Chad Ford has Celtics taking Jabari Parker at #5

[DarkAzcura]

Still have no idea how a team that struggled with K.G, Paul Peirce, and Jason Terry is expected to do better without them the following season.

Totally Astounding.

Detriot, Cleveland , Atlanta are all leaps and bounds better than us right now.

2013-2014 Celtics have a top 8 pick locked!

So, many of you think that the Pistons adding IQ-less Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings are going to vault Detroit into the playoffs?  I think that some of you might be surprised.

Smitty77

It's not a common opinion, but Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings are pretty smart players who have had the misfortune of being forced to do more than what they are actually capable of. Greg Monroe is their first option easily, and this gives Smith and Jennings room to breath and do what they are best at doing. More so with Smith than Jennings, but Jennings is actually a pretty capable playmaker.

Still have no idea how a team that struggled with K.G, Paul Peirce, and Jason Terry is expected to do better without them the following season.

Totally Astounding.

Detriot, Cleveland , Atlanta are all leaps and bounds better than us right now.

2013-2014 Celtics have a top 8 pick locked!

That had more to do with Doc being absolutely lost than the actual talent on the team. If the Celtics had a coach who wasn't so keen to make sure the offense ran "his way", we would have won more games. I'm not sure Stevens can coach at the NBA level yet, but at least I'm sure he won't try to fit circles into squares like Doc did last year. Our offense was a complete mess last year, but we probably had one of the most talented offensive teams 1-12. Either the pieces were impossible to fit together from the getgo, or our coach just couldn't find a way to blend them. I'm one of those guys who thought it was the latter.

[Celtics18]

This is all going to become moot when we end up with the 15th or 16th pick in the 2014 draft.

yup... if pigs could fly

There's a significantly higher percentage chance of the Celtics making the playoffs than there is of pigs growing wings and learning to fly. 

I acknowledge that our team has some significant flaws, but I see a bunch of other teams in the East who look like they could easily struggle to win games as well. 

Personally, I could see us finishing with a better record than (in order according to my take from worst to mediocre-est):

Orlando
Philadelphia
Charlotte
Milwaukee
Atlanta
Toronto
Cleveland
Washington
Detroit

Right, this is the issue.  Other than Miami, Knicks, Nets, Chicago, and the Pacers, every team in the East has a chance to be very bad.

Other than Philly, Charlotte, Orlando and maybe Toronto, I'd say the chances are pretty small.  Toronto and possibly Orlando could be better than expected.  if any of Orlando's youth makes the leap, they'll be on their way to a much better year than last year.

Maybe you are right, but I just don't see a likely starting lineup of Jeff Teague, Lou Williams, Kyle Korver, Paul Milsap, and Al Horford as being better than our team.  Or a starting lineup of:

Brandon Knight, OJ Mayo, Carlos Delfino, Ersan Ilyasova and Larry Sanders.

Jeff Teague, Lou Williams, Paul Milsap, and Al Horford are a better top 4 than the top 4 on the C's. 

Right now it's Rondo, Green and pray someone develops or regains their old form

I'm not sure that's the case.  Rondo is probably the best player on either team.  That counts for a lot.  Horford's a close second.  Milsap is probably better than Green, but, not by much.  I think it's reasonable to expect a couple of players out of Avery, Sully, Olynyk, G. Wallace, Humphries, Bass, Lee, Brooks, or Faverani to be at least as valuable as Jeff Teague and Lou Williams. 

[D.o.s.]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

[Celtics18]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

[fitzhickey]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

I think Rondo will be rested until he is 110% fit.
I doubt they will take any chances on him.
Top 8 pick here we come 

[Celtics18]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

I think Rondo will be rested until he is 110% fit.
I doubt they will take any chances on him.
Top 8 pick here we come 

I think he'll be at a 110% by the first of December.

8th seed, here come!!

[Smitty77]

Still have no idea how a team that struggled with K.G, Paul Peirce, and Jason Terry is expected to do better without them the following season.

Totally Astounding.

Detriot, Cleveland , Atlanta are all leaps and bounds better than us right now.

2013-2014 Celtics have a top 8 pick locked!

So, many of you think that the Pistons adding IQ-less Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings are going to vault Detroit into the playoffs?  I think that some of you might be surprised.

Smitty77

It's not a common opinion, but Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings are pretty smart players who have had the misfortune of being forced to do more than what they are actually capable of. Greg Monroe is their first option easily, and this gives Smith and Jennings room to breath and do what they are best at doing. More so with Smith than Jennings, but Jennings is actually a pretty capable playmaker.

