At #6, who do you Like/Dislike if this happens: (poll added)

[BfB]

...I wouldn't touch LaVine with a 10 foot pole....no **** way

DISCLAIMER:

This team needs a 1st option scorer or "closer" as Ainge has coined it, first and foremost. We should all embrace the reality that this player isn't coming via this draft and was unlikely to even with the first pick. We are looking at 2nd option types or high quality starters/potential "stars" at positions of need. Taking a player to be your "go-to guy" in this draft is equivalent of betting on a 1 in 10 shot at best. None of these guys are easy to project like that, so you're better off balancing out "upside" with "floor" relative to what opportunity your team can offer to maximize his rate of growth and developmental potential.


DISLIKE:

Vonleh - This is a tough one because he can play center and its a huge position of need. If he just becomes a complete defensive player with rebounding, he is instantly an "impact" player at his position...so I guess I'm arguing against myself. He has a high motor, so I don't worry about the quiet component so much. I'd just like to see more impact potential offensively from a top 6 pick.

Randle - Couldn't agree more with ryaningf's evaluation of "BPA" vs "Relative BPA" - situation is ESSENTIAL for effective development. I fall in between Humblebum and ryaningf when it comes to Randle, but I don't see how he is a quality pick at 6 unless Boston has a killer trade lined up for adding a star player at either Center or Wing with Sully/KO. One of those two can be the backup in a 3 man rotation at F/C, but both have shown me far more offensive ABILITY than Randle has to date...potential is great, but projecting Randle offensively to a point BEYOND KO or Sully in a timeframe where he laps them quickly is hard for me to do. I think Olynyk is going to be an amazing offensive player because of his skillset and 4/5 versatility and Sullinger looks like he's a body makeover away from being at least a 3rd option. There just seems like better players to grab if we're looking at pure player development and not "asset stacking" contingencies.

LIKE:

Saric - I've been digesting film on this guy like a beast. He is a complete offensive player with excellent help defensive ability and two position versatility. He's played against vastly superior basketball competition for a longer period of time than any prospect in this draft and he's done more with less in terms of talent on his team. His developmental progress over the past 12 months has been outstanding and he is only 20 years old. He is a versatile offensive player with a scorers mentality and a great feel for the game.

People question his "athleticism" when they are really only talking about his vertical lift and first step. He has all the other athletic attributes to be a terrific offensive player, including his passing, which is supreme for a 6'10 guy. With real talent around him in a system where the ball moves and player's are able to create spacing, he will be a stud. This kid is my #1 target at 6, hands down.

McDermott - Yes, he is limited defensively. But he is equally unlimited as a shooter. He's got a tremendous understanding of the game and is a net positive to a team locker room. He can shoot at an elite level from just about any type of action from anywhere on the floor. He will be a GREAT scorer on a team that has their **** together and is able to put him into the right role. I have no problem seeing him becoming the best 3rd option in the league down the line and he can easily fill the 2nd option role while a team is in building mode and has a collection of quasi-third/second option types, as Boston has now. I find him to be an outstanding compliment to both Green and Bradley, someone who could elevate their games and vice-versa.

Nurkic - Player's with his size, offensive versatility, and "ceiling" don't come around often, let alone at Center. I think nobody wants to be caught with their dick in their hands, so he'll be there between 9-12. I would be going through every scenario under the sun to come up with a deal that gets me either Philly's 10 or Orlando's 12, using our 17 as leverage. i'd kill to come out of this draft with Saric and Nurkic, but i'd have to give Nurkic consideration at 6 considering his position and offensive potential. He is Pau and Marc smooshed together as his "ceiling". People are far too worried about his floor, to me he has the exact same athleticism as Kendrick Perkins, and a very similar "edge" that is being criticized because he is currently foul prone and overly emotional...to me, that translates into "tough as ****" in about 3-4 season - just like it did with Perk, expect you don't have to "hide" him offensively - you can feature him.

