|
|
Post by Admin on Nov 25, 2018 18:35:04 GMT -5
Western Conference teams not cooperating with Ainge's plans for 2019 draft
By Tom Lane
The Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings are not cooperating with Danny Ainge's plans in the 2019 NBA draft. All three teams are outperforming expectations in the early-going this season.
NBA Photo
Here are the picks currently owned by the Boston Celtics in the first round:
Philadelphia/Sacramento: top-1 protected
Memphis: top-8 protected
LA Clippers: top-14 protected
Boston: their own pick
The Clippers are rebuilding - have no stars on the roster - and have the best record in the Western Division. The Grizzlies sit just behind the Clips, and neither team was expected to be nearly this successful.
The Celtics were originally lusting after Sacramento's pick which was projected to end up high in the lottery. If the draft were held today, Boston would get the Clippers pick at roughly #27 in the first round - the Memphis pick at #26 - the Sacramento pick at #18 - and their own at #13. It is early in the season, but few would have predicted any of this.
The Celtics own pick being the most valuable of the four at this point may be the biggest surprise. Their 10-10 record was supposed to be much better. Things will change during the course of the season, but right now Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge may want to look West for answers to their current early-season woes. Why are the three Western teams over-achieving and the Boston crew is under-performing? The right answer may turn the Celtics' season in the right direction.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2018 17:50:41 GMT -5
Yea not good news I have been following this closely.
We need to trade up somehow maybe three for one deal to get a top 10 pick?
|
|
|
|
Post by kivancb on Jan 2, 2019 19:54:41 GMT -5
Yea not good news I have been following this closely. We need to trade up somehow maybe three for one deal to get a top 10 pick? dee, never underestimate the foolness of Kings' front office - I'm pretty sure they end the season in the lottery, maybe right in front of the Suns or a few spots ahead of the Suns at the max, which would be good for around 10th pick in realistic fashion. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2019 19:32:53 GMT -5
Yea the front office is scarry
I think the players will outplay the office boys.
I see them hanging around .500 . Hope i'm wrong
|
|
|
|
Post by drewski6 on Jan 4, 2019 11:55:34 GMT -5
Yea the front office is scarry I think the players will outplay the office boys. I see them hanging around .500 . Hope i'm wrong The Kings? They are playing much better than I thought they would. Buddy's shot is as advertised, Fox is playing well and Bagley is extremely versatile. |
|
|
|
Post by kivancb on Jan 4, 2019 17:59:18 GMT -5
Yea the front office is scarry I think the players will outplay the office boys. I see them hanging around .500 . Hope i'm wrong The Kings? They are playing much better than I thought they would. Buddy's shot is as advertised, Fox is playing well and Bagley is extremely versatile. That is true, but even a .500 record might make them the 13th or 14th seed in the West eventually. And also, they are the Kings, so I'm still hopeful they will crack at some point. |
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Jan 11, 2019 13:49:24 GMT -5
Boston Celtics draft 2019: As Kings, Grizzlies picks rise in value, Celtics have a variety of prospects to watch
By Tom Westerholm Mary Altaffer/AP Photo
As the Boston Celtics surge toward the middle of the season (Thursday's loss to Miami aside), a couple of things have happened. First, the team has started to coalesce as players have grown more comfortable in their roles, which is an encouraging sign.
Second, a couple of teams Boston hoped would slip have slipped. The Memphis Grizzlies have dropped seven of their last 10, while the Sacramento Kings have fallen out of the playoff standings as well. Both teams have plenty of time to right the ship, but both will have to battle in a competitive Western Conference.
Since the Celtics have so many potential first-round picks, and since the season is still relatively young, doing our traditional Big Board doesn't make much sense. Yes, Zion Williamson would be No. 1 and R.J. Barrett would be No. 2. No, the Celtics do not have a significant chance of getting either.
So instead, we will look at players roughly in range of Boston's four potential first-round picks, which are conveniently grouped close together in pairs.
 David Zalubowski/AP Photo
Sacramento Kings
De'Aaron Fox has been doing everything in his power to ensure the Celtics don't get another lottery pick, and his rise has been incredibly entertaining to watch.
But the Kings pick is back in the low lottery, which raises its value for the time being.
How the Celtics got it: Via the Philadelphia 76ers, who dealt the 2018 Los Angeles Lakers' pick (2-5 protected) or the 2019 Kings pick along with the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft for the No. 1 pick, which they used on Markelle Fultz.
