The Clippers reportedly weren't willing to toss in another first-round pick in the KG/Doc deal. During the season, it was reported that Ainge's reluctance to add a first-round pick scuttled a three-way deal that would have sent Pierce out and brought back Josh Smith, due to a fear that Smith would end up being a one-year rental. Another rumor claimed that the Mavericks were reluctant to give away their pick in a deal for Smith (ironic, since they are now reportedly trying to get rid of it). The Magic were asking for a first-round pick for JJ Redick. The Spurs, Pacers, and 76ers wanted Redick, but he ended up going to the Bucks in a deal that didn't include a pick.
Teams seem more reluctant to give away picks that have a good chance of being late first-rounders. Arguably, this means that teams are smarter and less willing to treat these picks as valueless throw-ins. Yet, in the Clippers non-deal, fans of both teams seemed angry that an asset that they considered to be of little value might hold up a deal.
So, how much is a first round pick really worth? If you had the 16th pick and the 25th pick, you should be able to package them together to move up how many spots? If you had the 28th pick, who is the worst player in the league you would trade the pick for straight-up (assuming no salary cap issues)? If you could trade a 2013 pick for the Hawks' 2014 unprotected pick right now, without knowing what free agents they will sign, what is the highest pick you would be willing to trade in that gamble?
I don't care for picks.
But the point is to get the highest pick possible to draft the BPA. That's how we've acquired the assets to bring Ray, and KG here. Through stockpiling assets, and packaging enticing offers that teams needed.
Due to the new CBA, acquiring talent is harder through the draft, because they aren't as easy to grab. The ability to get something that could potentially be a franchise superstar is very appealing.
I just hope the Celtics really try to draft for need. We're not going to go anywhere, but you need role players. There aren't any superstars, or game changers except Giannis, Gobert, Shabazz, and Oladipo imo.
Those 4 have the highest ceiling and potential, next to Porter being the most consistent and best pick.
I don't get why people keep dissing this draft. You need good and valuable role players. Look at Green and Leonard, neither of them are anything exceptional, but yet their making the difference in the finals.
Draft picks are always unexpected, and we've had our fair shares of busts.
I would like DA to either package the picks, or try to draft for needs which could be safe, but effective role players. That way if we tank, we'll still have young and fresh upcoming players who'll try to prove their worth once talent has become officiated.
Topic: What's the value of a non-lottery first-round pick? (Read 1268 times)