk gets by on his superior BBIQ and a solid shooting stroke from outside. However, Olynyk’s T-Rex-like wingspan prevents him from protecting the rim effectively and playing the 5 alongside Sullinger; they would simply give up too much defensive ability to be a championship frontcourt.

 

In Avery Bradley, the Celtics have an undersized 2-guard with excellent defensive ability and an improving offensive game who excels at cutting off the ball to get easy baskets. Seemingly the ideal backcourt partner for Rondo, his shaky outside shot and a likely expensive extension to sign him long-term makes Bradley a question-mark for the future.

 

Jeff Green is another question-mark prospect for the Celtics, an inconsistent SF who has struggled to develop a left-hand or a more reliable jump-shot. He makes spectacular plays every other game, but is predictable with the ball in his hands, seemingly always driving to his right. While I was a big believer in Green as the heir apparent for Paul Pierce, given his age, he’s a guy you could let go if he doesn’t start delivering on a more consistent basis for a young Celtics team. That said, he’s a solid perimeter defender and possesses the length and athleticism to worry the likes of Paul George, Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

 

Looking at that core group, and including Rondo (whose strengths and weaknesses are well-documented), there are a few glaring weaknesses in the roster; outside shooting, another shot creator and some interior defence.

 

If those needs are addressed with a likely top-5 pick and a mid-first round pick in this stacked draft, I strongly believe the Celtics can push for the playoffs with Rondo at the helm next season.

 

With their own pick, the Celtics should be desperately hoping they luck out in the lottery and have a chance at Joel Embiid. Getting Embiid would provide them immediate relief at the 5 spot as a rim-protector and low-post scorer who complements either Olynyk or Sullinger perfectly.

 

However, given Embiid’s outrageously high draft stock there isn’t much point planning for a no brainer. Similarly, Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins will likely be off the board by the time the Celtics have their pick, so who do they choose?

 

With Embiid gone, there isn’t a rim-protector worth taking in the 5-7 range in this draft, so taking a wing who can score and defend is the best idea.

 

While Australian Dante Exum has an aura of mystique and a lightning-quick first-step, his poor outside shooting and desire to have the ball in his hands makes him a bad fit. Instead, I think the Celtics should target another combo-guard in the form of Zach LaVine.

 

Like Exum, LaVine is extremely quick, has a good handle, size to play either guard and defends well. However, he possesses the excellent shooting touch and experience playing off the ball as a 6th man at UCLA. Although his scoring has dipped from the 16ppg he was averaging earling in the season, LaVine is still managing a respectable 10.6ppg on 47% from the field and, importantly, 43% from deep in about 25mpg.

 

Playing next to college superstar Kyle Anderson is hiding LaVine’s immense potential as a scorer, not just a shooter. With Rondo giving him good looks while he finds his feet and already possessing solid defensive abilities, LaVine can be groomed to replace Avery Bradley as a starter while the Celtics make a playoff push next season.

 

Don’t let a recent slump fool you, LaVine is the real deal and has the sort of body control and quickness that just can’t be taught.

 

Assuming LaVine is taken, that still leaves the gaping hole at the 5 needing to be filled. 

 

Enter Meyers Leonard.

 

That’s right, remember him?

 

Taken just after Andre Drummond in the 2012 draft, Leonard is a legit 7-feet tall with great length and athleticism, but a raw offensive game. While it might be too soon for Portland to give up on Leonard, Meyers has seen his minutes drop since the arrival of Robin Lopez, and might be available for the first-round pick the Celtics got from the Nets in the Pierce/Garnett trade.

 

I still believe in Leonard being a productive and capable NBA C, and he gives the Celtics the size they desperately need to pair alongside Sullinger/Olynyk, and an athletic finisher around the rim who runs the floor well in transition.

 

There simply aren’t any big men available in the mid-first round who have higher upside or ability than Leonard. If Portland are willing to bite (Ainge could throw in an expiring contract like Bass to sweeten the deal), suddenly the Celtics’ young core is well prepared for a playoff push in the short-tem, whilst retaining long-term upside.

