CFan38: Point taken and in fairness to Ainge, he did sign Horford, so he targeted a big man, and got him. Noted on Baynes (he would have been very useful versus Bam). Hated seeing him go but understood why he had to. Only comment on Bam is that, like a Draymond Green or Marcus Smart, he plays much bigger than his size. We just don't have a guy like that. I do like Robert Williams size, length - hopefully he takes a meaningful leap next year.
APC & NKY Fan: Understood on wanting vets and agreed we are a contender but I guess I look at it this way
1. Try to re-sign Aaron Baynes - he trimmed down and looked really solid this year. Then you still have Theis and Robert Williams, Grant Williams a little - so that's your vet core to lean on when needed.
But then -
2. I'm trying to look out to when Tatum and brown are 24 and 26 respectively. Through this lens I'd like to throw three young bigs into the mix with Robert Williams and hope that within 2-3 years they're ready to take the reigns and would be somewhat within the same age range as Tatum and Brown for what I would hope is a good, long run...
So frontline over the next 2-3 years: Robert Williams, Theis, Baynes (really want Baynes - a super tough enforcer type - we need that element to go to when needed...)
Future front line in development: Robert Williams (existing development) and then a combination of three of the following with our three draft picks this year: Jalen Smith, Precious Achiwa, Azubuke, Vernon Carey, Stewart, Tillman
I want that ability to go big and bruising at the PF/Center rotation when needed - we simply can't right now.
The other thing I don't like about small ball, when Theis, Brown and Tatum are often times outsized, is that you're being asked to put a lot more physical pressure on your body than if you're playing in your natural position.
I could be convinced to take the best available wing (to pair with Tatum and brown long term), or PG (as a future replacement for Kemba) with that 14th pick, but IMHO I have to then have the two best bigs available at 26 and 30. The good thing is that the bigs don't have to be all stars, just solid defenders, rebounders and reasonable scoring ability, whether it's a lob machine or they can shoot a little. We have all the offensive firepower we need on the roster already...