Protections: Top-one protected. If the Kings end up with the No. 1 pick, it transfers to the 76ers, at which point the Celtics get the Sixers' pick.
Where it could end up
Strength of schedule remaining (via Tankathon): 18th (opponents have a winning percentage of .498).
The Kings are no longer to be counted out -- they've proven repeatedly they will be competitive against nearly any team. But the West is brutal. The Kings are currently two games out of a playoff slot, with a very motivated team (Minnesota) ahead of them before they can even see the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, who occupy the No. 8 seed.
ESPN projects the Kings will finish around No. 9, which feels pretty reasonable. We will operate from that.
Brandon Dill/AP Photo
**Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis' strength of schedule is 12th -- remaining opponents have a winning percentage of .502. The pick is top-eight protected, with protections falling to top-six in 2020 and unprotected in 2021. The Celtics got this pick as the main prize in a deal for Jeff Green.
The Grizzlies get asterisks because if things continue on their current trajectory, the Celtics probably won't get the pick. If the pick does convey, it will be right around nine as well.
Ja Morant, Murray State
There's a good chance Morant takes himself out of any conversation the Celtics could have by the end of the season. An explosive athlete with an elite handle and great body control, good vision and incredible finishing ability around the rim, Morant is likely the best point-guard prospect in college basketball. His shot needs work and his turnover numbers are a little uncomfortable, but Morant would be a steal for Boston.
Keldon Johnson, Kentucky
If Boston is forced to move on from one of its talented wing prospects in a trade this summer, replenishing the cupboards with versatile talent would be a good draft strategy. Johnson is a solid, aggressive athlete with good strength, and his shot has continued to develop this season. As he improves from deep, other avenues of his game have opened up as well, and both his footwork and finishing have impressed NBA scouts.
Johnson would be less of a stretch than Morant, but if he keeps hitting triples at a 39.2 percent clip, No. 9 is probably close to his floor in the lottery.
Romeo Langford, Indiana
Langford is as talented a scorer as there is in the draft, with great length and solid athleticism that projects well for his defense. His shot needs work, but his high-school stats and film suggest he could develop into a spot-up shooter with some work. Perhaps most attractive to the Celtics: Langford is excellent at getting to the free-throw line. He's taking 8.2 trips to the stripe per 40 minutes at Indiana. That's a skill the Celtics lack right now.
Kevin Porter, USC
Another talented scorer at shooting guard, Porter could help fill a void for Boston, particularly if Terry Rozier moves on. Porter is a good shooter and a talented scorer off the dribble -- he's making 65.6 percent of his two-pointers (35 percent from three), although he has missed time with injuries.
Porter is shifty with his handle and skilled in transition. Purely as a scorer, his upside might be as high as anyone in this year's lottery outside of the Duke trio.
Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
With increased responsibility this season, Culver has cemented himself as a lottery selection -- a very good shooter with solid athleticism and a good passing IQ. Culver may never be a superstar, but with his combination of length, size, shooting, passing and defensive potential, he projects as a high-floor prospect with room to grow into more.
De'Andre Hunter, Virginia
Hunter is a Celtics-esque prospect -- a little older, ready to contribute quickly, and good on both ends of the floor. Hunter should be able to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor reliably at the next level -- not a the type of prospect that sells a bunch of tickets to Opening Night, but the type of player who could help a winning team continue to win quickly.
Bol Bol, Oregon
You could make a strong case that Bol belongs lower on this list, given how raw his offensive game still looks and given the foot injury that ended his freshman season.
But Bol is 7-foot-2 with elite length, actual skills as a shooter, ball-handler and shot blocker. For a team like the Celtics, with plenty of other picks, taking a shot on a high-reward prospect like Bol might be worthwhile.
(The obvious counter: There aren't exactly a lot of minutes available for developing bigs on this team. Still, lots of things can happen between now and June.)
Sekou Doumboya, France
Doumboya is a bit of a project, but like Bol, he could be a reasonably solid gamble for the Celtics, who have multiple first-round picks and a good team already in place. An excellent athlete with great physical tools and length, Doumboya has good shot mechanics even though his percentages haven't quite caught up yet.
In essence: Doumbouya is a high-risk, high-reward prospect who probably is less high risk for a team like the Celtics. Worth keeping an eye on.