Still have no idea how a team that struggled with K.G, Paul Peirce, and Jason Terry is expected to do better without them the following season.

Totally Astounding.

Detriot, Cleveland , Atlanta are all leaps and bounds better than us right now.

2013-2014 Celtics have a top 8 pick locked!

That had more to do with Doc being absolutely lost than the actual talent on the team. If the Celtics had a coach who wasn't so keen to make sure the offense ran "his way", we would have won more games. I'm not sure Stevens can coach at the NBA level yet, but at least I'm sure he won't try to fit circles into squares like Doc did last year. Our offense was a complete mess last year, but we probably had one of the most talented offensive teams 1-12. Either the pieces were impossible to fit together from the getgo, or our coach just couldn't find a way to blend them. I'm one of those guys who thought it was the latter.

Brandon Jenning was HORRIBLE in the playoffs!!

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/brandon_jennings/

I will also go out on a limb and say that his small fragile body will break down and injuries will become a problem!!  169 pounds!!! I also do NOT think Brandon is a pass first PG by any stretch and I am NOT thrilled with his assist/TO ratio, although last year was better despite Ellis tossing up many bricks and screwing Jennings out of more assists.  Jennings is a fairly good offensive PG, but I am not sure about his defense.

Josh is getting older and falling more and more in love with his outside shot, thus him taking almost twice as many threes as the year before and the most in his career, DESPITE shooting a hair over 30% from long range.  I also see Josh's body breaking down due to the physical style he played prior to getting softer the last few years.  Josh's game relies almost totally on athletic ability which will soon be gone.  After that, he is worthless because I sadly don't think he has the intellect to change his game and become more cerebral.  I am NOT saying that will happen this year or even next, but I predict we will see that decline begin PRIOR to his contract ending in Detroit.

That being said, Detroit could be a playoff team, but they might struggle to get all their new players on the same page.  If they can do that, they certainly seem to be a playoff team in the East, since you will likely see 3 rather poor teams in the playoffs next year.

I completely agree with you about Doc and why we only won 41 games.

Smitty77

[Fan from VT]

What do we do with Jeff Green if we somehow draft Parker?

Do we play him at the 4 or trade him? Personally, I like Parker (if he was as he is billed). Everyone needs someone who can put the ball on the hole, and he's said to have an NBA level ability to do so.

Jeff Green is just not good enough to worry about drafting a small forward if they are BPA.

[Monkhouse]

All I know is Jabari Parker is a player I've watched for a few years now. I really want him to join us...

Once Green gets past his prime, Parker should be the one to replace him. I mean give Green starting minutes, but give Parker substantial minutes to get used to the game, but I definitely see him being the second BPA.

1) Have you watched his videos? He's not the most athletic, but he reminds me of a Melo/Pierce in that while he isn't the most explosive, his adept ability to use his body to twist and turn, or step back just really surprises me. Not to mention his elbow pull up jumper really strikes a huge resemblance to Pierce. I'm pretty sure Parker has at least somewhat modeled his game on Melo/Pierce.

2) This guy can stroke it. He's wetting 3's like their warm up free throws... And his 3's are only going to get better once he hits college.

3) He's an INTELLIGENT player! Smart, good passer, and not only that but when he's driving you can see him cradling or using switching hands mid air. That my good friends are the sign of a well polished offensive player... Defensively? I don't think he's anywhere near that level, but hes incredibly intelligent, and well spoken/mature. You don't just get a player like that who can't develop.

Yeah sure there may be so much hype around these top 7 players who could be franchise players, but they haven't played a NBA/College game yet... But isn't that what dreaming about is?

PG Rondo/Pressey
SG Bradley/Brooks (I think Brooks should start, and Bradley should be a back up, or they should switch it based on the lineups.)
SF Jeff Green/Jabari Parker (Parker will soon replace Green in 1-2 years or get a few extra more minutes.)
PF Sullinger/KO
C Faverani/KO/FA

The thing is I can see Parker coming to us for various reasons.

1) Rondo may not be back until December.. If that's true we sure as hell ain't getting past 25 wins without our committed leader.

2) We have a plethora of picks to move up in the draft....

3) We can also trade some of our expiring contracts to try to move up in the draft.

4) Jabari is mormon, and Danny Ainge has spoken and given him advice previously before.

5) Jabari is too much like Melo/Pierce for DA not to at least feel somewhat remorseful for trading Pierce. He may feel that getting Parker may make him feel better about his decision, and possibly become the next Pierce 2.0, or even better since Jabari has a tad slight better athleticism.

6)The whole point is not to obliviously tank. I'm  sure we aren't legitimately trying to tank, but this year is experimental. We're going to be playing games and probably losing based on which rotations Stevens focuses around with.

