NBA draft prediction time!

[D.o.s.]

Any chance they trade Pierce to Dallas for the 13th pick?

Dang, we're really selling low on Pierce. A *late* lottery pick in a supposedly very weak draft or 2 2nd round picks from the very same draft (Cavs).

Can't we look for a Bulls Marquis Teague type deal? A prospect a contender doesn't need.

LarBrd33's destinations were pretty nice. Golden State or Blazers be very awesome destinations for both Pierce and KG. Meanwhile we can get picks, young assets (J.J. Hickson, maybe Ezeli) in return.

(I'm preemptively answer the "well, where the hell are you trading Pierce then?")

As I understand it, Pierce to the cavs is largely to generate a fairly massive trade exception.

[bfrombleacher]

Any chance they trade Pierce to Dallas for the 13th pick?

Dang, we're really selling low on Pierce. A *late* lottery pick in a supposedly very weak draft or 2 2nd round picks from the very same draft (Cavs).

Can't we look for a Bulls Marquis Teague type deal? A prospect a contender doesn't need.

LarBrd33's destinations were pretty nice. Golden State or Blazers be very awesome destinations for both Pierce and KG. Meanwhile we can get picks, young assets (J.J. Hickson, maybe Ezeli) in return.

(I'm preemptively answer the "well, where the hell are you trading Pierce then?")

As I understand it, Pierce to the cavs is largely to generate a fairly massive trade exception.

TP.

Truly my bad for completely forgetting about the reported trade exception.

However, for a 13th pick in THIS draft...no.

[Birdman]

stll suprise that Shabazz isnt a top 10 pick and might not get pick till late teens...heck before last college season all u heard of was him..i bet if he didnt go to college b/c of the one year rule, he would have been pick #2 behind Davis in 2012 draft

[TheBig3]

Danny Trades the captain and the LA 2015 1st round pick to the cavs for this years #1 pick and the Trade Exception which they use to sign Josh Smith, ok thinking outside the box...

[Birdman]

think the Celtics would pick Noel if they had the #1 pick??

[Mencius]

I'm just going to predict on pick 16.  I'd love for DA to get some assets for KG and PP rather than nothing, but I digress.

If Dieng is there at 16, that's who I'd take.  I think he's underrated.  Hoping he's available.

[boscel33]

Brown makes sense as coach, especially with his player development skills, but I don't believe it will happen by tomorrow.  I think he finally moves PP and KG, but only PP by tomorrow.  I think he trades PP, the 2015 and the 16 for the 1st overall and the two seconds.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Has Larkin's stock dropped? I didn't expect him to be around at 16. I'd love to have him, Ledo over Shabazz, and Dieng if we're going big.

I've come to the realization that I haven't done nearly enough legwork for this year's draft--mostly, I think, because of the shell-shock of our first round exit.

I liked Shabazz's Grantland interview. What's the word on Ledo--all I seem to read about him is that he's academically challenged.

Which is fine, provided his Basketball IQ is higher than his academic inclinations.

I haven't seen the interview - I'll have to check that out.

In draft videos, Shabazz just didn't make sense to me. Didn't see much athleticism - he almost looked out of shape, honestly - his shot was looking a little flat, and he didn't appear to be able to beat any one off the dribble. On a positive note, he seemed to have good instincts and would likely rebound well with his big frame.

I'm likely missing a lot from watching a couple youtube videos, admittedly, and this was all out of context. And I don't have any more data than that on Ledo. But, just based on the eye test, Ledo looks to be more athletic, a better, purer shooter, better ball handler, and has that "dang, he could be good."

Again, agree with Dieng. I tried to talk myself into Withey earlier today after I read someone else's post in this thread this morning. I could live with it. I'm not sure he will ever become a reliable scorer in the post, but Dieng probably won't either, right?

[Mazingerz]

I really really hope we land Gorgiu Deng.

[LooseCannon]

Any chance they trade Pierce to Dallas for the 13th pick?

Dang, we're really selling low on Pierce. A *late* lottery pick in a supposedly very weak draft or 2 2nd round picks from the very same draft (Cavs).

Can't we look for a Bulls Marquis Teague type deal? A prospect a contender doesn't need.

LarBrd33's destinations were pretty nice. Golden State or Blazers be very awesome destinations for both Pierce and KG. Meanwhile we can get picks, young assets (J.J. Hickson, maybe Ezeli) in return.