NEUTRAL:

Gordon - I love Gordon as a prospect. The recent criticism from Flannery's podcast was taken out of context. That was directly in response to this "hype" about Gordon's unlimited potential. Reality is, he's a limited scorer right now and may always be. he is NOT Jan Vesely, who had nowhere near the intangibles that Gordon has. He is also not MKG, who is subsequently being criticized for his development in a team situation that plays into all of his weaknesses offensively.

The reason i'm neutral on Gordon is because I think there are better options for drafting a superior offensive talent, which is what this team needs more than anything else. I love Gordon's defense and I think his "floor" is great because of his versatility on both sides of the ball. But, I can build an elite defense without using an elite draft pick to do so. Offense always costs more on the market than defense and Boston will have a shot at 3 guys who almost instantaneously become their best offensive talent at their need positions.

Smart - same rules apply for Smart. I think he's a "baller" with many good qualities. he could slot in behind Rondo/Bradley in a 3-guard rotation while he develops - no problem. But, I can't bank on "spacing" in the NBA to project him into a great offensive player. He will be a fantastic role player, at minimum. I think he is like Tony Allen in many ways, though a better ball-handler and, um...not the first team All Defensive guard. Still a fiesty, plus defender and opportunistic scorer, who needs more offensive versatility to be a true two-way player.

[winsomme2]

...I wouldn't touch LaVine with a 10 foot pole....no **** way

DISCLAIMER:

This team needs a 1st option scorer or "closer" as Ainge has coined it, first and foremost. We should all embrace the reality that this player isn't coming via this draft and was unlikely to even with the first pick. We are looking at 2nd option types or high quality starters/potential "stars" at positions of need. Taking a player to be your "go-to guy" in this draft is equivalent of betting on a 1 in 10 shot at best. None of these guys are easy to project like that, so you're better off balancing out "upside" with "floor" relative to what opportunity your team can offer to maximize his rate of growth and developmental potential.


DISLIKE:

Vonleh - This is a tough one because he can play center and its a huge position of need. If he just becomes a complete defensive player with rebounding, he is instantly an "impact" player at his position...so I guess I'm arguing against myself. He has a high motor, so I don't worry about the quiet component so much. I'd just like to see more impact potential offensively from a top 6 pick.

Randle - Couldn't agree more with ryaningf's evaluation of "BPA" vs "Relative BPA" - situation is ESSENTIAL for effective development. I fall in between Humblebum and ryaningf when it comes to Randle, but I don't see how he is a quality pick at 6 unless Boston has a killer trade lined up for adding a star player at either Center or Wing with Sully/KO. One of those two can be the backup in a 3 man rotation at F/C, but both have shown me far more offensive ABILITY than Randle has to date...potential is great, but projecting Randle offensively to a point BEYOND KO or Sully in a timeframe where he laps them quickly is hard for me to do. I think Olynyk is going to be an amazing offensive player because of his skillset and 4/5 versatility and Sullinger looks like he's a body makeover away from being at least a 3rd option. There just seems like better players to grab if we're looking at pure player development and not "asset stacking" contingencies.

LIKE:

Saric - I've been digesting film on this guy like a beast. He is a complete offensive player with excellent help defensive ability and two position versatility. He's played against vastly superior basketball competition for a longer period of time than any prospect in this draft and he's done more with less in terms of talent on his team. His developmental progress over the past 12 months has been outstanding and he is only 20 years old. He is a versatile offensive player with a scorers mentality and a great feel for the game.

People question his "athleticism" when they are really only talking about his vertical lift and first step. He has all the other athletic attributes to be a terrific offensive player, including his passing, which is supreme for a 6'10 guy. With real talent around him in a system where the ball moves and player's are able to create spacing, he will be a stud. This kid is my #1 target at 6, hands down.

McDermott - Yes, he is limited defensively. But he is equally unlimited as a shooter. He's got a tremendous understanding of the game and is a net positive to a team locker room. He can shoot at an elite level from just about any type of action from anywhere on the floor. He will be a GREAT scorer on a team that has their **** together and is able to put him into the right role. I have no problem seeing him becoming the best 3rd option in the league down the line and he can easily fill the 2nd option role while a team is in building mode and has a collection of quasi-third/second option types, as Boston has now. I find him to be an outstanding compliment to both Green and Bradley, someone who could elevate their games and vice-versa.

