2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Bill Lumbergh]

We're really not mentally sharp today. Good thing is, we can turn it up in the second half.

[playa-hater]

Guys , please no draft and stash player at 14.. We are one good player away from possibly multiple championships We need the most ready and step in player..

*unless Boston signs a FA, which is possible but unlikely with their Cap..

[playa-hater]

Is it just me or is there a number of prospects with wonky shooting mechanics in this draft? I feel like you can't get away with ugly form in today's league.

It's not just you and I say stay away from them,, Too hard to change Muscle memory after a certain age.

[Cuban Pete]

Not involving Celtics, but still interesting, since I think it'll be interesting to see what GS does with their #2 pick. Saw this on a mock (think it was Fan Sided). Maybe a pick too many for the Knicks to give up, but still a basically reasonable framework to start from.

Knicks trade:
Julius Randle
#8 Pick 2020 NBA Draft
#27 Pick NBA Draft
2022 First round pick

GS trades:
#2 Pick

GS would have to give up a player to make the dollars match. The Knicks are dumb but they wouldn't take Klay. GS won't give up Green. That leaves Andrew Wiggins. That is a lot to give up for Randle. If GS trades with anyone, it would be the Bucks.

[Cuban Pete]

With all this Carey talk, my faves are Azubuike and Reed.

[Bill Lumbergh]

Not involving Celtics, but still interesting, since I think it'll be interesting to see what GS does with their #2 pick. Saw this on a mock (think it was Fan Sided). Maybe a pick too many for the Knicks to give up, but still a basically reasonable framework to start from.

Knicks trade:
Julius Randle
#8 Pick 2020 NBA Draft
#27 Pick NBA Draft
2022 First round pick

GS trades:
#2 Pick

GS would have to give up a player to make the dollars match. The Knicks are dumb but they wouldn't take Klay. GS won't give up Green. That leaves Andrew Wiggins. That is a lot to give up for Randle. If GS trades with anyone, it would be the Bucks.

I am thinking that maybe Randle could fit into GS’s trade exception as a separate trade, and do the pick swaps in another, but I am not sure if that is possible or not.

[djFan71]

Not involving Celtics, but still interesting, since I think it'll be interesting to see what GS does with their #2 pick. Saw this on a mock (think it was Fan Sided). Maybe a pick too many for the Knicks to give up, but still a basically reasonable framework to start from.

Knicks trade:
Julius Randle
#8 Pick 2020 NBA Draft
#27 Pick NBA Draft
2022 First round pick

GS trades:
#2 Pick

GS would have to give up a player to make the dollars match. The Knicks are dumb but they wouldn't take Klay. GS won't give up Green. That leaves Andrew Wiggins. That is a lot to give up for Randle. If GS trades with anyone, it would be the Bucks.

I am thinking that maybe Randle could fit into GS’s trade exception as a separate trade, and do the pick swaps in another, but I am not sure if that is possible or not.

Their TPE is ~$17.2M and Randle makes $18.9M next year, so it just misses on working.

[Fencer reregistered]

I'm fine with deciding that we've picked a team direction, which is positionless/switch-everything, and drafting accordingly. But is wing then the biggest need, or is it bigger-ball-handler?

damn I love this thread and so many great reads.. Just too much to catch up on...

*But for me, I believe the single most important Position in Today's NBA is a solid wing player.. a 2-3 or even a 3-4.. A wing player is suited to be athletic enough to switch on a smaller faster guard, while being tall/long enough to recover on Bigs.. EVERYTHING todays is based on taking advantage of matchups created by PNRs..

So based on that theory, I want Boston to draft any of these players at 14.. not necessary in order.

Pat Williams (3-4) a strongly built switch everything player who can probably guard 2-5 on switches.

Devin Vassell (2-3) the perfect 3-D prospect.. Someone who doesn't need the ball a lot ut make other pay for trapping tatum/Brown/Kemba

Nesmith (2-3) best shooter and good defender.. Probably the biggest make up payer of this class.

- - - - - - - -- - - - slighty less

Saddiq Bey. (3-4) maybe the most ready to step in player who can also shoot and defend..

I imagine anyone of these players playing along side Tatum/Brown at the same time if Hayward is gone or coming in for any of those 3 if GH stays another year..

Boston would still have great switch-ability defense with the perfect compliment of GO-TO scorers and role players..

[winsomme2]

Guys , please no draft and stash player at 14.. We are one good player away from possibly multiple championships We need the most ready and step in player..

*unless Boston signs a FA, which is possible but unlikely with their Cap..

I completely agree. The time is now.

Plus, I'm pretty certain when we look back at this draft, there are going to have been several high level players that were available there.

Scouting is so important this year given how close so many prospects are and it's that much harder given the cancelled tournament and limited in person workouts that are surely to be scaled back.

This is a draft where Danny really needs to make his money.