Kyusung Gong/AP Photo
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have started their season conveniently for the Celtics -- hot out of the gates to establish likely playoff seeding, then slower to drop down and make sure the pick isn't at the very end of the first round.
How the Celtics got it: By consolidating assets! The Celtics traded the No. 31 and 35 picks (which became Deyonta Davis and Rade Zagoric) for a lottery-protected first-round pick, a deal which almost certainly wouldn't happen in 2019.
Protections: Again, the lottery. As long as the Clippers make the playoffs, the Celtics get this pick.
Charles Krupa/AP Photo
Boston Celtics
Again, we will group the Clippers and Celtics together, since both will likely be in the low-to-mid 20s.
The Celtics would obviously prefer this pick to be in the higher 20s, but to this point, they haven't lived up to expectations.
Luguentz Dort, Arizona State
Weird Celtics Twitter popularized the phrase "combat muscles" for players like Marcus Smart and Semi Ojeleye. Perhaps no player in college basketball has more combat muscles than Dort, who is built like a cement truck and has a nice foundation of NBA skills.
Dort can guard a bunch of different positions with a very high motor. Some have compared him to Smart, and while his defensive IQ probably isn't as high as Smart's, his shot is more developed. Dort would make a lot of sense as a Celtics target.
Jontay Porter, Missouri
Porter tore his ACL and MCL in a scrimmage earlier this year, which ended his season and may have ended his lottery hopes. But Porter is still an intriguing prospect -- Michael Porter's younger brother isn't as athletic, but his skill set as a modern big makes a lot of sense. Porter is an excellent passer who can operate out of the high post, shoot threes and attack off the dribble. For a Celtics team that has seen the impact Al Horford can make, Porter might be worth a look.
Coby White, UNC
An excellent shot maker and creator, White should be able to carve out a role as a back-up guard at the next level. Teams generally have use for guards who can score quickly off the bench, and White's combination of shooting and ball-handling makes him an ideal candidate.
Admiral Schofield, Tennessee
Not every first-round pick needs to be a home-run swing, and Schofield looks like a reasonably solid single or double. A potential 3-and-D role player, Schofield is shooting 44 percent from deep who can defend both wings and bigs comfortably. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Schofield has the length and versatility to be a very good NBA role player.
Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga
Clarke is fascinating, particularly as a defensive prospect. He moves his feet well, elevates to defend the rim, and plays very hard on both ends. Athletically, he can change speeds quickly and get off the ground in a hurry. In a switch-happy NBA, a player like Clarke makes a lot of sense.
Offensively, he needs a reliable spot-up 3-point shot to fully realize his potential. Clarke has made big strides in that direction over the years (search his form from a few years ago on YouTube for evidence), and if teams believe he can shoot, he might skyrocket through the first round. Until then, he might be a late-first-round steal.
Tre Jones, Duke
For the Celtics, who are likely to lose at least one of their ball-handlers this offseason, Jones would be a fantastic pick-up. He's perhaps the best guard defender in the class, a solid passer and operator out of the pick-and-roll, and a good mid-range shooter. While Jones is making just 32 percent of his 3-pointers, his mechanics are good, and he could develop into a reliable 3-point shooter.
Some scouts believe Tre is a better prospect than his older brother Tyus, who probably deserves more minutes for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In either case, the Celtics will probably give Jones a look.
Darius Bazley (no college)
Bazley would be a major risk, but a potentially high-reward prospect. He's an incredible athlete with good length and little jump shot, but an excellent handle and great vision as a passer. Bazley has drawn Ben Simmons comparisons, and while Simmons is clearly significantly better, the player archetype makes some sense -- 6-foot-9, but most comfortable as a passer with the ball in his hands.
Talen Horton-Tucker, Iowa State
Just a note of appreciation for a player we first saw in high school at Simeon, locking down R.J. Barrett. Horton-Tucker has risen on some draft boards, and ESPN's Jonathan Givony has him in the first round. A hefty guard who defends with a high motor, Horton-Tucker would be a favorite among Celtics fans if he ended up in Boston.
AP Photo
Final Thoughts
All of this, of course, becomes moot if the Celtics make a big deal this summer a star. The Celtics have the assets to push for Anthony Davis, and consolidating draft picks (plus young stars, of course) in a deal for Davis would give New Orleans a chance to rebuild, while the Celtics would an awkward roster crunch in which they try to bring in four guaranteed-contract rookies.
