I fear IT won't last long at this level

[ahonui06]

I am not worried about Isaiah lasting. I'm more concerned that he could get injured. This possibility leads me to consider making a case for taking Tyler Urlis at 23.

Here is my reasoning....when Isaiah got hurt last year (spring 2015) Phil Pressey came in and did a decent job for those few weeks. If I remember correctly, in about 40% of these games he played as well as Isaiah might have.

This year Avery got hurt and Terry was his replacement. He did an okay job....good, not great.

Before the March deadline I was praying Danny would pick up an insurance player in case someone got hurt. He didn't make any moves. Sure enough we were left unprepared as two players came down with injuries. (FWIW: I also felt Sully played injured for greater part of the last two months. He just didn't say anything for fear it would affect upcoming contract negotiations.)

In the future it's likely Isaiah will get hurt again. So, why not draft someone who could fill his role in a pinch. Tyler may be too much of a lightweight for extended periods of play, but could prove to be an invaluable asset who could ignite the team from time to time. (Comparatively speaking, one needs spark plugs to get an engine going.)

I know we have Terry, RJ and Young on the bench. But, none can run a team like Tyler can. I know the defensive match ups would be a worry. On the other hand, he did okay in college on the defensive end.

Do we have more pressing needs at 23? It's likely we do. Its just that I'm not sold we have a floor-general replacement for 2017 and beyond.

Boston has a glut of 2nd round pick so I could definitely see Ainge taking some insurance picks there assuming he doesn't make a blockbuster trade.

[vjcsmoke]

IT is a big piece of our team right now.  He's a leader, he's vocal, and he scores clutch points.  Does he need help for us to take it to the next level?  Absolutely.

But I'm not thinking of trading IT now, I'm thinking of building around him.  As far as backup insurance, we have Smart and Rozier who are both very talented even though they are not at IT's level yet.

The Celtics need an impact big man.  Whether that guy comes through trade,free agency, or the draft, who knows?