Scal 5/9: we should draft a reb'ing+defending big like Steve Adams+keep the vets

[bfrombleacher]

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=64842.msg1468100;topicseen#new

So I was looking at this thread about what type of big we need and I thought of Steve Adams.

I google'd "Steve Adams Celtics" to see if there are connections and came across this article.

Not a great player but Scal has a great basketball mind. His analysis of keeping it together is pretty spot on.

I would be fairly happy if we got Adams.


Edit:

I can't believe I forgot to put the link to the article:
http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2013/05/brian_scalabrine_boston_celtic.html

[Celtics4ever]

I know Scal has a great basketball mind because guys who sit on the end of the bench usually learn a lot more from the coaches and observing the game.   But I am not sure he is emotionally detached from this one to make the call.

I hate to see us keep them and get older, we are winning nothing with adding Adams but I also want to see them stay and retire in green.   Mixed feelings all the way but as far as it being spot on, depends on the outcome.   I do not believe the Clipper Deal is legit but that is one I would pull the trigger on if I were Ainge.

[BASS_THUMPER]

http://www.youtube.com/v/c6Bqt3u98Vs?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Scal got skills

[diconzo]

Adams is good, but he's going to take just about as much time as Fab. I would much rather see us draft Gorgui Dieng if we need a big man defender/rebounder/shot blocker and Dieng has a decent offensive game (mid range-inside game), whereas Adams is nonexistent aside from alley-oops

[CelticConcourse]

he's going to take just about as much time as Fab.

NOOOOOOOOOOO... no more projects, please!!

[CFAN38]

If we works out well and measures in as big as advertised ( 7' 260 7'5+ wingspan) then I'm fine with the pick. If either he or fab can become a starting level nba center than its a great step for the  future

[hardlyyardley]

He and Fab...two projects who did little in college and came out too early

[CoachBo]

Agree on Dieng, not interested in wasting another first round pick on a Fab Melo-wannabe.

If we pick a big, be sure - SURE - that the guy can play, unlike the disaster of last year.

No. More. Reaches.

[thirstyboots18]

Scal knows his stuff.  Yes, Please.  With very few exceptions no matter who you draft is going to be a project.


Big young centers, even projects who don't work out for the drafting team, can be very good trade chips.  KG will not be around forever.  As long as he is, take advantage of his mentoring skills, as well as his considerable basketball skills on the floor.

[CelticConcourse]

Scal knows his stuff.  Yes, Please.  With very few exceptions no matter who you draft is going to be a project.


Big young centers, even projects who don't work out for the drafting team, can be very good trade chips.  KG will not be around forever.  As long as he is, take advantage of his mentoring skills, as well as his considerable basketball skills on the floor.

But KG doesn't play for the Red Claws! Have we heard about KG mentoring Fab once all year? Apart from insulting his name??

[thirstyboots18]

Scal knows his stuff.  Yes, Please.  With very few exceptions no matter who you draft is going to be a project.


Big young centers, even projects who don't work out for the drafting team, can be very good trade chips.  KG will not be around forever.  As long as he is, take advantage of his mentoring skills, as well as his considerable basketball skills on the floor.

But KG doesn't play for the Red Claws! Have we heard about KG mentoring Fab once all year? Apart from insulting his name??

CC, Fab has been brought up to the big team for short stretches this year.  I don't know why you think that is, but I think that is so that he can get a taste of the NBA and learn from the vets.   If I am wrong, please correct me.

[CelticConcourse]

Scal knows his stuff.  Yes, Please.  With very few exceptions no matter who you draft is going to be a project.


Big young centers, even projects who don't work out for the drafting team, can be very good trade chips.  KG will not be around forever.  As long as he is, take advantage of his mentoring skills, as well as his considerable basketball skills on the floor.

But KG doesn't play for the Red Claws! Have we heard about KG mentoring Fab once all year? Apart from insulting his name??

CC, Fab has been brought up to the big team for short stretches this year.  I don't know why you think that is, but I think that is so that he can get a taste of the NBA and learn from the vets.   If I am wrong, please correct me.

I'm not disagreeing but I just don't really see how we could "take advantage of [KG's] mentoring skills" if we play projects in the D-League. I do see how KG mentored Sully, Bass, etc. but Melo's been with the team, what, 3 consecutive days tops? And those were just because he needed to reheal from his injuries.

I do not believe Melo has learned much, if anything, from KG by practicing with him.

[Celtics4ever]

I do not believe Melo has learned much, if anything, from KG by practicing with him.

I'd be happy if he can learn to catch the on on rebounds.

[thirstyboots18]

He and Fab...two projects who did little in college and came out too early

I agree with the "came out too early" charge...but I think most of them come out too early.  Another couple years in college ball would do most of them a world of good.  I just hope that the D-league helps rectify that.

(Red knew that and was willing to wait for the best, Larry Bird!)

[mmmmm]

I think there are some unrealistic expectations some folks have out of the draft.

The percentages of players taken after #20 that are 'successes' in the NBA is not good.

Over half of players taken after #20 never rise above 'role player' and the vast majority are either deep bench, busts or never play a minute in the NBA.

Way over half of 2nd round picks are 'busts' or never play a minute in the NBA.

Calling Fab Melo pick at #21 a 'disaster' seems, premature.  Yes, he is a gamble.  But big men are among the slowest to develop - and yet often the most reliable investments long-term.  Of the lower picks that actually 'panned out' as at least 'role players' the vast majority are bigs.   Size matters, after all, in the NBA.

To get Sully - a player ready to play at a high level in the NBA his rookie year at the #20 spot was basically a gift from the basketball gods.  Probably the biggest such draft gem since Rondo.  Even Bradley at #19 was a steal - but mainly because he came out early and he himself is still raw and in need of development.

But Celtic fans are spoiled if they think Rondo & Sully are typical draft results.   

The only two big men in last year's draft class that posted better numbers at the time Sully went out were Drummond and Davis - who were picked 9th and 1st, respectively.

This pick - #16 - is our highest in years.  So we may be able to get a decent player.  Probably not a 'star', though, as this draft is not loaded with stars.  But it has some decent big men who could be valuable.

If we want someone closest to 'NBA Ready' out of this draft, at the 16th pick, I would focus on a 4-yr player who comes from a strong coaching program with an emphasis on defense.  Those are the guys Doc is most likely to give minutes to out of the gate.  If Dieng slips to us (I think he'll go a few picks higher) then I'd take him.

Otherwise, I think Jeff Withey should be available and would be an excellent fit with Doc's system.  A smart, driven defensive-minded big man with length and excellent (huge) hands.  He may not have as much remaining 'upside potential' as a few other, younger bigs coming out.  But he looks like a solid NBA-ready contributor right out of the gate.  He's shown tremendous improvement in each of the last years for a strong Jayhawks program.   (Pierce would definitely welcome him.)