But that, of course, is a future Celtics problem -- even further in the future than the draft, at this point. Until then, the Celtics will keep an eye on the entire first round, which makes draft evaluations complicated but fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Mar 12, 2019 17:51:01 GMT -5
2019 NBA Draft: What prospects should the Boston Celtics target?by Adam Kemp
With the NBA Draft just a few months away, and March Madness right around the corner, it’s time to take a look at which prospects the Boston Celtics should have on their radar.The Boston Celtics have spent the last few seasons dealing for, and stashing first-round picks in hopes to make a splash for talent. Whether that splash is a trade for a player of Anthony Davis’ caliber or cashing in on draft night for a future star, Celtic fans can expect to see some sort of spark this offseason. Thanks to the stellar play from the Clippers as of late, after most thought the team was headed for a rebuild, along with the Kings dropping in the standings, Boston is positioned to have multiple selections in this year’s draft. Boston currently has four potential first-round picks with three likely to convey: Memphis Grizzlies (Top-8 Protected): Sixth overall
Sacramento Kings (Top-1 Protected): 14th overall
Los Angeles Clippers (Lottery Protected): 19th overall
Boston Celtics (Own): 23rd overall Having multiple picks in the same draft could help in trades as Boston could package, for example, the 14th, 19th & 23rd picks to move up into the top five. Financially it doesn’t make much sense to take on multiple picks this year so hopefully a deal can be explored on draft night. Anyway, as the Celtics head into the final stretch of the regular season, a few things need to happen in order to secure all four first-round picks, so let’s preview some talent from this upcoming draft class.
Grizzlies Pick: 9th overall at best
The likelihood that Memphis falls outside of the top eight selections is slim, but not impossible. After trading away center Marc Gasol to the Raptors and losing stand-out rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. to injury, the Grizzlies seemed to be in a rebuild mode in contention for the Zion Williamson sweepstakes. However, the team does still have, $150 million dollar man, Mike Conley, and a supporting cast of guys like Jonas Valanciunas, Avery Bradley and Kyle Anderson to work with and could possibly win a few extra games, giving Boston the ninth pick in the draft. If that does happen, here’s who to look out for:
Cam Reddish (Duke, SG/SF):
I consider Reddish to be a long shot for the ninth pick, however, if the March Madness tournament has a negative effect on his draft stock similar to Justice Winslow or Stanley Johnson’s situation a few years ago, then Reddish just might be available and would definitely be a STEAL.
Jaxson Hayes (Texas, C):
It’s no secret that the Celtics need rim-protection, maybe it’s because of the multiple injuries plaguing Aron Baynes, or possibly due to the lack of minutes from rookie Robert Williams. Hayes is one of the NCAA’s premier shot blockers, averaging just under three and a half blocks per game while contributing 15.6 points per game. If the Memphis pick falls to Boston, the Texas center could provide a huge defensive boost.
Kings pick: Late lottery
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
It looks as if the top-one protected pick from Sacramento will convey this season. The Kings aren’t exactly on the cusp of a playoff berth, as they have dropped a few as of late, but they are most certainly are not in contention for the number one pick. C’s fans should be rooting against SAC for the remainder of the season to get that selection as high as possible, but should land somewhere around the ninth-14th pick.
Jontay Porter (Missouri, C):
Similar to Hayes, Porter is an incredible shot blocker, averaging two and a half per game. Aside from blocking shots, Jontay is also strong on the boards as he grabs an even 10 per game. Improving the Celtics rebounding this offseason should be right behind resigning Kyrie, and selecting Jontay would be an immediate help to the C’s, who are currently 20th in the league in rebounding (44.8).
Nassir Little (North Carolina, SF):
After what has looked to be an underproduced campaign from Nassir Little, the once top-tier prospect has slipped in recent mock drafts, but still has the potential to be a star. If he falls, Little could just be available for Boston, and c’mon, standing at six foot six, who doesn’t want another wing with an above-the-rim mentality and presence on the defensive end with his 7’1 wingspan. Little reminds me of former-Celtic Jae Crowder for his size and decent shooting ability.
Keldon Johnson (Kentucky, SF):
Looking at another wing option for the Celtics, Keldon Johnson’s shooting ability from beyond the arc, 39% on the season, would provide an immediate boost offensively. The Kentucky-freshman and NBA-bound wing possesses the ball handling skills to become a solid rotation player if he gets his weight up. Standing at six foot six, Johnson only weighs 210 pounds and will need to bulk up to compete in the NBA.