I'd really like them to potentially consolidate and move up to get someone they REALLY want.

Adding another high level two way player sets this team up for a solid run for the next 5 years. Pretty exciting.

Right now, I'm focused on Patrick Williams, Cole Anthony, and Tyrese Maxey. All could be off the table though. BUT that means other solid prospects would have to drop.

At 14 instead of 17 we are in a really nice position to grab someone who unexpectedly drops....Isaac Okoro seems like someone who could fit that profile.

[winsomme2]

Does RJ Hampton remind anyone of Dante Exum?

Long lanky PG/SG with tons of athletic potential but unclear shooting ability.

That's who I'm seeing right now.

[Scoonie]

Does RJ Hampton remind anyone of Dante Exum?

Long lanky PG/SG with tons of athletic potential but unclear shooting ability.

Yes, they even look alike.

[snowman]

Guys, I'm telling you we don't have a roster spot problem. We do have a salary problem, but that is a different thread. We have 3 1st's, so:
1) We do not guarantee Green's salary for next season, let him walk and with the 14th pick, replace him with Saddiq Bey, Aaron Nesmith or Devin Vassell, to provide real shooting and more size off the bench. A definite upgrade there.
2) We either trade Edwards and cash for a future 2nd or don't resign Wannamaker. Either of them are easily replaceable with one of the pg's still on the board. So, with the 26th pick we choose either Lewis, Maledon, Jones or Mannion, all will be an upgrade. Brad seems to love Wannamaker, so Edwards and cash to cover his salary should be moved.
3) We trade Poirier and a future 2nd, since his salary is higher, for a future 2nd or don't pick up Semi's option. Brad seems to love Semi, but I don't think we need both Semi and Grant, even though Semi seems to be quicker than Grant, Semi doesn't have Grant BBIQ. So, with the 26th pick, we replace Poirier with either Nnaji, Oturu, or Carey. All would be an upgrade there also.

I have put in bold the picks I would love to see.

[KJStark23]

Watch on YouTube

[djFan71]

I'm fine with deciding that we've picked a team direction, which is positionless/switch-everything, and drafting accordingly. But is wing then the biggest need, or is it bigger-ball-handler?

damn I love this thread and so many great reads.. Just too much to catch up on...

*But for me, I believe the single most important Position in Today's NBA is a solid wing player.. a 2-3 or even a 3-4.. A wing player is suited to be athletic enough to switch on a smaller faster guard, while being tall/long enough to recover on Bigs.. EVERYTHING todays is based on taking advantage of matchups created by PNRs..

So based on that theory, I want Boston to draft any of these players at 14.. not necessary in order.

Pat Williams (3-4) a strongly built switch everything player who can probably guard 2-5 on switches.

Devin Vassell (2-3) the perfect 3-D prospect.. Someone who doesn't need the ball a lot ut make other pay for trapping tatum/Brown/Kemba

Nesmith (2-3) best shooter and good defender.. Probably the biggest make up payer of this class.

- - - - - - - -- - - - slighty less

Saddiq Bey. (3-4) maybe the most ready to step in player who can also shoot and defend..

I imagine anyone of these players playing along side Tatum/Brown at the same time if Hayward is gone or coming in for any of those 3 if GH stays another year..

Boston would still have great switch-ability defense with the perfect compliment of GO-TO scorers and role players..

Danny always goes BPA. Then we think he'll sort it out later with some trades. Then he doesn't.

[Dogen]

So this CBA mock: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-mock-draft-knicks-trade-up-to-land-lamelo-ball-timberwolves-select-anthony-edwards-with-top-pick/

Celtics have JT, JB, and Hayward next year, with Langford waiting in the wings, and this draft basically suggests 3 6'7 wings?

I get the BPA and the stash, but if we're keeping two, I would think one would be PG help, a la #14/#26 comination of Bey/Maledon, Maxey/Green, or Achuiwa/Maledon.

I don't know much about the stashables, like Bolmaro. If he's the kind of guy that will help me forget about Tyler Herro, I'm listening though.

[playa-hater]

I'm fine with deciding that we've picked a team direction, which is positionless/switch-everything, and drafting accordingly. But is wing then the biggest need, or is it bigger-ball-handler?

damn I love this thread and so many great reads.. Just too much to catch up on...

*But for me, I believe the single most important Position in Today's NBA is a solid wing player.. a 2-3 or even a 3-4.. A wing player is suited to be athletic enough to switch on a smaller faster guard, while being tall/long enough to recover on Bigs.. EVERYTHING todays is based on taking advantage of matchups created by PNRs..

So based on that theory, I want Boston to draft any of these players at 14.. not necessary in order.

Pat Williams (3-4) a strongly built switch everything player who can probably guard 2-5 on switches.

Devin Vassell (2-3) the perfect 3-D prospect.. Someone who doesn't need the ball a lot ut make other pay for trapping tatum/Brown/Kemba

Nesmith (2-3) best shooter and good defender.. Probably the biggest make up payer of this class.