 

The Celtics will be left with a backcourt of Rondo and LaVine, a big man rotation of Olynyk, Sullinger and Leonard, and Green settling into a role as defensive stopper and third-option scorer.

 

Could this team win a championship in a few years if these players reach their potential? I say yes.

 

 Problem solved.

 

http://itsahardwoodlife.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/how-to-solve-problem-like-celtics.html

 

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 I don’t think you would need to sweeten the deal, I think Portland jump at the chance for a first round pick for Leonard. And to be honest I don’t think a front court of Leonard/Sullinger/Olynyk go anywhere near a ring!

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 I don’t think you would need to sweeten the deal, I think Portland jump at the chance for a first round pick for Leonard. And to be honest I don’t think a front court of Leonard/Sullinger/Olynyk go anywhere near a ring!

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Having a rim protector is always good… but Leonard hasn’t shown anything that makes me think he would be a respectable starter. The Celtics are better off picking up a scoring wing in the draft and signing a veteran C in free agency.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Having a rim protector is always good… but Leonard hasn’t shown anything that makes me think he would be a respectable starter. The Celtics are better off picking up a scoring wing in the draft and signing a veteran C in free agency.

[jsmitty104Participant]

 Celtics are in trouble and Rondo looks terrible. They would be better off trading Rondo for more youth? nope! Nobody wins with youth!

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Heard of the Oklahoma City Thunder before?

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Heard of the Oklahoma City Thunder before?

[jsmitty104Participant]

 Celtics are in trouble and Rondo looks terrible. They would be better off trading Rondo for more youth? nope! Nobody wins with youth!

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I dont think that rotation even snuffs a championship unless LaVine turns into a top 3 player in the league. Enjoyed the read however.

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I dont think that rotation even snuffs a championship unless LaVine turns into a top 3 player in the league. Enjoyed the read however.

[frogmanParticipant]

 Seriously?  Sorry to burst your bubble but even if every one of those players reach their potential (which won’t happen) they are still not getting a ring.  Not even that close to it if I’m honest.

[frogmanParticipant]

 Seriously?  Sorry to burst your bubble but even if every one of those players reach their potential (which won’t happen) they are still not getting a ring.  Not even that close to it if I’m honest.

[omphalosParticipant]

 Competing for a championship is only if they all reach their potential, which I agree is doubtful, but this isn’t in the short-term, it’s in the long-term. Who are going to be championship contenders in 4 or 5 years? The Thunder will probably still be there if KD sticks around, the Pacers might have aged themselves out of the competition unless PG and Lance stick around and both become superstars.

The Spurs will have long-since gone.

It’s hard to project what the NBA will be like in the 4 or 5 years it will take for this team to be ready, and this is before you factor in the other draft picks that Ainge has accumulated.

Also, a thought just occured to me that the Celtics should take a run at Gordon Hayward when Green’s contract expires; re-uniting Stevens and Hayward could help Gordon max out.

Obviously it’s all conjecture, and Leonard is the big unknown, but IF they all max out their potential, I think they could win it with the right depth etc.

But the main point is a way for the Celtics to build around Rondo whilst angling toward to future aswell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 Competing for a championship is only if they all reach their potential, which I agree is doubtful, but this isn’t in the short-term, it’s in the long-term. Who are going to be championship contenders in 4 or 5 years? The Thunder will probably still be there if KD sticks around, the Pacers might have aged themselves out of the competition unless PG and Lance stick around and both become superstars.

The Spurs will have long-since gone.

It’s hard to project what the NBA will be like in the 4 or 5 years it will take for this team to be ready, and this is before you factor in the other draft picks that Ainge has accumulated.

Also, a thought just occured to me that the Celtics should take a run at Gordon Hayward when Green’s contract expires; re-uniting Stevens and Hayward could help Gordon max out.

Obviously it’s all conjecture, and Leonard is the big unknown, but IF they all max out their potential, I think they could win it with the right depth etc.