Clippers pick: Mid-late first round
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The Clippers are currently in the mix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, just outside the lottery protection clause on the first round pick that the Celtics now own. They maintain a five-game lead ahead of Sacramento and don’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. If the Clips continue their steady play, the selection range will be around the 15th-20th pick.
Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga, PF):
Hachimura could be one of the steals of this draft class. A gifted scorer, Rui averages 20.6 points and grabs just under seven boards per game for the Bulldogs. His size and shooting touch allows him to space the floor and has made himself known as a threat offensively. On the defensive end, Hachimura’s 7’2 wingspan would act as a great addition for the Celtics’ forward depth.
Sekou Doumbouya (France, SF):
Sekou, a six-foot-nine wing playing overseas, would be the ideal pick for Boston as a “draft-and-stash” type of player. Doumbouya is still young and a raw talent that is still learning how to play the game. The potential is there and the Celtics don’t have to worry about creating a roster spot.
Bol Bol (Oregon, C):
The seven-foot-two freshman has been injured for the majority of the year playing in just nine games, Bol Bol is averaging just above 20 points & 9.5 rebounds per game for the Ducks. Bol is one of the most interesting prospects n this upcoming draft, because of his shooting ability. He is currently shooting 52% from beyond the arc, and 56% from the field, this type of shooting touch is perfect for today’s NBA and is exactly what the Celtics need in the draft.
Celtics pick: Late first round
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
The Celtics’ assets still include their own first rounder and should fall in the 22nd-26th overall pick range. Expect the C’s to go with a guard because seriously, what’s an NBA Draft without Danny Ainge selecting a guard?
Kevin Porter Jr. (USC, SG):
Once noted as a five-star recruit, it’s clear that off the court issues have plagued Porter Jr.’s development as he averages a decent 15 points per game. Although he possesses loads of potential athletically, KPJ could be a gamble, but that didn’t stop the C’s from drafting Marcus Smart after his behavior issues.
Tre Jones (Duke, PG):
Drafting Jones in the late first round as a security blanket for Irving and Rozier would be smart due to both guards impending free agency. Tre is a strong defender, averaging 2.2 steals and his passing has opened up his offense to the point where, with an improved shooting stroke could make Jones a threat at the backup point guard role.
Deividas Sirvydis (International, SF):
Another draft-and-stash player for the C’s to look at here, Sirvydis is a raw talent that again, wouldn’t require the Celtics to open a roster spot for. Shooting almost 42% from beyond the arc, the wing from Lithuania could be used in a trade this summer or brought over to the NBA in a few years for some depth off the bench
No matter what happens during the final stretch of this season, including the playoffs, expect the Celtics to make a splash this offseason with the plethora of picks they’ve accumulated over the past few seasons. I hope the C’s keep the young core intact and add small pieces to round out the team.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Apr 6, 2019 20:11:27 GMT -5
Boston Celtics 2019 NBA Draft pick update: Which picks can they expect?by Michael James
The 2018-19 regular season ends in less than a week, so let’s take stock of where the Boston Celtics’ draft picks currently stand.Typically waiting to see where your team’s draft pick lands has almost everything to do with hoping for as talented a player as possible to add to the squad’s core. Over the past five seasons, that’s how Celtics fans have operated, but this year is different. The Celtics could have as many as four first round picks, making it nearly impossible to keep all of the selections on the roster. There’s the added caveat of hoping to trade those picks for a big name, say Anthony Davis, but given the Celtics’ inability to finalize a trade for him before this year’s draft, having as many future firsts as possible is ideal. Sure, if the Celtics and Pelicans can agree in principle to a deal before the draft and select the players New Orleans would want, having two lottery picks would help with salary matching. It just makes things more complicated, and superstar trades are already incredibly complicated. With three-ish games left for every team in the league, here’s where the Celtics’ draft stash stands.
Round 1, No. 9 (From Memphis): Pick will convey if outside top-8The Grizzlies want to give the Celtics their pick this year so they don’t have to worry about giving it up next year or the year after. Memphis is a half a game ahead of the Wizards and Pelicans in the standings with games against Dallas, Detroit and Golden State to end the season. If they lose two out of the three the Celtics should be in good shape to have that pick in their pocket for next year.