Nurkic - Player's with his size, offensive versatility, and "ceiling" don't come around often, let alone at Center. I think nobody wants to be caught with their dick in their hands, so he'll be there between 9-12. I would be going through every scenario under the sun to come up with a deal that gets me either Philly's 10 or Orlando's 12, using our 17 as leverage. i'd kill to come out of this draft with Saric and Nurkic, but i'd have to give Nurkic consideration at 6 considering his position and offensive potential. He is Pau and Marc smooshed together as his "ceiling". People are far too worried about his floor, to me he has the exact same athleticism as Kendrick Perkins, and a very similar "edge" that is being criticized because he is currently foul prone and overly emotional...to me, that translates into "tough as ****" in about 3-4 season - just like it did with Perk, expect you don't have to "hide" him offensively - you can feature him.

NEUTRAL:

Gordon - I love Gordon as a prospect. The recent criticism from Flannery's podcast was taken out of context. That was directly in response to this "hype" about Gordon's unlimited potential. Reality is, he's a limited scorer right now and may always be. he is NOT Jan Vesely, who had nowhere near the intangibles that Gordon has. He is also not MKG, who is subsequently being criticized for his development in a team situation that plays into all of his weaknesses offensively.

The reason i'm neutral on Gordon is because I think there are better options for drafting a superior offensive talent, which is what this team needs more than anything else. I love Gordon's defense and I think his "floor" is great because of his versatility on both sides of the ball. But, I can build an elite defense without using an elite draft pick to do so. Offense always costs more on the market than defense and Boston will have a shot at 3 guys who almost instantaneously become their best offensive talent at their need positions.

Smart - same rules apply for Smart. I think he's a "baller" with many good qualities. he could slot in behind Rondo/Bradley in a 3-guard rotation while he develops - no problem. But, I can't bank on "spacing" in the NBA to project him into a great offensive player. He will be a fantastic role player, at minimum. I think he is like Tony Allen in many ways, though a better ball-handler and, um...not the first team All Defensive guard. Still a fiesty, plus defender and opportunistic scorer, who needs more offensive versatility to be a true two-way player.

Interesting thoughts.

For me, I have come full circle on Randle. I think he is a beast. Also, I love his attitude. I just think he would love playing for the Cs. I agree, however, that the goal if we drafted him would be to turn Sully/KO into a center via trade. Sully playing with Randle isn't the best scenario. Although it could be pretty fun.

As of now, McDermott is my target. A little high at 6, but like you said he is a lethal scorer. The problem would be a core moving forward of Rondo, McD, Green, Sully, KO. Not good defensively. Still, I think McDermott is going to be a terrific pro.

My sleeper is Smart. I love his ferocity. I think he is Tyreke Evans with a leaders attitude. I think he's gonna knock down walls when he gets to the association. For the Cs, however, not sure he's the right mix with Rondo.

Lastly, Saric, Gordon, and Vonleh all fall in the same category for me. I love aspects of each's game, but ultimately have concerns that they will put it all together and become All Star potential players. Randle, McD, and Smart all seem like they could be all stars to me with less luck involved along the way...

[Frank Lucas]

I'm starting to get the feeling that no matter what the Danny trades away this pick. I think he trades this pick away for Kevin Love or he moves the pick back in order to gain another future first round pick. I'm looking at either Philly at 10 or Orlando at 12. I really feel that Orlando at 12 would be a prime target. I could see Orlando really in the need for McDermott but they also need a bigger guard in the back court with Oladipo so they will draft Exum at 4. However they would want and need McDermott to space the floor. Either way I don't like anyone on the board at the 6th spot. But I could see someone like Gordon, Saric and even Vonleh slipping to 12. So if the Cs can get either one of those guys at 12 I could live with that, plus they would get another first round pick out of the deal.