But the main point is a way for the Celtics to build around Rondo whilst angling toward to future aswell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[natevalParticipant]

I don’t see it working as a die hard Celtics fan. LaVine needs to stay another year in college I don’t think he will have a huge inpact next year if he enters the league never mind being a major piece to a "championship level" team. I like the idea of Leonard but giving up a first for him is too much I would pass. I think you need to trade Rondo. Though he is a great player IF he is a max guy he will be due a 5 year 105 million contract. I say trade him for young talent and draft picks build through the draft 

[natevalParticipant]

I don’t see it working as a die hard Celtics fan. LaVine needs to stay another year in college I don’t think he will have a huge inpact next year if he enters the league never mind being a major piece to a "championship level" team. I like the idea of Leonard but giving up a first for him is too much I would pass. I think you need to trade Rondo. Though he is a great player IF he is a max guy he will be due a 5 year 105 million contract. I say trade him for young talent and draft picks build through the draft 

[omphalosParticipant]

 @nateval: LaVine won’t be part of a championship level piece his rookie year, I mean if he reaches his potential, but this Celtics team could make the playoffs in the East next season pretty easily.

I also don’t think Rondo is a max guy, he’s generally been pretty reasonable with his contract demands, and I can’t see him demanding the max.

As far as Leonard, I don’t think a late teens pick in this draft is going to yield a player more valuable than Leonard could be; the closest you might get is Cauley-Stein, but he is a stick and doesn’t strike me as having the upside of Leonard.

Heck, even if we threw Bass and a few second-rounders at the Blazers for him it might work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 @nateval: LaVine won’t be part of a championship level piece his rookie year, I mean if he reaches his potential, but this Celtics team could make the playoffs in the East next season pretty easily.

I also don’t think Rondo is a max guy, he’s generally been pretty reasonable with his contract demands, and I can’t see him demanding the max.

As far as Leonard, I don’t think a late teens pick in this draft is going to yield a player more valuable than Leonard could be; the closest you might get is Cauley-Stein, but he is a stick and doesn’t strike me as having the upside of Leonard.

Heck, even if we threw Bass and a few second-rounders at the Blazers for him it might work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 I’m a Celts fan although I admittedly don’t watch the NBA anymore after Stern fixed game 7 in 2010. 

 

The C’s need to Exum if he’s there IMO. #3/4 is the true sweetspot of this draft because its the last spot without any real scrutiny. The other marquee guys were already off the board, your pick was made for you. 

 

I would move Rondo. Any of the rumored Kings deals made a ton of sense, although I ‘d 3 team deal Thomas out. I don’t think he’s a championship winning PG with his major defensive deficiencies. 

Jeff Green…ugh, awful contract. I would just get rid of the deal if I could. At least Bass is expiring next year. 

Sullinger can be a poor man’s David West. People forget West has just a laughably huge wing span. Sully will just never be the 2 way player West is. I would package him up in a Kevin Love deal, but you gotta have another star ready too, otherwise you’ll just be the Twolves of the East and it will cripple the franchise as they’d move their major assets and then lose him anyway. 

I never liked the Olynyk pick, I wanted the Greek Monster, Schroeder, Bullock, Nogeira or Snell all over Olynyk. While only one or 2 of those guys look better than Olynyk right now, that doesn’t mean Olynyk is a good player or was a good pick. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 I’m a Celts fan although I admittedly don’t watch the NBA anymore after Stern fixed game 7 in 2010. 

 

The C’s need to Exum if he’s there IMO. #3/4 is the true sweetspot of this draft because its the last spot without any real scrutiny. The other marquee guys were already off the board, your pick was made for you. 

 

I would move Rondo. Any of the rumored Kings deals made a ton of sense, although I ‘d 3 team deal Thomas out. I don’t think he’s a championship winning PG with his major defensive deficiencies. 

Jeff Green…ugh, awful contract. I would just get rid of the deal if I could. At least Bass is expiring next year. 

Sullinger can be a poor man’s David West. People forget West has just a laughably huge wing span. Sully will just never be the 2 way player West is. I would package him up in a Kevin Love deal, but you gotta have another star ready too, otherwise you’ll just be the Twolves of the East and it will cripple the franchise as they’d move their major assets and then lose him anyway. 

