Draft Prep

[Andrew McCeltic]

How much work do we think Ainge put into this year's draft? In the past it's been the most important part of the off-season for accumulating assets, and Danny seems to have somewhat unconventional estimations of players that he holds to with a lot of confidence (e.g. Rondo). Hasn't been much talk about this draft at all. Are we past the point of wanting cheap young players?

[ParticleMan]

there was this whole thing called the playoffs, i seem to recall we were part of it or something. maybe that's why we haven't heard about the all-important draft. it's crazy tho, i mean obviously draft day is the biggest day of the year for the franchise.

[ARB729]

there was this whole thing called the playoffs, i seem to recall we were part of it or something. maybe that's why we haven't heard about the all-important draft. it's crazy tho, i mean obviously draft day is the biggest day of the year for the franchise.

Yeah, I'm okay with not thinking about the draft since April like last year. Call me crazy but..

[Athanacropolis]

How much work do we think Ainge put into this year's draft? In the past it's been the most important part of the off-season for accumulating assets, and Danny seems to have somewhat unconventional estimations of players that he holds to with a lot of confidence (e.g. Rondo). Hasn't been much talk about this draft at all. Are we past the point of wanting cheap young players?

I don't think any team ever gets past this point, but you have to add the adjective "good" to "cheap" and "young." Quite honestly, I think that Ainge is preparing for this draft as heavily as he has for all of his. Just because the Celtics won it all this year doesn't mean he's going to rest on his laurels--quite the contrary.

[MyInsatiableOne]

The C's have to take cap consideration as a factor. Ainge has said already he's not expecting much at #30 and would probably want to stash the player overseas to save on the hit.

[Andrew McCeltic]

there was this whole thing called the playoffs, i seem to recall we were part of it or something. maybe that's why we haven't heard about the all-important draft. it's crazy tho, i mean obviously draft day is the biggest day of the year for the franchise.

haha, true, but- two of the starters on that playoff team were picked at 21 and 27 in their drafts, and one key roleplayer went 49th, I think, in the second round. If there's a Rondo-caliber player who will be available with one of the always-available-for-"financial considerations" 20-something first-rounders, I think we can spare a roster spot for him.

I want next year's team to be BETTER than this year's.

[threrf23]

When you have the payroll of an NBA team, you should always IMO be putting a lot of resources into draft prep.

It makes no sense for a team to ever get past wanting cheap, young, and talented players.

[jfs1000d]

Danny is always thinking Euro, then someone whom he loves drops and he is like a kid in the candy store.

I don't like the the 30th pick. It is a contract slot for what amounts to a high second rounder. The 27-30 picks are thr worst to have in the NBA draft. That's why you see Euro always late in the first round. They stick them oveseas and see if they pan out.

I wouldn't put it past Danny to get a Josh Howard type however. I think CDR could be the guy.