[wetsthebed]

Like: Smart - I think with proper coaching, he can be a much better NBA player than college player. He has the size and strength to dominate pretty much every point guard he's up against. If he can stop taking so many jumpers (except in practice - he needs to take as many as he can in practice) then he can be an efficient scorer as he can get to the rim and draw contact. Plus his defense is awesome. And he's a guy who wants to be "the man." None of this Rudy Gay, Jeff Green, pussy bulls**t.

Like: Gordon - I was down on Gordon, but that's more because I still thought we had a chance at a top 3 pick before. Now that we're 6th, the chance of getting a franchise/all star player is lower and it's "okay" that Gordon is more likely to just be a really really good role player. I doubt he'll ever be a great scorer, but he can be a lockdown defender (of multiple positions) and he's got enough athleticism to find ways to score in the open court and off put-backs. He's smart too, he knows what his weaknesses are and he's actively working to correct them. That's a good sign.

Meh: Vonleh. I don't know, he can rebound and he's got long arms, he tries hard but he just seems dumb. I don't know if he understands the game enough to become Bosh-lite.

Dislike: Randle. I guess. I liked Randle at first, he was definitely a good player in college, but I can't shake the feeling that he's Brandon Bass in the NBA. He doesn't have great post moves, the few he used in college will get him lots of blocked shots in the NBA. He's pretty much a black hole too, he rarely passes out of the post. He'll be able to score off of sheer aggressiveness, but I don't know how he'd fit with a team that wasn't built around him.

Dislike: Picking skinny foreign dudes in the top 10. Darko, man. Darko. Bargnani, man. Bargnani.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9dX6IhU2tM[/youtube]

Edit: Yi, man. Yi.

[threrf23]

Like: Smart - I think with proper coaching, he can be a much better NBA player than college player. He has the size and strength to dominate pretty much every point guard he's up against. If he can stop taking so many jumpers (except in practice - he needs to take as many as he can in practice) then he can be an efficient scorer as he can get to the rim and draw contact. Plus his defense is awesome. And he's a guy who wants to be "the man." None of this Rudy Gay, Jeff Green, pussy bulls**t.

In many cases I might consider this to be a strength, in this case it is part of what worries me about him. The more he is going to try and be the man, the more important his decision-making is IMO. I have been going back and forth regarding Smart.

[celticfan42487]

I think at pick six we'll be past the players that can be franchise players. Or at least the ones that are expected to be.

In that case ideally we want someone that has an NBA skill and competitiveness.

Tier 1:

Smart: He's the most known player in this draft. He would of been pick #1 or 2 last year, he'll be pick 5 - 8 this year. He's got fire, a 6'8" wingspan and most importantly he's a driver. He has the body and shot of Tony Allen with a more reliable dribble. I don't see him playing SG as a problem. But *what better skill can make you an NBA star then driving to the hoop?* I think as a prospect that has KG like fire and the desire to drive to the hole, well that's the best NBA ready skill you can have. I'm not saying he's Dwayne Wade, but that's what made Wade wade. And it's the type of player today and the future NBA rules will favor.

Tier 2:

Vonleh: Rebounding, 7'4" wingspan which is second best in the draft. He's a Center that's a rebounder. He's the second youngest player expected to be drafted. He's taken 3s in college but isn't proficient yet (maybe Sullinger like from outside?). But that shows shooting potential that Randle hasn't. After Smart I don't think we're looking at any potential stars, so you have to look at Vonleh's offensive potential to build on what he already is. He's a Center in today's game, and that's valuable.

Randle: Rebounding, instensity. He's a bully PF who can't go right. His game will not translate to the NBA offensively. But his rebounding will. He's not an explosive athlete but he's not a slouch. I'll take someone with his rebounding though, at least we know he won't be a total bust. But he'll have to develop a jump shot from nothing if he's going to translate to the NBA... and that reality is likely the reason he's plummeted down the draft boards.

Gordon: I like the Shawn Marion comparison. He plays strong defense, can move with bigs or smalls on defense. High intensity, smart, extremely athletic, youngest expected player to be drafted. Outside of that Marion developed a shot that was highly unlikely to happen with the worst mechanics the world has ever seen. I love Gordon's character, and you're taking a chance that he does have the skill to develop into something more as he grows into his body. He may never develop past being a thin defensive role player but you'll never end up hating him as a fan kind of like Taysun Prince. And it's important as we rebuild to have high quality guys this team can rely on to build a culture. Rondo may be gone next year.