I never liked the Olynyk pick, I wanted the Greek Monster, Schroeder, Bullock, Nogeira or Snell all over Olynyk. While only one or 2 of those guys look better than Olynyk right now, that doesn’t mean Olynyk is a good player or was a good pick. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[runBruceParticipant]

 Wow, The Celtics are a way bigger problem than Maria.

[runBruceParticipant]

 Wow, The Celtics are a way bigger problem than Maria.

[capecodderParticipant]

 Also a life long Celtics fan and season ticket holder during the Bird era…..still don’t get the infatuation with LaVine…..have seen several of his games and have yet to say "wow"

[capecodderParticipant]

 Also a life long Celtics fan and season ticket holder during the Bird era…..still don’t get the infatuation with LaVine…..have seen several of his games and have yet to say "wow"

[omphalosParticipant]

Do you get it now?

[omphalosParticipant]

Do you get it now?

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 

 

Truthfully, it’s probably best that we go for a full rebuild. Rondo is currently my favorite player, and it would suck to see him go, but I don’t think he would be in to play for a rebuilding team. With that being said, we’ll have to trade him.

 

In the position that we currently sit, we have a good opportunity to replace him in this draft with either Dante Exum or Marcus Smart. Do we go for the player that is unknown, but could contain superstar potential, or do we go for the proven Marcus Smart? I would go with Smart unless Exum perform crazy at the combine and workouts. 

 

With their next pick, I would pick up the offensively-raw, but proven rim-protector Willie Cauley-Stein. He’s strong, athletic, and can block shots. We need toughness added to our front-line, and he could potentially turn into a Deandre Jordan or Tyson Chandler type player. Sounds like someone who could potentially be a perfect fit next to Sully and KO.

 

Now about the Rondo trade. Everyone hates trade ideas, myself included, but because I mentioned Rondo getting traded earlier, I figured I should add one.

 

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=n3mdzr2

 

Asik would start alongside Sully, and then KO and Cauley-Stein would work well in the 2nd unit.

 

Chandler Parsons is a player who is on the cusp of being an All-Star, and someone who may have been one this year if he wasn’t the 3rd option on his team. He’s a solid all-around player, and would add some shooting to the starting line-up.

 

Everyone knows that Lin is best suited as a 6th man, and he plays that role well. 

 

Maybe Houston would throw in some picks to sweeten the pot.

 

So now, the line-up looks like this.

 

Asik/Cauley-Stein/Faverani

Sully/KO/Bass

Parsons/Johnson/Wallace

Bradley/Bogans

Smart(Exum)/Lin/Pressey

 

In my opinion, that’s a line-up that would easily make the playoffs in the Eastern conference. If Smart/Exum developed into an all-star/superstar, this team would be really dangerous and balanced.

 

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 

 

Truthfully, it’s probably best that we go for a full rebuild. Rondo is currently my favorite player, and it would suck to see him go, but I don’t think he would be in to play for a rebuilding team. With that being said, we’ll have to trade him.

 

In the position that we currently sit, we have a good opportunity to replace him in this draft with either Dante Exum or Marcus Smart. Do we go for the player that is unknown, but could contain superstar potential, or do we go for the proven Marcus Smart? I would go with Smart unless Exum perform crazy at the combine and workouts. 

 

With their next pick, I would pick up the offensively-raw, but proven rim-protector Willie Cauley-Stein. He’s strong, athletic, and can block shots. We need toughness added to our front-line, and he could potentially turn into a Deandre Jordan or Tyson Chandler type player. Sounds like someone who could potentially be a perfect fit next to Sully and KO.

 

Now about the Rondo trade. Everyone hates trade ideas, myself included, but because I mentioned Rondo getting traded earlier, I figured I should add one.

 

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=n3mdzr2

 

Asik would start alongside Sully, and then KO and Cauley-Stein would work well in the 2nd unit.

 

Chandler Parsons is a player who is on the cusp of being an All-Star, and someone who may have been one this year if he wasn’t the 3rd option on his team. He’s a solid all-around player, and would add some shooting to the starting line-up.

 

Everyone knows that Lin is best suited as a 6th man, and he plays that role well. 

