RealGM 2015 Fan Forum Mock Draft - BOS #16

[Slartibartfast]

I just can't get excited about Portis the more I learn about him. Mid-range shooting + hustle + good PF size is nice but we kind of have a lot of that already. Dekker for me from those options.

[165bows]

I voted for Cam Payne, but I could go with either him or Jerian Grant and be thrilled with it.

Portis is okay to me, but I really think he's going to have a year like Noah Vonleh, where he sits the bench and doesn't do much year one. That shot is REALLY long. Takes too long. I think he'll end up suffering a bit because of the NBA closeout speed. It'll be up to him to learn how to drive close outs. He can put the ball on the deck a bit though.

Payne has good athleticism and has great measureables for a guy his size. People need to stop comparing him to Elfrid Payton though. They are worlds apart as players. It's very hard to stay in front of Payton. Payne's first step isn't as quick. Payne is a significantly better shooter, and might end up being the better player because of that. Payton's vision and defense are also both better. They both have legit hair.

Jerian Grant also has great athleticism. I really like his potential as a two-way combo guard next to Smart. You want the ball to move in this offense, and I don't think Grant would have any trouble with that.

EDIT: I forgot to post this point, but it needs to be repeated: If the Celtics keep this pick and this is how the board plays out you gotta think they take someone they believe can make an impact from day 1. Reason for that? They're trading the pick eventually to someone else. They need someone they can showcase now, not a year from now. I think Portis needs to grow into the NBA game more than the other two guys, and I'll even add Justin Anderson to that list because I think he can at least defend multiple positions right now. I think Grant can body up at least 1's and 2's. Anderson can go 3's and 4's probably. Extremely valuable skill that's immediately transferable. I don't know if you can make the same argument for Portis.

Agree about it being someone that is able to contribute sooner rather than later. Don't really agree on the Vonleh comp as far as readiness though. Vonleh was super young for a freshman and was a low minutes/high foul guy in his one year in Indiana, he had twice the foul and TO rate that Portis did. Portis is a lot more polished.

[Smitty731]

I just can't get excited about Portis the more I learn about him. Mid-range shooting + hustle + good PF size is nice but we kind of have a lot of that already. Dekker for me from those options.

Agreed. The Celtics don't need another PF, unless one of the ones they already have are going out. I'd take Dekker out of the options. A scoring SF would fit the Celtics nicely.

[ryaningf]

I just can't get excited about Portis the more I learn about him. Mid-range shooting + hustle + good PF size is nice but we kind of have a lot of that already. Dekker for me from those options.

Agreed. The Celtics don't need another PF, unless one of the ones they already have are going out. I'd take Dekker out of the options. A scoring SF would fit the Celtics nicely.

What does Dekker give you that Jerebko doesn't?

Dekker & Portis are redundant. I could be talked into Portis because of his motor and want-to on defense but he's not in my top 5 of available guys (according to this mock, anyway).

If no sliders, I like taking a PG at 16. I personally took Jerian Grant, but anyone out of Payne or Jones or even Wright (who is a reach at 16) would be fine by me. We need size in the backcourt with sub 6 foot IT, 6'1" AB, and 6'3" Smart, so that's what points me to Grant (or Wright at 28), somebody with true PG instincts as well as spot up shooting ability. Invariably we're going to move on from IT at some point and Smart's not a true PG and Bradley isn't either so what we could really use would be a good PG to match with Smart who can also spot up shoot when the time comes that we start using Smart outta P&R more.

If not a PG, then I'm inclined to take a chance on Justin Anderson.

[Slartibartfast]

I just can't get excited about Portis the more I learn about him. Mid-range shooting + hustle + good PF size is nice but we kind of have a lot of that already. Dekker for me from those options.

Agreed. The Celtics don't need another PF, unless one of the ones they already have are going out. I'd take Dekker out of the options. A scoring SF would fit the Celtics nicely.

What does Dekker give you that Jerebko doesn't?