Throw my hands up and trust Ainge -- Saric. A shooter who's a competitor that plays PF in Europe but that s**** won't fly in the NBA. Maybe he's Manu Ginobili, maybe he's just Wally Z. He would be fine if he actually desired to play in the NBA. Saric's agent told us that “at this moment he believes that is better to stay in Europe for a season or two, to get a taste of the Euroleague, and then to enter the NBA when he has more experience.”

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz32cAmfh4A
http://www.draftexpress.com


Saric wants to play in Europe for 2 years, then I say he shouldn't be drafted by an NBA for 2 years. No team in the lottery should accept that ****. Maybe as a late first or second rounder. Or a if he falls to a team with two picks in the draft (Orl at 12 makes sense or us at 17).


My opinion on the future of the NBA and on the future of the Celtics: In the modern game on offense everything is backwards. You used to need bully big men in the post and little guys shooting. In today's game you need little guys who are bullys driving to the holes and you need your big men hitting mid range to 3 range shots. Evidence: Paul Pierce and LeBron playing PF on playoff teams this year. On defense one on one post defense no longer matters. You need Big men that can shot block and rebound and are agile enough to defend the pick and role. Little guys that can defend are a bonus but not neccessary.

The Celtics. We trade for Love at all costs, but it's only a 5% chance that gets done. 95% chance we keep the pick and pick a player. And Rondo doesn't stick around for a rebuild, so even though half of the teams in the NBA already have a PG and aren't interested we sell on Rondo for non significant assets. Maybe a salary dump, maybe a mid rounder in 2015 or 16. So I believe the Celtics will do a full rebuild and start from ground zero.

[celticfan42487]

Like: Smart - I think with proper coaching, he can be a much better NBA player than college player. He has the size and strength to dominate pretty much every point guard he's up against. If he can stop taking so many jumpers (except in practice - he needs to take as many as he can in practice) then he can be an efficient scorer as he can get to the rim and draw contact. Plus his defense is awesome. And he's a guy who wants to be "the man." None of this Rudy Gay, Jeff Green, pussy bulls**t.

In many cases I might consider this to be a strength, in this case it is part of what worries me about him. The more he is going to try and be the man, the more important his decision-making is IMO. I have been going back and forth regarding Smart.

Pierce spent at least 5 years with this problem. He eventually figured it out when he had real talent to win around him. Pierce also had some bad connections that lead him to almost dying.

Smart has a lot of spots, and we know there will be growing pains. But I'd rather have growing pains with Smart then the relatively walking dead that is a Jeff Green. At least Smart if his emotions are channeled properly will reach his potential.

[mos_def]

at 6, Saric is our chance at a home run. i think worst case scenario is hes a galinari clone. The kid can play.

you watch Euro basketball?

no, not a lot. but i watched the championship online and was pretty impressed. I also have seen quite a bit of both marcus smart and noah vonleh to know they will be quite mediocre in the nba.

thats cool.
would you compare him to Hedo Turkoglu

[Grahf]

I'm a big Gordon fan. His worst case scenario is Faried with better defense. I can see bits of Griffin and Rodman in his game.

[15th overall]

At #6, I want a guy who I can get excited about. Even if he ends up a bust, I want a player who I really feel has at least a chance of being a top 5 player from this class. So the players I'd LIKE are:

× || Aaron Gordon - Not buying that he has the potential to be the best player out of this draft, like I've read in a couple places.. see him more as a culture defining, kick ass role player who could end up a high end #3. So there's some hypocrisy in making this pick, but whatever.

× || Dario Saric - Way bigger boom/bust factor than Gordon. Really impressed with this kid's offensive game, if he can hit the 3 consistantly, he's gonna BEAST. I think he's got the highest Binky potential.. would be a really fun player to follow. His old man scares me, Hockey Dad from hell.