 

Maybe Houston would throw in some picks to sweeten the pot.

 

So now, the line-up looks like this.

 

Asik/Cauley-Stein/Faverani

Sully/KO/Bass

Parsons/Johnson/Wallace

Bradley/Bogans

Smart(Exum)/Lin/Pressey

 

In my opinion, that’s a line-up that would easily make the playoffs in the Eastern conference. If Smart/Exum developed into an all-star/superstar, this team would be really dangerous and balanced.

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Well even though he was an unknown, Danny Ainge said last year the Greek Freak had "Scottie Pippen like potential" (not verbatim there obviousy but close enough). Why he took Olynyk afer those comments is still beyond me and was a major error in my opinion. Also, as an Illini fan, I want to see Meyers Leonard succeed but I’m pessamistic it happens anytime soon.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Well even though he was an unknown, Danny Ainge said last year the Greek Freak had "Scottie Pippen like potential" (not verbatim there obviousy but close enough). Why he took Olynyk afer those comments is still beyond me and was a major error in my opinion. Also, as an Illini fan, I want to see Meyers Leonard succeed but I’m pessamistic it happens anytime soon.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

What if the Celtics end up with the top pick with the Lakers getting the second pick?

The Celtics should offer Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green, a future first round pick, and a future second round pick for Pau Gasol, Nick Young, the second pick in the draft, and the 35th pick in the draft.

If the Lakers wanted Carmelo Anthony then a team of Rondo, Kobe, Carmelo, Jeff Green, and (free agent center) would be interesting with Steve Nash coming off the bench.

The Celtics could draft Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins as their future stars to build around with Sully, Olynyk, and Avery Bradley also being members of their young core.

Nick Young would give them a good option on the wing, with Pau getting lots of shots as a post presence.

With the 35th pick then Celtics can go after a point guard like Shabazz Napier (if he is there) or Aaron Craft. 

This would be a stretch, but if the Lakers go after Carmelo (or even Kevin Love) they might trade a top pick to get some good veterans in return (Rondo and Jeff Green).

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

What if the Celtics end up with the top pick with the Lakers getting the second pick?

The Celtics should offer Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green, a future first round pick, and a future second round pick for Pau Gasol, Nick Young, the second pick in the draft, and the 35th pick in the draft.

If the Lakers wanted Carmelo Anthony then a team of Rondo, Kobe, Carmelo, Jeff Green, and (free agent center) would be interesting with Steve Nash coming off the bench.

The Celtics could draft Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins as their future stars to build around with Sully, Olynyk, and Avery Bradley also being members of their young core.

Nick Young would give them a good option on the wing, with Pau getting lots of shots as a post presence.

With the 35th pick then Celtics can go after a point guard like Shabazz Napier (if he is there) or Aaron Craft. 

This would be a stretch, but if the Lakers go after Carmelo (or even Kevin Love) they might trade a top pick to get some good veterans in return (Rondo and Jeff Green).

 

 

 

 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 It was a good write up, but I nearly screeched when my eyeballs got to the part of trading a first roud pick for Meyes Leonard. Players like Leonard go in the mid first round because of the dreaded word, ‘potential’. He’s young, big and atheltic… imagine what he might be?! Well, the Celtics don’t have to calculate potential…. Even though Leonard could improve with more playtime, the notion that he could become a starter for a contending team is just off the spectrum of reality. 

It’s hard to gauge what the Celtics should do until the ping-pong balls fall. You’re totally right in pointing out how much their situation cahnges if they don’t get a top-5 pick…. But nevertheless, this draft is deep and there is serious talent past the top 5. The Celtics have a nice group of young role players, but as you said, they lack atheletes. So Lavine would be a great pick up… no problems there. I think Rodney Hood would be a good fit.

With their later picks, I think Harrell or Cauley-Stein would be great options if they’re still there. Both would provide the needed contrast from Olynyk. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 It was a good write up, but I nearly screeched when my eyeballs got to the part of trading a first roud pick for Meyes Leonard. Players like Leonard go in the mid first round because of the dreaded word, ‘potential’. He’s young, big and atheltic… imagine what he might be?! Well, the Celtics don’t have to calculate potential…. Even though Leonard could improve with more playtime, the notion that he could become a starter for a contending team is just off the spectrum of reality. 