---

Negative things about him I may be too unsure about:

1) His defense looks very suspect. I've seen a few highschool games where he's blown rotations, and seem genuinely confused. But his defense wasn't bad, it was just help defense, and trying to move around screens that seemed to be the issue. But once he gets a little more speed, and builds more muscle, then there won't be as much as pushing around.

2) His dribbling is too high. I think he needs to try to dribble a little lower, once he gets to college, people who are really good at sensing where the ball will fall can pick pocket it easily.

3) While he end up facing against contact, at times you can see him driving, and then passing or turning his back then throwing it up. I don't think hes afraid of contact, because he's clearly done that shot many times before. But I noticed 2-3 times at least in every game I watched that he went up like that, and it usually resulted in an AND 1. Once he gets to college bigger/tougher SF's won't be as intimated or will just truck him.

[sofutomygaha]

This stuff is fun, but next year half of the guys in that mock won't even be first rounders.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

What do we do with Jeff Green if we somehow draft Parker?

Do we play him at the 4 or trade him? Personally, I like Parker (if he was as he is billed). Everyone needs someone who can put the ball on the hole, and he's said to have an NBA level ability to do so.

Jeff Green is just not good enough to worry about drafting a small forward if they are BPA.

That maybe true, for $9 million for a guy who assuming, will average 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists on at least 43% shooting and in his prime, he's can be an excellent trade chip. Possibly the chip that can move us up to get Parker, who I would love to have.

[manl_lui]

All I know is Jabari Parker is a player I've watched for a few years now. I really want him to join us...

Once Green gets past his prime, Parker should be the one to replace him. I mean give Green starting minutes, but give Parker substantial minutes to get used to the game, but I definitely see him being the second BPA.

1) Have you watched his videos? He's not the most athletic, but he reminds me of a Melo/Pierce in that while he isn't the most explosive, his adept ability to use his body to twist and turn, or step back just really surprises me. Not to mention his elbow pull up jumper really strikes a huge resemblance to Pierce. I'm pretty sure Parker has at least somewhat modeled his game on Melo/Pierce.

2) This guy can stroke it. He's wetting 3's like their warm up free throws... And his 3's are only going to get better once he hits college.

3) He's an INTELLIGENT player! Smart, good passer, and not only that but when he's driving you can see him cradling or using switching hands mid air. That my good friends are the sign of a well polished offensive player... Defensively? I don't think he's anywhere near that level, but hes incredibly intelligent, and well spoken/mature. You don't just get a player like that who can't develop.

Yeah sure there may be so much hype around these top 7 players who could be franchise players, but they haven't played a NBA/College game yet... But isn't that what dreaming about is?

PG Rondo/Pressey
SG Bradley/Brooks (I think Brooks should start, and Bradley should be a back up, or they should switch it based on the lineups.)
SF Jeff Green/Jabari Parker (Parker will soon replace Green in 1-2 years or get a few extra more minutes.)
PF Sullinger/KO
C Faverani/KO/FA

The thing is I can see Parker coming to us for various reasons.

1) Rondo may not be back until December.. If that's true we sure as hell ain't getting past 25 wins without our committed leader.

2) We have a plethora of picks to move up in the draft....

3) We can also trade some of our expiring contracts to try to move up in the draft.

4) Jabari is mormon, and Danny Ainge has spoken and given him advice previously before.

5) Jabari is too much like Melo/Pierce for DA not to at least feel somewhat remorseful for trading Pierce. He may feel that getting Parker may make him feel better about his decision, and possibly become the next Pierce 2.0, or even better since Jabari has a tad slight better athleticism.

6)The whole point is not to obliviously tank. I'm  sure we aren't legitimately trying to tank, but this year is experimental. We're going to be playing games and probably losing based on which rotations Stevens focuses around with.

---

Negative things about him I may be too unsure about:

1) His defense looks very suspect. I've seen a few highschool games where he's blown rotations, and seem genuinely confused. But his defense wasn't bad, it was just help defense, and trying to move around screens that seemed to be the issue. But once he gets a little more speed, and builds more muscle, then there won't be as much as pushing around.

2) His dribbling is too high. I think he needs to try to dribble a little lower, once he gets to college, people who are really good at sensing where the ball will fall can pick pocket it easily.