× || Jusuf Nurkic - We need a big man and this guy has the potential to be an offensive cornerstone if things were to fall into place. I find him to be a more exciting big man prospect than Noah Vonleh.



Guys that would make me feel like this was absolutely a wasted season, are:

× || Noah Vonleh - Really nothing against him as a prospect.. I just find it really hard to get excited about holding this kid's hand for a few seasons, waiting for him to breakout. If we're gonna have a longterm prospect he's gotta have some serious potential that I'm not convinced Vonleh has.

× || Julius Randle - A PF that I'm not convinced will be better than Sully and is also "defensively challenged?" Not at all interested.

× || Gary Harris - Generic College Player #12. A true boner-shrinker.

[One Love]

Smart or Vonleh...

[One Love]

Smart or Vonleh...

[ryaningf]

I too think LaVine is a potential major steal. I wouldn't take him 6, but def in the lotto cause he has many flaws still right now. But this -- "I wouldn't touch him in the lottery and I don't expect him to be a playoff ready rotation-caliber player for at least 5-7 years." ?! Come on Ryaningf lol..

He's a 19 year old rail thin SG with 2 skills--shooting and elite athleticism--and very real concerns about his understanding of the game. It took Gerald Green 7-8 years to put it all together and if Lavine becomes a player it's going to be a long process. You'd really trust him in a playoff game within the next 4 years? Good luck with that.

You can say that about any kid in this draft. What did Parker and Wiggins do in their last game of the season in the tournament? Neither one of them had a Carmelo type moment leading their team to a long championship run. So can we count on them to be NBA playoff ready in 4 years? We don't know, all I'm saying is that I rather take Lavine over the players you guys are suggesting at 6. I think Lavine draft stock will got up as the draft process goes on.

No, I can't. Parker and Wiggins both have NBA ready skills (scoring and man defense, respectively). Both have NBA ready bodies (Parker needs to be more fit but he's well-developed muscularly). Embiid, Gordon, Smart, Randle, and many others have grown man bodies and are ready to bang around other men in an NBA setting over the course of 82 games. All those guys have at least one NBA skill RIGHT NOW and thus could get rotation minutes on Day 1 based on that skill...

Lavine is 180. He's a bean pole. Needs to add at least 30 lbs to withstand an NBA season as a rotation player. Not only is he physically immature, his emotional and mental immaturity is probably the more pressing problem. I keep telling you I think he's way too thin and too dumb to warrant a pick at 6 and all I'm hearing is crickets from you. I ask you again: what do you see from Lavine that makes you think he's going to develop his basketball intelligence? Do you think he knows the game already? Do you think he can do anything besides shoot and jump high?

Lavine has one thing going for him: he's an NBA athlete and probably in the top 2% in that category. But there's more to basketball than athleticism and when it comes to skills, understanding, and physicality, Lavine is just way behind. Not saying he can't develop--Gerald Green developed in time and that's where the comparison comes from and it's favorable IMO--but when you're 19, super thin and somewhat dim you're looking at 5-7 years of hard work and dedication to your craft before you become something. If I'm taking someone in the lottery, I need my guy to possess at least ONE NBA ready skill before I even think of biting on him.

[LuckyLeprichan]

At #6 I much prefer gambling on potential then taking "sure things". Guys like Randle are going to be slightly better or slightly worse than Sullinger. Translation: They are easily replaced in trades and FA. Guys like Vonleh might bust, in which case you'll be out from their contracts after 2 years without much lost, or they might reach their potential in which case you've made a major impact on your franchise.

Going with guys like Randle is how you stay mediocre. It takes gambling for star talent to get out of the mediocrity trap.

Taking risks on guys like Rondo and Sullinger (bad back) is what Ainge is all about. It doesn't always work out (see Fab Melo), but when it doesn't, it's not that big a deal. When it does, we're in a much better position as a franchise.

In short, Vonleh is my first choice. I like Smart too. Randle doesn't interest me much.