Dekker & Portis are redundant. I could be talked into Portis because of his motor and want-to on defense but he's not in my top 5 of available guys (according to this mock, anyway).

If no sliders, I like taking a PG at 16. I personally took Jerian Grant, but anyone out of Payne or Jones or even Wright (who is a reach at 16) would be fine by me. We need size in the backcourt with sub 6 foot IT, 6'1" AB, and 6'3" Smart, so that's what points me to Grant (or Wright at 28), somebody with true PG instincts as well as spot up shooting ability. Invariably we're going to move on from IT at some point and Smart's not a true PG and Bradley isn't either so what we could really use would be a good PG to match with Smart who can also spot up shoot when the time comes that we start using Smart outta P&R more.

If not a PG, then I'm inclined to take a chance on Justin Anderson.

I really like Jonas and I think his skillset is very valuable - I think injuries and team turmoil sort of robbed him of his young prime. But he's 28 and a free agent. I don't think he makes much sense for this team.

And I don't think Dekker is at all redundant with Portis. Dekker is an athletic combo forward with established 3-point range and enough skill to play the 3. Portis is a big 4 with mid-range.

I think Dekker is a tough fit with AB/Smart because you want a great creator next to those two, but I think he'll end up as a more valuable NBA commodity than Portis. And he'll definitely fill more of a need on this team in the IMHO likely event that Jerebko and Bass leave.

[ryaningf]

Agreed. The Celtics don't need another PF, unless one of the ones they already have are going out. I'd take Dekker out of the options. A scoring SF would fit the Celtics nicely.

What does Dekker give you that Jerebko doesn't?

Dekker & Portis are redundant. I could be talked into Portis because of his motor and want-to on defense but he's not in my top 5 of available guys (according to this mock, anyway).

If no sliders, I like taking a PG at 16. I personally took Jerian Grant, but anyone out of Payne or Jones or even Wright (who is a reach at 16) would be fine by me. We need size in the backcourt with sub 6 foot IT, 6'1" AB, and 6'3" Smart, so that's what points me to Grant (or Wright at 28), somebody with true PG instincts as well as spot up shooting ability. Invariably we're going to move on from IT at some point and Smart's not a true PG and Bradley isn't either so what we could really use would be a good PG to match with Smart who can also spot up shoot when the time comes that we start using Smart outta P&R more.

If not a PG, then I'm inclined to take a chance on Justin Anderson.

I really like Jonas and I think his skillset is very valuable - I think injuries and team turmoil sort of robbed him of his young prime. But he's 28 and a free agent. I don't think he makes much sense for this team.

And I don't think Dekker is at all redundant with Portis. Dekker is an athletic combo forward with established 3-point range and enough skill to play the 3. Portis is a big 4 with mid-range.

I think Dekker is a tough fit with AB/Smart because you want a great creator next to those two, but I think he'll end up as a more valuable NBA commodity than Portis. And he'll definitely fill more of a need on this team in the IMHO likely event that Jerebko and Bass leave.

Well-reasoned as always but the point I was getting at was: if Dekker is basically a younger Jerebko, what's the point? We both like what Jerebko brings to the table but if all we're doing with our first pick is--best case scenario--maintaining the status quo and retaining our 8th man in a younger body then I don't think we're doing enough. Why not retain Jerebko and fill another hole? I've broached this before and while I understand that reaching for stardom between 11-20 is a recipe for a crap pick (see James Young) I think that's the play here. I did not like Looney at all watching him this year at UCLA (I like the idea of him just fine--but the reality of watching him was yuck) and Christian Wood is years away from anything but those 2 are exciting my taste buds while Dekker just makes me what to die a little on the inside.

Jones and Payne would also be better picks IMO. Fill a need and have potential for stardom. I go with Grant because of size and because he fits Smart and AB better.