It’s hard to gauge what the Celtics should do until the ping-pong balls fall. You’re totally right in pointing out how much their situation cahnges if they don’t get a top-5 pick…. But nevertheless, this draft is deep and there is serious talent past the top 5. The Celtics have a nice group of young role players, but as you said, they lack atheletes. So Lavine would be a great pick up… no problems there. I think Rodney Hood would be a good fit.

With their later picks, I think Harrell or Cauley-Stein would be great options if they’re still there. Both would provide the needed contrast from Olynyk. 

[Ebown5Participant]

I’m a Sixers fan.

If the Sixers end up with the first pick in the draft and the Celtics and up with the 5th pick, a trade might make sense.

Let’s say the Sixers take Embiid at number 1 and Exum or Randle is still on the board at five. What would the Celtics think of a trade of Nerlens Noel for the  fifth pick? Maybe we take back a bad salary from you too if need be.

Assuming that Noel continues his rehab and is medically back to full strength I think that he is worth the 5th pick in the draft, and he projects as a top flight rim protector. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Ebown5Participant]

I’m a Sixers fan.

If the Sixers end up with the first pick in the draft and the Celtics and up with the 5th pick, a trade might make sense.

Let’s say the Sixers take Embiid at number 1 and Exum or Randle is still on the board at five. What would the Celtics think of a trade of Nerlens Noel for the  fifth pick? Maybe we take back a bad salary from you too if need be.

Assuming that Noel continues his rehab and is medically back to full strength I think that he is worth the 5th pick in the draft, and he projects as a top flight rim protector. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[The QParticipant]

 If the  Sixers took back Gerald Wallace the C’s better do it. 

 

Man the Greek God of Blocks is really making me hate Olynyk even more. Danny really blew that one. 

 

 

[burgessfourParticipant]

Sixers fan here too – Interesting trade idea, I love it.

I really like Noel’s game, but if the Sixers came out of this draft with 1) Embiid 2) Randle/Exum, 3) Whoever they take with the N.O. pick, added to 4) Thad & 5) MCW………that is an awesome starting point.

[burgessfourParticipant]

Sixers fan here too – Interesting trade idea, I love it.

I really like Noel’s game, but if the Sixers came out of this draft with 1) Embiid 2) Randle/Exum, 3) Whoever they take with the N.O. pick, added to 4) Thad & 5) MCW………that is an awesome starting point.

[The QParticipant]

 If the  Sixers took back Gerald Wallace the C’s better do it. 

 

Man the Greek God of Blocks is really making me hate Olynyk even more. Danny really blew that one. 

 

 

[TarkParticipant]

 I think the Celts would be a perfect team to target a trade for one of the Bucks big 2. Add Sanders or Henson and that huge weakness on interior D would be relieved in a big way. Both those guys have been talked about as available, and if the Bucks get #1 and love Embid it would a make a deal even more likely. The key is to get it done without giving up their own lottery pick, or going full Knicks and giving up future unprotected firsts.

FWIW- every time I screw around with ESPN lottery machine the C’s get 1 of the top 3 picks.

Parker or Wiggins,  Sanders or Henson w/ Sully/Olynyk is a pretty nice frontline going forward esp. with all of the 3/4 guys having good range on their shots.

[TarkParticipant]

 I think the Celts would be a perfect team to target a trade for one of the Bucks big 2. Add Sanders or Henson and that huge weakness on interior D would be relieved in a big way. Both those guys have been talked about as available, and if the Bucks get #1 and love Embid it would a make a deal even more likely. The key is to get it done without giving up their own lottery pick, or going full Knicks and giving up future unprotected firsts.

FWIW- every time I screw around with ESPN lottery machine the C’s get 1 of the top 3 picks.

Parker or Wiggins,  Sanders or Henson w/ Sully/Olynyk is a pretty nice frontline going forward esp. with all of the 3/4 guys having good range on their shots.

[Author]

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