[darrendaye]

Still researching and formulating opinions, so some of these might change as we get closer to the event. However, I do think sometimes people get too caught up with the reaching aspect. As DX recently has and others have espoused historically, it's a matter of getting the guy you want and getting him in a good situation for his development. If you pick a higher "rated" guy but don't have a clear plan to develop him, it can go for naught, especially in a draft that, while deep, has a host of players who need time to develop critical aspects of their game before they will be able to help you more than hurt you in winning playoff games. So, my dislikes come more from that place than necessarily a repulsion.

Likes
Smart - while not ideal, I do believe there is room for a second ball-handler with somewhat questionable outside shot. Doc was never able to incorporate Tony Allen. Now was that problem caused by Ainge or Doc Rivers? I don't know for sure, but I do believe it's possible to run an offense that can result in neither Rondo nor another of the 5 out there with him, being forced to take a long shot with the shot clock winding down. Especially with perimeter bigs to augment. As the team further evolves, a decision might have to be made between Rondo and Smart if they get a starter level center who does not have a perimeter game to speak of. But as I and others have stated, outside of getting Love, and even WITH getting him, the roster is not likely to take it's more permanent shape for a couple of years.

Saric - I'm not evaluating the off the court stuff here, which while foolish, is also pragmatic because I'm not in a position to reasonably do so, and neither are you. If Ainge takes it, it will have to wait some time before anyone can say, "I told you so." With other PF prospects the issue is too much replication to what's already here. Sure someone can be moved, but, if that option doesn't present itself, someone's development is being hampered. Saric works with the present roster construction because of the ball-handling and passing ability. You can envision Jeff Green at the 2 and his sub-par passing skill if you have a SF who is quite effective at it. Green also helps to mask the defensive issues a bit, if he is motivated to give the effort to help and recover. Also a defensive center goes a long way.

Nurkic - I've written books already about my love for the guy. I'll give you guys a break and let others do it.

Like, but lukewarm
McDermott - you can make a case that even with the current roster construction, he can function as a super sub. In my prospect series I mentioned that I love his activity level, so I think he can slide in well as a scorer in a number of unit combinations. But, if you are looking at the bigger picture, his terrible production in assist, steals, blocks, makes him someone who loses some of his benefit for you if the other players around him can't produce these facets "in spades" to compensate.

Gordon - similar to McDermott, insofaras the underlying issue of what's around him. Without breaking down his pros and cons, which we've discussed in other threads, he's another guy who you might have a hard time projecting his fit in a starting lineup with the roster what it currently is. Jeff Green and Avery Bradley aren't going to see him open early enough to swing the ball and get him high percentage shots. It's feasible to believe that Ainge can get a backup SG that might, if he comes off the bench as a super-sub.

T.J. Warren - I think this still would universally be considered a reach. However early reports are that he is killing it in 3 on 3 play in workouts and that might be enough to start propelling him into the late lottery and, while still a reach, won't be as egregious. Somewhat similar to my take on Smart, as long as you can coach him to look for good shots and pass away when not presented, I believe you can have two sub-par shooters out there together (there are two sides of the basket in which to attack after all). Better chance he can be a top 2 scorer than Smart, but he's in my "lukewarm" category because he has more holes in his game.

Dislikes:
Randle and Vonleh - value wise they certainly can go at this spot without blinking an eye. But, reference the bolded and italicized part in the Saric breakdown. Vonleh I go back and forth on, I do think he is capable of playing the C, but with how far his awareness needs to come, right now it's too much to overcome. A trade of Sully or Olynyk makes these guys better options, but the trade better be because Ainge was targeting the player he acquires with the sending team really coveting Sully or Olynyk. Otherwise, it goes against Ainge's mantra of getting max value for his assets.

[165bows]

LIKE:

Saric - I've been digesting film on this guy like a beast. He is a complete offensive player with excellent help defensive ability and two position versatility. He's played against vastly superior basketball competition for a longer period of time than any prospect in this draft and he's done more with less in terms of talent on his team. His developmental progress over the past 12 months has been outstanding and he is only 20 years old. He is a versatile offensive player with a scorers mentality and a great feel for the game.