I also understand not wanting 4 rookies on the roster but consolidating picks to move up a couple spots to get Turner or Portis is another instance where I wonder if keeping 4 bullets in the chamber isn't the higher percentage play, something that gives us the best chance at finding an overlooked gem. Frankly, the guys from 25-45 are looking better and better everyday to me than Portis et al. What we're seeing at 16 is meh. Take the 4 best guys, bring them all to summer league, have at least one international guy in there, and figure it out in training camp if you have to...we've wasted a roster spot on Pressey for how many years, it's not like we can't find room if we wanted to. If we're going to consolidate, use the glut at PF, #16, and our 4 first rounders in 2016 to move into the lottery.

[Slartibartfast]

What does Dekker give you that Jerebko doesn't?

Dekker & Portis are redundant. I could be talked into Portis because of his motor and want-to on defense but he's not in my top 5 of available guys (according to this mock, anyway).

If no sliders, I like taking a PG at 16. I personally took Jerian Grant, but anyone out of Payne or Jones or even Wright (who is a reach at 16) would be fine by me. We need size in the backcourt with sub 6 foot IT, 6'1" AB, and 6'3" Smart, so that's what points me to Grant (or Wright at 28), somebody with true PG instincts as well as spot up shooting ability. Invariably we're going to move on from IT at some point and Smart's not a true PG and Bradley isn't either so what we could really use would be a good PG to match with Smart who can also spot up shoot when the time comes that we start using Smart outta P&R more.

If not a PG, then I'm inclined to take a chance on Justin Anderson.

I really like Jonas and I think his skillset is very valuable - I think injuries and team turmoil sort of robbed him of his young prime. But he's 28 and a free agent. I don't think he makes much sense for this team.

And I don't think Dekker is at all redundant with Portis. Dekker is an athletic combo forward with established 3-point range and enough skill to play the 3. Portis is a big 4 with mid-range.

I think Dekker is a tough fit with AB/Smart because you want a great creator next to those two, but I think he'll end up as a more valuable NBA commodity than Portis. And he'll definitely fill more of a need on this team in the IMHO likely event that Jerebko and Bass leave.

Well-reasoned as always but the point I was getting at was: if Dekker is basically a younger Jerebko, what's the point? We both like what Jerebko brings to the table but if all we're doing with our first pick is--best case scenario--maintaining the status quo and retaining our 8th man in a younger body then I don't think we're doing enough. Why not retain Jerebko and fill another hole? I've broached this before and while I understand that reaching for stardom between 11-20 is a recipe for a crap pick (see James Young) I think that's the play here. I did not like Looney at all watching him this year at UCLA (I like the idea of him just fine--but the reality of watching him was yuck) and Christian Wood is years away from anything but those 2 are exciting my taste buds while Dekker just makes me what to die a little on the inside.

Jones and Payne would also be better picks IMO. Fill a need and have potential for stardom. I go with Grant because of size and because he fits Smart and AB better.

I also understand not wanting 4 rookies on the roster but consolidating picks to move up a couple spots to get Turner or Portis is another instance where I wonder if keeping 4 bullets in the chamber isn't the higher percentage play, something that gives us the best chance at finding an overlooked gem. Frankly, the guys from 25-45 are looking better and better everyday to me than Portis et al. What we're seeing at 16 is meh. Take the 4 best guys, bring them all to summer league, have at least one international guy in there, and figure it out in training camp if you have to...we've wasted a roster spot on Pressey for how many years, it's not like we can't find room if we wanted to. If we're going to consolidate, use the glut at PF, #16, and our 4 first rounders in 2016 to move into the lottery.

I agree that the 16 field is pretty meh and would love to swing for the fences, but I don't think a single one of the options given is a swing for the fences type pick. Dekker is the guy I have most confidence turning into one of those highly coveted Spurs/Warriors/Hawks glue guys that can do a little bit of everything, play up tempo, contribute with and without the ball and guard multiple positions.

As for keeping all 4 bullets in the chamber, it sounds pretty good in a vacuum, but we don't have a lot of minutes to go around and summer league doesn't show much. I'm all for trading up or trading out.

