What if the Celtics made the Pierce for #3 trade back in 2005

[Moranis]

It was widely rumored the Celtics would have taken Chris Paul with that pick.  I wonder how the course of the Celtics would have changed adding Chris Paul to Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West, Ryan Gomes, and Tony Allen along with veterans like Raef, Wally, and Ricky Davis

[tyrone biggums]

You have to look and see where the Celtics would have finished. They might have been an 8th seed with CP3 the next few years which would mean Big Al never would have been drafted by Danny. Its a compelling thought, but its more difficult than just swap out Pierce for CP3 and keep the team as it was.

[Roy H.]

You have to look and see where the Celtics would have finished. They might have been an 8th seed with CP3 the next few years which would mean Big Al never would have been drafted by Danny. Its a compelling thought, but its more difficult than just swap out Pierce for CP3 and keep the team as it was.

Big Al was drafted in 2004.  The players Moranis mentioned were all guys who were already on the roster.

We very well could have still ended up with Rondo, too.  We ended up picking him with the 21st pick in the draft.  With a CP3 / Big Al core, we probably finish outside the lottery, and pick Rondo in the mid- to late teens.

Eventually, Danny would have had the ammunition to pull off a big deal, with some of his expiring contracts, etc.  I don't think Ray would be here, and perhaps Danny would have wanted somebody younger than KG.  Under those circumstances, I can see the team pulling off a Pau Gasol trade.  Hopefully, Rondo wouldn't have to be included.

Regardless, you're looking at a team of Pau/Big Al/CP3 as a core.  That team may not win a title, but it's fun to watch.

[Donoghus]

I'll still take the '08 title.  That championship is forever guaranteed now.

No guarantees that Danny would've been able to make the chess moves that ultimately led to that title.

Its an interesting thought, though.

[bfrombleacher]

Paul Pierce was destined to be a Celtic and changing that would mess up the balance of the world :O

But seriously, I wonder what would happen to the Truth?

[Donoghus]

But seriously, I wonder what would happen to the Truth?

He doesn't become a HOF'er.

[Moranis]

But seriously, I wonder what would happen to the Truth?

He doesn't become a HOF'er.

For sure, but it would have been interesting to see what Portland looked like with Pierce and Randolph just coming into his own. 

[Kane3387]

You have to look and see where the Celtics would have finished. They might have been an 8th seed with CP3 the next few years which would mean Big Al never would have been drafted by Danny. Its a compelling thought, but its more difficult than just swap out Pierce for CP3 and keep the team as it was.

Big Al was drafted in 2004.  The players Moranis mentioned were all guys who were already on the roster.

We very well could have still ended up with Rondo, too.  We ended up picking him with the 21st pick in the draft.  With a CP3 / Big Al core, we probably finish outside the lottery, and pick Rondo in the mid- to late teens.

Eventually, Danny would have had the ammunition to pull off a big deal, with some of his expiring contracts, etc.  I don't think Ray would be here, and perhaps Danny would have wanted somebody younger than KG.  Under those circumstances, I can see the team pulling off a Pau Gasol trade.  Hopefully, Rondo wouldn't have to be included.

Regardless, you're looking at a team of Pau/Big Al/CP3 as a core.  That team may not win a title, but it's fun to watch.

This team has been way more fun to watch then that soft interior would have been.

Also KG likely makes his way to LA wins a couple titles with Kobe and the Lakers surpass the Celtics for most NBA championships ever.

[pearljammer10]

We make that trade and there no Banner from 08 hanging in the rafters.

[Kane3387]

We make that trade and there no Banner from 08 hanging in the rafters.

Yup sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make.

[guava_wrench]

We are probably mired in mediocrity with CP3. The big moves Danny did came when we were taking our last chance at winning with Pierce. Would we have felt the same urgency if we had a younger Chris Paul (who would not be CP3 due to retired numbers).

[action781]

You have to look and see where the Celtics would have finished. They might have been an 8th seed with CP3 the next few years which would mean Big Al never would have been drafted by Danny. Its a compelling thought, but its more difficult than just swap out Pierce for CP3 and keep the team as it was.

Big Al was drafted in 2004.  The players Moranis mentioned were all guys who were already on the roster.

We very well could have still ended up with Rondo, too.  We ended up picking him with the 21st pick in the draft.  With a CP3 / Big Al core, we probably finish outside the lottery, and pick Rondo in the mid- to late teens.

Eventually, Danny would have had the ammunition to pull off a big deal, with some of his expiring contracts, etc.  I don't think Ray would be here, and perhaps Danny would have wanted somebody younger than KG.  Under those circumstances, I can see the team pulling off a Pau Gasol trade.  Hopefully, Rondo wouldn't have to be included.

Regardless, you're looking at a team of Pau/Big Al/CP3 as a core.  That team may not win a title, but it's fun to watch.

Would we have drafted Rondo with a starting pg already in place?  Would Rondo have been able to flourish without the playing time?

Crazy to think about these things.