(I'm preemptively answer the "well, where the hell are you trading Pierce then?")

Contenders are reluctant to give up any player on a rookie-scale deal who looks like a potential starter-caliber player (even if he ends up coming off the bench) since contenders usually have a high payroll and limited ability to fill out their benches.

Pierce can be viewed as a one-year rental, so his trade value is going to be limited.  Arguably, a non-lottery first-round pick, a young player with starter potential, and matching salary that is either an expiring contract or a non-horrible contract for non-useless player would be the maximum you could get back for a likely one-year rental of a declining veteran who could still produce at a borderline All-Star level.  Not having to take back salary could mean that you don't get a first and a decent young player. 

If Pierce were young enough that the other team could sign him to a big four-year contract after next season, then a trade exception and two second-round picks that might be worth more combined than a late first would not be good value.  Since Pierce may give a team like the Cavs only one productive season and is old enough that he might not even give them that, getting the Mavs pick or the two Cavs seconds for a trade exception seems like reasonable value to make a trade worth considering.

[vjcsmoke]

Here are my predictions:

Celtics draft Dieng in round 1 to be our future center.  They trade away Melo for a future pick.

They trade Avery Bradley plus future considerations to the Bobcats for MKG.

They trade KG for Deandre Jordan and a 1st.

They draft the greek phenom, Giannis Adetekunbo, and leave him overseas to develop.

Also they find a way to sign and trade for Josh Smith.

NOBODY on this roster is SAFE!  Not Rondo, not Green, not Pierce, NOBODY.  Expect a draft day deal or two by Ainge.

[Im the Leprechaun]

I don't understand why everyone is so high on Dieng.  He turns 24 in January and doesn't have an offensive game at all.  He can't have much of a ceiling being so old.  I would rather have Shabazz, Schroeder, Olynyk,  Gobert, or Ledo.  No to Dieng!!!

[mutineer33]

My Thoughts as to guys who might be available to us:

Want(in order):
1) Adams -- he will probably be gone but some  feel he will slide due to being so raw.
2) Schroeder - I would be willing to wait on this kid
3) Shabazz --- can develop in the right system
4) Adetokoubo --- Sheridan hoops predicts him to be the bust of the draft ---- all the more reason I think he will be a good player.
5)Karasev -- seems he might be gone around 13-14 but worth a look

Avoid:
1) Larkin -- Nice college player but I don't see him translating to NBA. At best a back up PG
2)Plumlee -- No way
3) Deng -- Surprised he is so loved on this board. 24 already, no offense, and questionable knees
4) Olynyk -- MAYBE if we were running it back -- as he could play immediately -- but very little upside.
5) Noguiera --- Makes Melo look tough and disciplined

Don't be surprised if Ainge reaches for:

1) Jamar Franklin -- yea he cannot shoot but the rest of his game is the real deal
2) Pierre Jackson -- Same height as larkin but longer and much more explosive
3) Tony Mitchell -- Reminds some of Rodman -- needs to improve BBIQ and consistency in effort
4) Snell -- Underrated SG
5) Ennis -- the sleeper of the draft in my view but still a risky pick

In short -- The Celtics need Big Men but after Len,Noel, and Maybe Zeller & Adams the rest of the guys 6"11 or more have ceilings of back up center at best.  In a situation like this you do not draft for need -- you draft for upside - so don't be surprised if we take a G or SF.

[EvilEmpire]

Trade #16, BB, and AB to Minn for #9(draft Zeller) and Derrick Williams.

Trade PP to Cavs and draft BPA (Livio Jean-Charles and Nate Wolters)

[Tr1boy]

If schroeder is gone, he is going to make a trade for a cavs 19 and 33 or okc low 20 and 32.

I dont think he is terribly impressed with many players, but as we all know how much he loves speed , athleticism and skills. Though larkin has these qualities, he is too small. Might as well instead roll the dice later on piere jackson or siva and use a 1st for another player.

Celts wont b a sought out fa destination and he will need to rebuild through the draft and we could use a bit of everything.

In the end of the day we draft schroeder with 16 or if he is gone try to get multiple picks. If thats not possible, i have a feeling it will be plumlee or olynyk. No way muhammad is coming here. Character issues and at least didnt outperform in the tourney