[Bad-Thoma]

Seems like a situation where the Celtics would likely trade the pick (or trade one of their players for another pick)

Portis is pretty slow, I'm not sure if him being the best defensive big is saying much for us.

Cameron is probably the sexiest pick here, but Delon Wright seems more practical for the Celtics needs. 6'5 natural PG while the Celtics have a bunch of combo guards. He'd be able to fit in with pretty much any backcourt combination. We could finally get rid of Pessy, and we could trade Evan Turner who's stock is going to be the highest it's been since he was drafted.

I'm gonna vote for Delon Wright.

Portis is slow? Where you getting that from? The only knock on his athleticism is he plays below the rim but he has great mobility for a big and he uses 100% of it. Just curious where you are getting that.

[ddb]

The following choices have been made by other fan forums...

1 MIN Karl Anthony Towns
2 LAL Jahlil Okafor
3 PHI D'Angelo Russell
4 NYK Emmanuel Mudiay
5 ORL Justise Winslow
6 SAC Willie Cauley-Stein
7 DEN Mario Hezonja
8 DET Stanley Johnson
9 CHA Kristaps Porzingis
10 MIA Devin Booker
11 IND Trey Lyles
12 UTA Myles Turner
13 PHX Frank Kaminsky
14 OKC Kelly Oubre
15 ATL Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
16 BOS
17 MIL
18 HOU
19 WAS
20 TOR
21 DAL
22 CHI
23 POR
24 CLE
25 MEM
26 SAS
27 LAL
28 BOS
29 BKN 
30 GSW

I can confirm that there's a 0% chance Porzingis makes it out of the Top 5. First mistake by the board right there.

[[EverGreen]]

Based on the scenario I'd take Portis but with serious consideration for Dekker.

With that said, that's only based on the scenario. History shows that when you pick in the teens there is always a guy that slips for whatever reason (look at Sullinger for example). I think we are still need to focus on gathering talent at this point.

[Kefa461]

We trade up and get Stanley Johnson.........

[Fidel Sarcasmo]

I feel Mudiay has the biggest bust potential at the higher end of the draft. I'm looking at his shooting form and it's really messed up. He's going to have to put in a ton of work to correct that shot. Not an over night fix

[humblebum]

I'm with ryaningf on pretty much everything (Dekker vs. Jonas, who's a keeper, IMO... Portis, who you kind of talked me out of a while back... ) right up until Jerian Grant, who I think duplicates Smart too much and I worry about how he translates in terms of his efficiency, role, etc. Tyus Jones or Cameron Payne is the play if that is what the draft looks like ahead of the Celtics. Justin Anderson makes me think long and hard though, and taking a PG would almost be contingent on being able to go and get Justin Anderson by moving up from 28 (though Jarell Martin would be a decent consolation, that or a young Euro big if you missed on Anderson, someone like Jaiteh or Hermangomez).

Tyus Jones and Justin Anderson would be like re-creating the vibe he had with Winslow. And I think Smart could slide into that off guard spot seemlessly. My one concern is that it creates a glut of small guards... but I think there was a reason Stevens had to continuously attempt to insert Phil Pressey. The Celtics need another slick shooter/dribbler/creator on the floor, and while Phil has diminutive size and scoring weapons "he makes things happen". When you play read and react, you need initiators who can break a defense down and start that chain reaction... both Payne and Jones offer you that when you need to switch up the pace from the grind house style of Smart or Turner on the ball.

Also helps to have rugged defenders like Crowder if you're going smaller at the PG spot. I think Smart and Bradley can split time at off guard and Bradley is humble enough to fill a role and do whatever is asked of him.

I can't help but wonder about moving up though, which makes all this a bit murky. I'd love to have my cake and eat it too, if I'm being perfectly honest. Something like Sullinger/Turner/28/33/45 and a future pick to move up and grab Winslow/WCS/Johnson/Turner and then grab Jones at 16.

[brackdan70]

Damn I really hope we trade up.