Round 1, No.14 (From Sacramento): Pick will convey if it is not No.1 overallThis one is basically a lock to convey to Boston, and a late lottery pick isn’t the worst thing to have if the Memphis pick carries over to next season. The Kings are a half a game ahead of the Heat in the standings who are still fighting for a playoff spot. Sacramento has two games left (vs NO, @por), so C’s fans should hope for two losses to improve the pick just a smidge.
Round 1, No. 20 (From LA Clippers): Pick will convey if outside top-14This is locked in to convey and should be in the 18-22 range. There was hope the Clippers would miss the playoffs and this pick would carry over after the Tobias Harris trade, but the Clippers have played exceptional basketball since the trade deadline (17-8 with ninth best net rating). All the Celtics can hope for are losses to the Jazz and Warriors to make the selection better.
Round 1, No. 22 (Celtics own pick)After taking care of the Pacers last night, the Celtics are most likely locked in at 22. They’ll have the Magic and Wizards to close the season, where one win will secure home court in the first round of the playoffs.
|
|
|
|
Post by kivancb on Apr 8, 2019 3:24:35 GMT -5
Memphis losing to Dallas on OT was not an ideal outcome for us. www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071873Dallas and Memhpis are now tied, with Memphis winning the tiebreaker, fortunately for us. Pelicans: 33/48 Memphis: 32/48 Dallas: 32/48 Washington: 32/49 Remaining games: Pels vs. Golden State Mem @ Detroit Mem vs. Golden State Dal vs. Phoenix Dal @ San Antonio Was vs. Boston For us, Memphis needs to finish 9th, which means they need to overtake both Dallas, New Orleans and Washington, which still seem probable, but unlikely. That pick seems like not conveying, and the reason could very well be the OT loss to Dallas. |
|
|
|
Post by kivancb on Apr 8, 2019 11:55:00 GMT -5
Memphis losing to Dallas on OT was not an ideal outcome for us. www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071873Dallas and Memhpis are now tied, with Memphis winning the tiebreaker, fortunately for us. Pelicans: 33/48 Memphis: 32/48 Dallas: 32/48 Washington: 32/49 Remaining games: Pels vs. Golden State Mem @ Detroit Mem vs. Golden State Dal vs. Phoenix Dal @ San Antonio Was vs. Boston For us, Memphis needs to finish 9th, which means they need to overtake both Dallas, New Orleans and Washington, which still seem probable, but unlikely. That pick seems like not conveying, and the reason could very well be the OT loss to Dallas. Interesting. The pick is top-6 protected next year, and unprotected in 2021. Maybe we should hope that it is not conveyed? |
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Apr 11, 2019 21:55:59 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by drewski6 on Apr 12, 2019 13:41:36 GMT -5
Not in love with this year's class (outside of Morant). Best case scenario is that the Memphis pick doesnt convey and we grab Little with the Sac pick. I know most here will probably want a big, but Im not in love with any of the bigs in the draft. Hayes should be a better rebounder for his size and cant shoot a lick. Bol Bol is the next Greg Oden and wont stay healthy. Pass on Hachimura as well, hes not quick enough to guard NBA 3's and not big enough to be a difference maker down-low.
If Irving leaves, maybe trade up to get White. Maybe.