People question his "athleticism" when they are really only talking about his vertical lift and first step. He has all the other athletic attributes to be a terrific offensive player, including his passing, which is supreme for a 6'10 guy. With real talent around him in a system where the ball moves and player's are able to create spacing, he will be a stud. This kid is my #1 target at 6, hands down.

What's your opinion of how he is going to progress as a shooter? I like him a lot after watching a couple of games online. As you said, he's playing against older and likely better competition, and I like that he's shown he can play major minutes as a feature guy. I do feel like a lot of his ceiling will be determined by how consistent his long range shot is. I'm hoping part of his lower percentages are due to his team relying on him so much.

[Gant]

A few observations on this discussion:

The poll shows what could be considered an effective five way tie- or close enough. Saric has less likes just because people (like myself) don't know much about him and didn't vote his way just for that.

Smart, Gordon, Randle, Vonleh, and Saric all have advocates for well stated reasons, and they all have real potential negatives too.


The other thing is position. For the Celtics, the downside of this very deep draft is that the top 3 players were in clear positions of need, 4 if you count Exum as an off guard.

But where Boston picks, most of the best candidates are in the two positions of strength- point guard and power forward. There are a number of guys that you hope can tween their way into another place on the floor, but who knows? This creates an extra level of difficulty in making the choice.


Sooooo, if Danny Ainge keeps this pick, he's going to earn his money making this selection, and Brad Stevens will earn his afterwards.

There should be a few sizable trades anyway this summer, so it could all work out fine.

[UGA Hayes]

I like vonleh the most. He definitely has flaws, but imo he does not have to improve much on o to be a stud.

Don't really dislike any of the other options either. I feel outside of Wiggins it's a pretty safe top of the draft

[TheOGJabroni]

I read an article about the top guys in the draft by Ryen Russillo and in it, I read a really interesting quote, that makes too much sense to me. I'm paraphrasing here but he basically said, "You're not winning championships with role players or #4 or 5 starters. You win with superstars. So even if a GM believes that Parker will be a very good NBA player, a potential all star who is also more NBA ready right now than Wiggins, if that GM believes that Wiggins will hit his max potential, which is higher than Parker's with the belief he could be a top 10 NBA player, they are taking Wiggins because he is the difference maker, the potential superstar."

Now, that isn't necessarily my belief in terms of Wiggins vs Parker, but that mindset should apply when you're picking in the lottery, especially at the very top. I'm swinging for the fences. Look what OKC did by drafting Russell Westbrook way ahead of when most people had him on their draft boards. That is the perfect example.

Out of the guys listed, this is the order I select them in. Judging them strictly on their upside potential:
Smart
Vonleh
Gordon
Randle
McDermott

I left out Saric because I honestly just don't know enough about him to judge.

This philosophy could get GMs fired, but I don't see Ainge going anywhere anytime soon. He has the resume to take risks, unlike most GMs in the league.

[VeryMuchWoke]

My Board is:

1. Embiid - Obvious number 1 to me, if the back is okay.
2. Exum - Like the size+playmaking
3. Wiggins - Can't pass on that potential.
4. Parker - The lack of D ability concerns me. He was benched in the NCAA tourney because he couldn't defend anyone. I'm tempted to drop him a few spots.
5. Smart - Star potential, just needs to develop PG instincts and work on his shot. Since he can defend the 2 this won't hold back his development.
6. Nurkic - I don't think you reach and take him at 6, but I'd love to see us grab the #8-#12 pick and grab this guy.
7. Vonleh - Interesting combination of size and shooting ability. He's got bust potential, but could be a really nice starting PF/C.
8. Randolph - Bad fit for us with Sully and a bunch of other PFs. His inability to make good reads when he's double and triple teamed concerns me. If I were working him out I'd try to get a handle on whether or not he's capable of making the right play. That said he could be BPA at 6 if Smart is gone.
9. McDermott - He will be productive in the league, but probably nothing more than a role player. Best case scenario he's an efficient 21ppg guy with below average D.
10. Gordon - Looks like a great high character guy to have, but the FT% scares the **** out of me,

I didn't include Saric because I haven't seen enough to place him but he's probably somewhere between Parker and Randolph.