- - - - - - - -- - - - slighty less

Saddiq Bey. (3-4) maybe the most ready to step in player who can also shoot and defend..

I imagine anyone of these players playing along side Tatum/Brown at the same time if Hayward is gone or coming in for any of those 3 if GH stays another year..

Boston would still have great switch-ability defense with the perfect compliment of GO-TO scorers and role players..

I am a bit confused by what you mean at ball handler. Do you mean a PG? I know Kemba is small, but I love Smart when he plays backup PG because of his size and switch-ability.

* As I have already expressed, I love Wings. they can play and defend multiple positions. I want a wing because there is such a BIG drop off when Tatum and/or Brown goes out.. Hayward may or may not be there long. Semi isn't good and Romeo Langford looks like a talented 18 year old who will still need a year or learning the NBA game.

who do you have in mind as a "bigger ball handler" ?

[playa-hater]

Guys , please no draft and stash player at 14.. We are one good player away from possibly multiple championships We need the most ready and step in player..

*unless Boston signs a FA, which is possible but unlikely with their Cap..

I completely agree. The time is now.

Plus, I'm pretty certain when we look back at this draft, there are going to have been several high level players that were available there.

Scouting is so important this year given how close so many prospects are and it's that much harder given the cancelled tournament and limited in person workouts that are surely to be scaled back.

This is a draft where Danny really needs to make his money.

I'd really like them to potentially consolidate and move up to get someone they REALLY want.

Adding another high level two way player sets this team up for a solid run for the next 5 years. Pretty exciting.

Right now, I'm focused on Patrick Williams, Cole Anthony, and Tyrese Maxey. All could be off the table though. BUT that means other solid prospects would have to drop.

At 14 instead of 17 we are in a really nice position to grab someone who unexpectedly drops....Isaac Okoro seems like someone who could fit that profile.

strongly agree

[playa-hater]

I think we can all agree that Boston having 3 1sts and being close to some titles, makes this offseason so unpredictable.. Trade up? trade away picks for a proven player? stay and draft? Draft High ceiling players? draft a Stash player or 2? Draft a step in tight away player? What position does Boston go for?? The possibilities are greater than any year I can remember.

Danny Ainge/Stevens better get this right.. We will be drafting near the bottom for many years after this..

[GoGreen]

A point guard and 3-4 wing are what we need for the future. Someone to replace Kemba and Gordon down the line.

Now we already have Langford who has shown great flashes on defense, so if Danny has faith in his development, i wonder if he's strongly considering a score first ball handler. Either way, at 14 we should def have options.

For a 3-4, someone like Vassel looks REALLY tempting if he's there. That kid is long, plays great defense, has shown improvement on his offensive game, and has a nice, high release point on his shot. For a ball handler, Cole Anthony could be an interesting prospect, as well. Volume scorer, high motor, but is he too inefficient? Injury issues? Tyrese Maxey checks all the boxes but that low release point is very concerning. I'd stay away from anyone with wonky shooting mechanics. They don't seem to translate way into the league.

[BostonCouchGM]

I think we can all agree that Boston having 3 1sts and being close to some titles, makes this offseason so unpredictable.. Trade up? trade away picks for a proven player? stay and draft? Draft High ceiling players? draft a Stash player or 2? Draft a step in tight away player? What position does Boston go for?? The possibilities are greater than any year I can remember.

Danny Ainge/Stevens better get this right.. We will be drafting near the bottom for many years after this..

which is why last year's draft is so disastrous because Danny passed on several wings with length who can handle the ball, like Bazley, Doumbouya, Clarke, Bol, Roby, and Claxton who can switch and would have complimented Brown and Tatum perfectly. Given our cap, and dreadful bench, we cannot have a repeat of last year's draft and hope to contend going forward. We don't have a roster crunch. There's no excuse not to use all three 1st round picks to upgrade what we have on our bench and to replace FA losses. But Danny's hubris makes him think we DO have a roster crunch. So I fully expect him to trade or draft and stash at least 2 of the three picks. And it wouldn't surprise me if he traded back from #14 into the 20s if he's able to pick up a future 1st. It's almost a guarantee that Danny will pass on high ceiling players because he's done this every draft he's had multiple first rounders in. He's a terrible drafter. Just awful. Yes, most G.M.s are. But that doesn't absolve him.

We have a chance to draft at least two future starters and at minimum three upgrades to what we currently have on our bench. Anything less will be a failure and jeopardize our future. If Danny drafts like he has throughout his career in this year's draft, Tatum's career will mirror Pierce, in that, he'll be facing 30 y/o with no chance at competing barring a former Ainge teammate gifting him an MVP candidate. Tatum deserves better. I'd rather he left and won than not win a championship in his whole career in Boston.