3) While he end up facing against contact, at times you can see him driving, and then passing or turning his back then throwing it up. I don't think hes afraid of contact, because he's clearly done that shot many times before. But I noticed 2-3 times at least in every game I watched that he went up like that, and it usually resulted in an AND 1. Once he gets to college bigger/tougher SF's won't be as intimated or will just truck him.

good write up, TP

I also like to point out the Bradley/Brooks lineup. Brooks was the rookie we missed out in favor of JJJ. During his time with the nets, his offense was very good, making most of the users here on CB upset that Danny traded him away. HOWEVER, during his matchup with Bradley, Bradley shut him down. I remember some games where they both played, Brooks tried to post Bradley up but failed and either got blocked or put up an airball. Bradley's defense is elite and I think his "offense" is vastly underrated. Yes, Bradley is a horrible point guard, but he can shoot the ball (pre-injury, and a couple months post-injury). He can cut very very well. I think if he is not trying to distribute the ball and think only to score and defend, he can definitely average 12-15 ppg.

Jabari Parker on the other hand also reminds me of a young Pierce/Melo. Not very athletic but very polished player. Of all the videos of Wiggins vs xx, I like Julius Randle and Jabari Parker. Those two players really gave Wiggins a hard time. If we aren't getting the #1, I really hope to get either Randle or Parker. Both are strong players and smart.

I also agree at the part where none of those players played in the college or NBA level yet so we can't overrate them for now. I can say, I will pay attention to a lot more college basketball season to see who I actually like.

[D.o.s.]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

I think Rondo will be rested until he is 110% fit.
I doubt they will take any chances on him.
Top 8 pick here we come 

I think he'll be at a 110% by the first of December.

8th seed, here come!!

Possibly. If we're missing Rondo for 20 games, we're probably looking at something like 5-15.

Even if a bunch of teams hadn't become better in the off season to vie for those last three playoff spots (and they have), that might be too much of a hole for one guy to dig us out of.


Also, I'd like Jabari Parker if only for the fact that he didn't decide to superteam it up in Kentucky.

[Celtics18]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

I think Rondo will be rested until he is 110% fit.
I doubt they will take any chances on him.
Top 8 pick here we come 

I think he'll be at a 110% by the first of December.

8th seed, here come!!

Possibly. If we're missing Rondo for 20 games, we're probably looking at something like 5-15.

Even if a bunch of teams hadn't become better in the off season to vie for those last three playoff spots (and they have), that might be too much of a hole for one guy to dig us out of.


Also, I'd like Jabari Parker if only for the fact that he didn't decide to superteam it up in Kentucky.

I think there'll be some stiff competition for those last three playoff spots between us, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, and Atlanta.

All I'm saying is that I think we could well be in the mix, and I'm taking the seemingly minority opinion of rooting for our team to maximize their potential on the court next season, and, hopefully, make a run at the playoffs.   

I know it's a more popular opinion to want to see the team just bag it and shoot for lottery balls.  It seems somewhat ironic to me that rooting for the team to win games feels like taking the subversive stance. 

[Smitty77]

Rondo's also going to miss games, so while he's the best player of the lot, he won't be the best player on the floor.

I'm going under the (admittedly optimistic) assumption that he's not going to miss more than twenty games at most. 

If he misses close to half the season or more, then I definitely think the top half of the lottery will be a more likely story.

I think Rondo will be rested until he is 110% fit.
I doubt they will take any chances on him.
Top 8 pick here we come 

I think he'll be at a 110% by the first of December.

8th seed, here come!!

Possibly. If we're missing Rondo for 20 games, we're probably looking at something like 5-15.

Even if a bunch of teams hadn't become better in the off season to vie for those last three playoff spots (and they have), that might be too much of a hole for one guy to dig us out of.


Also, I'd like Jabari Parker if only for the fact that he didn't decide to superteam it up in Kentucky.

I think there'll be some stiff competition for those last three playoff spots between us, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, and Atlanta.

All I'm saying is that I think we could well be in the mix, and I'm taking the seemingly minority opinion of rooting for our team to maximize their potential on the court next season, and, hopefully, make a run at the playoffs.   

I know it's a more popular opinion to want to see the team just bag it and shoot for lottery balls.  It seems somewhat ironic to me that rooting for the team to win games feels like taking the subversive stance.

I think that the Wizards swung and MISSED with Otto Porter.  His summer league numbers were TERRIBLE!!!!!   Are you serious about Toronto?  Come on buddy.  We SHOULD be better than the Raptors!!  The Cavs should be improved, but there are a LOT of NEW pieces that will have to gel for them to greatly improve.  They also have a few redundant pieces.  I have already given my opinion of Josh and Brandon's b-ball IQ's.  Once again, a LOT of NEW pieces that have to gel for the Pistons.  I am NOT saying that we do NOT have a LOT of new pieces, but I like our coach over all the others mentioned in that group!!

Smitty77