Ainge Must Still (Stubbornly) Think Anthony Davis Is The "End Game"

[Phantom255x]

Yeah, I'm bored, so I figured why not just make a post here about something I've been thinking about recently. 

Our team is built to win it all next year assuming we're healthy, and we're in a very good position going forward. You could say, starting next year, our Spurs-like dynasty will start and hopefully continue for a decade and longer 

That said, I get the feeling Ainge is still going to monitor the AD situation for the next few years. I think the thing that makes Ainge an elite GM in this league is that he never stops trying to get better, and the Celtics FO in general doesn't like to "settle" on ECF appearances. That's not at all to say last year was a "bust" as we definitely defied expectations (probably Ainge's too), but there is still some room for improvement. I think Ainge could view Davis as the "missing KG piece" and possibly a "Horford replacement/sidekick" going forward if Horford walks, or considering the fact that Horford will be going into his mid-30s a few years from now.

Now whether that means AD will be put in trade talks or not anytime in the next 2-3 years is a whole different story. He obviously won't be available next year, but you wonder if the Pelicans regress a bit and/or Davis starts feeling frustrated there, could he be made available the summer of 2019 (when we have Kings Pick and other assets still)? Or maybe after 2 years of making the playoffs but continuing to flame out in the first or second round, does he feel the need to move and demand a trade as an expiring?

I know folks will roll their eyes at me about this AD thread saying he's never going to be available, but who thought Kyrie and Kawhi would be available the last two years? Technically, we still have quite a few assets going forward (barring a surprise Kawhi trade or something), and my guess is, Ainge could cash in most of them if he feels Davis is available at anytime the next 2 to 2.5 years. There's a reason Ainge and the C's seem to always inquire about Davis even when no one expects it, mostly for due diligence but also because they are truly interested. I mean, he is a Top-4 talent in this league (or Top-3 depending how you rank Harden, Durant and AD in that grouping)

All that said, it's also hard to see Davis turning down that extra $$$ he could get staying with the Pelicans long term (with his accolades/awards increasing his salaries).

But I don't think you can deny that IF we land Davis and are able to keep much of our young, growing core, the C's could run this league for the next 10-15 years, even with the Warriors, Sixers, Lebron, etc. still out there 

[CelticsQuestFor18]

First, we have to see what happens with DeMarcus Cousins this summer, and second, we have to see how New Orleans can add to this current group (what star can they trade for/acquire). It's a playoff team but probably still not a team that can make the WCF unless they find a way to add a great-to-elite wing player. If they do, then they got a bit of a shot at making the WCF especially if Kawhi leaves San Antonio and George leaves OKC. Houston and of course Golden State their biggest obstacles in that case.

[Phantom255x]

First, we have to see what happens with DeMarcus Cousins this summer, and second, we have to see how New Orleans can add to this current group (what star can they trade for/acquire). It's a playoff team but probably still not a team that can make the WCF unless they find a way to add a great-to-elite wing player. If they do, then they got a bit of a shot at making the WCF especially if Kawhi leaves San Antonio and George leaves OKC. Houston and of course Golden State their biggest obstacles in that case.

Unless NOP lands George or Lebron, I don't see them making the WCF in the foreseeable future. Golden State and Houston are just that much better. Also it frankly seemed like the Pelicans actually played better without Cousins. But Cousins-AD front court would dominate the Warriors. Just not sure if the backcourt can get it done against them and KD is obviously miles ahead of the current wings on the Pelicans.