besides Smart and maybe Bradley, what kind of package can we do to potentially move up?
Depends how far you want to move. We have 3 1st round picks next year as well -- I'm sure you could add the Dallas pick with our picks this year and find yourself in a pretty good spot. And despite the fact that some on this blog have soured on him, I wouldn't be surprised if James Young is another potential value add.
We probably don't have anything to get into the top 5 aside from Smart, but the next 5 is attainable if Ainge likes a player enough. I'm sure Ainge will have some potential deals lined up to make a move if the draft shakes out the right way.
Don't know what it will do for us this year, but we have four 1sts if Minnesota turns out to be any good, since we have their pick, protected 1-12. With Wiggins, a healthy team and a good rookie next year, it is not entirely inconceivable that they sneak into the playoffs next year.
Since I'm convinced that Dallas is also going to be a late lottery team next year (We have their pick, protected 1-7), there's a chance that we end up with four lottery picks next year. Can't wait to see the discussions we're having a year from now.
Mike
If we end up with four lottery picks next year, that means the Celtics missed the playoffs, which would be a huge disappointment after the last two months. I'm not really on board with that.
Optimally, get 4 1sts which requires Minny to be outside the top 12 after the lottery and Dallas to be outside the top 7 after the lottery.
Best scenario (in terms of draft picks while getting the C's into the playoffs):
#1 Nets (win lottery after missing playoffs)
#8 Dallas
#13 Minny
#15 (1st non-lotto) Celtics.
If this came to pass, C's should be able to do some real wheeling and dealing with those picks in addition to the multitude of second rounders to move up and get 4 picks in the top 10 if not 2 in the top 5.
if Celtics post-season dreams don't mean anything, then C's and Nets can finish 1 & 2 in the lotto.