|
|
|
|
Post by drewski6 on Apr 12, 2019 13:50:51 GMT -5
Little is a beast. Albeit we are long on swings, he seems like one of the only difference makers in the draft (outside the top 3). He's a good defender, plays hard, and can a shoot much better than his shot % indicates. Also, Im a believer that you should draft based on talent first and need second.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Apr 13, 2019 23:02:48 GMT -5
Little luck for Celtics in tiebreakers for 2019 NBA DraftThe NBA broke seven ties today for the 2019 NBA Draft By Keith P Smith
Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY SportsThe NBA broke ties for the 2019 NBA Draft between teams with the same record. There were a total of seven ties to be broken, with four of them impacting the Boston Celtics. It is important to note that for picks 1-14, this is pre-NBA Draft Lottery. The NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Tuesday, May 14th. Under the new rules, this year’s lottery will determine the top four picks in the 2019 NBA Draft. The most important tiebreaker for Boston involved picks 7-9. This tiebreaker involved the pick the Celtics are owed from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies pick ultimately landed at #8 pre-lottery. That is as high as the pick can be without conveying to Boston this year. The Grizzlies get the pick if it lands 1-8. #9 or later will convey to the Celtics. Boston is on the record as not wanting that pick this year, as it rolls over to top-6 protected for 2020 and then completely unprotected for 2021. With Memphis looking as if they are kicking off a rebuild, that pick should hold more value in future years than in 2019.The second tiebreaker for Boston involved picks 12-14. This tiebreaker involved the pick the Celtics are owed from the Sacramento Kings. That pick landed at #14 pre-lottery, with the Charlotte Hornets getting pick #12 and the Miami Heat getting pick #13. The Celtics will receive the Kings pick if it lands 2-14. If that pick comes up as #1 overall, it goes to the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston would then receive Philadelphia’s pick at #24. The #1 overall protection was part of the 2017 trade that gave Boston this pick from Sacramento (via Philadelphia) as well as the #3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, used to select Jayson Tatum. The Celtics gave up the #1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, which Philadelphia used to select Markelle Fultz. The third tiebreaker that involved Boston was for picks 18-20. This tiebreaker involved the picks the Celtics are owed from the Los Angeles Clippers. This pick landed at #20, while the Indiana Pacers got pick #18 and the San Antonio Spurs got pick #19. The last tiebreaker involving Boston was for their own 2019 first round pick for picks #21 and #22. This tiebreaker involved the Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This tiebreaker did not go Boston’s way, as the Oklahoma City came up at #21 and Boston came up at #22Overall, this wasn’t a great day for the Celtics, as they lost three of the four tiebreakers they were involved in and the Memphis one only went partially their way. Should the lottery hold to form, Boston will have the following picks in the 2019 NBA Draft: #14 (via Sacramento)
#20 (via LA Clippers)
#22
#51Again, make sure you are watching the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, May 14th, as there is still lots to be decided for exactly where the Kings pick and Grizzlies pick will land.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Apr 13, 2019 23:49:03 GMT -5
Boston Celtics draft 2019: Bol Bol, Darius Garland and 10 names to watch as lottery odds solidify (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)By Tom Westerholm |
On Friday, the Boston Celtics’ draft lottery odds will be solidified after the Board of Governors’ meeting. Boston could have as many as four picks in the first round, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers, in addition to their own. Danny Ainge likes taking home-run swings in the draft (see: Williams, Robert), and he likes versatile players who can do a lot of different things. Jaylen Brown was an example of both -- he had the athleticism and frame to develop into something great on the wing, and he had potential to guard a lot of different positions as well. So with about a month to go before the draft lottery, and the college basketball season in the books, let’s take a look at some of the top names that could be available to the Celtics. The following list is made up of 10 players who could be available to Boston per some of the top draft boards around the internet. Here we go.
Coby White, North CarolinaWhite could be available to Boston with the Grizzlies pick if it conveys. An excellent shooter with good size and athleticism at the point-guard position, White showed a lot of intriguing flashes with the Tar Heels this season. The Celtics could take a long look at White as a Terry Rozier replacement, assuming he leaves this summer.
De’Andre Hunter, VirginiaHunter’s big tournament might jump him up some draft boards, and he does check a lot of boxes for the Celtics -- a big wing with great length and a reliable 3-point shot. If Boston has to move wings for Anthony Davis this summer, a player like Hunter might slot in nicely with the Memphis pick (or Sacramento, if he slides).
Jaxson Hayes, TexasHayes has been rising up draft boards with his size, athleticism and length. A center with high pick-and-roll potential, Hayes has a long ways to go, and the Celtics have Robert Williams in place as a high-potential rim-running roll man. But if Hayes slips and the Grizzlies pick conveys, the Celtics might look at him as a value play.
Bol Bol, OregonBol projects anywhere between the Grizzlies pick to outside the lottery. That leaves him well within range of Boston, and Bol would certainly qualify as a home-run swing. A 7-foot-2 big man with a 7-foot-8 wingspan, Bol knocks down jumpers and handles the ball comfortably for his size. NBA bigs will punish him at first, and durability concerns exist, but if he can stay healthy and pack on some weight, he could be a mid-first steal.
Darius Garland, VanderbiltGarland might catch some momentum as the pre-draft process proceeds, given his skill set and his shooting in particular. If he slips into the latter half of the lottery, the Celtics might be intrigued for the same reason as Coby White -- Garland could be a fantastic Rozier replacement, and maybe more. His handle combined with his shot make him a high-potential ball-handler at the next level.
Grant Williams, TennesseeA powerful forward with a great mid-range game, Williams was one of the best players in college basketball this season. Given his feel for the game and toughness, an improved 3-point shot -- which feels very plausible given his mid-range success -- could vault him up another level.
Keldon Johnson, KentuckyKeep an eye on Johnson, who was one of the top recruits in his class. One of the knocks on Johnson entering college was his 3-point shot, and he improved drastically at Kentucky. Now he’s a high-motor wing with a fairly reliable jumper who might be able to slash to the rim at a high level with better (read: NBA) spacing.
Tyler Herro, KentuckyThe Celtics haven’t had a pure spot-up shooter in a while, but Herro could play that role at the next level. He was one of the best floor spacers for a Kentucky team that desperately needed one, and he shot better than 90 percent from the free-throw line, which is often a better indicator of future shooting success than college 3-point percentage.
Talen Horton-Tucker, Iowa StateHorton-Tucker has earned comparisons to P.J. Tucker, which do seem fairly apt. He has a big body, and he should be able to defend a bunch of different positions with his 7-foot-1 wingspan. At the next level, he should be a competent 3-point shooter. Expect him to go somewhere in the middle-to-late first round.
Brandon Clarke, GonzagaClarke could be a wildcard for the Celtics -- a hyper-versatile defender with great length and athleticism who could go in the top five or the top-15, depending on the mock draft you prefer. Clarke’s shot needs some work, but if he is available when the Celtics are selecting, he would make a lot of sense for a team that values both versatility and high upside.
|
|
|
|
Post by drewski6 on Apr 15, 2019 11:57:22 GMT -5
No chance White and Hunter are there. THey will both go in top 7. On this list, I like Herro the best. Dont know why Little is not mentioned. He's probably the guy we'd grab if we're stuck with pick #9.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Apr 17, 2019 22:40:43 GMT -5
2019 NBA Draft: Celtics hosting trio of seniors for predraft workoutsBy: Quenton S. Albertie
Per the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, the Boston Celtics hosted at least three players for predraft workouts on Monday, including senior guards Cameron Johnson (University of North Carolina), Quinndary Weatherspoon (Mississippi State) and Justin Robinson (Virginia Tech). The Celtics currently hold the 14th, 20th and 22nd overall picks in the 2019 NBA Draft but only Johnson is usually considered to be a first-round pick.
Cameron JohnsonJohnson projects as a 3-and-D wing at the next level, consistently making his impact felt on the defensive end with quick hands, impressive instincts and length at 6-foot-9. On the offensive end, Johnson can play above the rim and attacks the tin on both straight-line drives and in transition. However, he also has NBA range and a confident shooting stroke that led to him knocking down 45.7 percent of his treys in 2018-19. A fifth-year senior who transferred from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) after his junior year, Johnson averaged 16.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game last season while shooting 50.5 percent from the field, recording .228 win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of 13.0. For his career, Johnson averaged 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three. He also averaged .162 win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of 8.4.
Quinndary WeatherspoonAn athletic 6-foot-4 guard, Weatherspoon is an intelligent passer with a nice handle, shooting stroke and generates quick a few steals but isn’t a high volume facilitator because he’s more of a combo guard than a true point guard. Though he can score well off-the-dribble, he has had his issues scoring in traffic. Weatherspoon also has a tendency to be careless with the ball, as evidenced by his career assist-to-turnover ratio, which is nearly 1:1. Weatherspoon averaged 18.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game as a senior, shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three while recording .185 win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of 8.4. For his career, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game, .165 win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of 7.2 while shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Justin RobinsonRobinson can shoot at an elite level , operate out of the pick-and-roll and is perhaps the shiftiest of the aforementioned prospects. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he’s also the only of the three prospects whose ability to play multiple positions would be in question. Fortunately for Robinson, he’s an effective floor general who averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game as a senior while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from three. He also recorded .221 win shares per 48 minutes and a box plus-minus of 9.5. For his career, Robinson averaged 11.1 points, 4.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 44.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three while recording .142 win shares per 48 minutes and an average box plus-minus of 5.2. With the Celtics preparing for both Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier to hit free agency this summer, it’s clear Boston has plenty of options as far as backup guards are considered. Though Boston’s first-round picks have gotten the bulk of the media’s attention, the Celtics also have their own second-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and could use it to select Johnson, Weatherspoon or Robinson.
|
|
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63401666/usa_today_10838176.0.jpg)
