Dante Exum to make his decision in February

[TheBigTicket23]

Just read that Dante Exum will make his decision regarding declaring for the NBA 2014 draft or not in February 2014.

Wouldn't it be much better for the Celtics if he declares himself this year?
I guess we will be worse this year than next year. I'm very high on Exum and I think in this strong years draft he is definitely a top 10 pick, maybe even top 5. In a normal or weak draft class Exum would definitely be a top 3 pick.
So if he declares himself for next year we got much more chance to get him then when he will wait one more year until 2015. As I think we have more chance on a top 5 pick in 2014 than in 2015.

What do you think and what you all think about this Kid? Top 5 in 2014 or Top 10? Would you like to see him on the C's roster.

[McHales Pits]

Just read that Dante Exum will make his decision regarding declaring for the NBA 2014 draft or not in February 2014.

Wouldn't it be much better for the Celtics if he declares himself this year?
I guess we will be worse this year than next year. I'm very high on Exum and I think in this strong years draft he is definitely a top 10 pick, maybe even top 5. In a normal or weak draft class Exum would definitely be a top 3 pick.
So if he declares himself for next year we got much more chance to get him then when he will wait one more year until 2015. As I think we have more chance on a top 5 pick in 2014 than in 2015.

What do you think and what you all think about this Kid? Top 5 in 2014 or Top 10? Would you like to see him on the C's roster.

You'd do well to generate a response from Fitzhickey who is (...I believe) from Australia. He likely knows more than the Stateside CB posters.

From what I've read/seen, he seems like a big combo guard similar to Michael Carter-Williams in size, build, athleticism. I also know that most scouts say that he needs to improve his shooting form - as he is currently most effective by driving to the hoop.

[sofutomygaha]

This draft is so rich in talent at the 2, 3, and 4. =(

It sounds like Exum is a fantastic talent, but as far as I'm concerned a 2014 draft where Dante Exum or Marcus Smart falls into our laps is a nightmare scenario.

[fitzhickey]

The kid is a killer IMO. His athleticism is underrated I think. Man can jump out of the gym, is super quick and has awesomely fast hands. His handle is quite impressive, and it really helps him on those bursts to the ring he does so often. His passing is pretty solid, especially on the drive and kick. Always looks to make an extra pass.
Gotta remember that he's only 18 right now, so his average jump shot will definitely improve as time goes on. If he declares, which is likely, and the celtics have a pick outside of top 2 we would be silly not to pick him.

Think Penny Hardaway meets Russell Westrbook.

[PhoSita]

This draft is so rich in talent at the 2, 3, and 4. =(

It sounds like Exum is a fantastic talent, but as far as I'm concerned a 2014 draft where Dante Exum or Marcus Smart falls into our laps is a nightmare scenario.

Eh, not if "falling into our laps" means we're picking outside of the top 5-7 picks anyhow.

I'd be perfectly happy with Smart or Exum in the 6-12 range.  You'd be getting a top 4-5 player based on talent alone who dropped a few spots because other teams went after size.

Lots of very good players have had similar draft stories.

[Mr October]

Exum looks really really good. He is a legit top 5 prospect in this draft if he declares. I would even be tempted to grab him at the number #2 pick if the Celtics had it.

Like Penny Hardaway this guy could look good at either the point or off guard positions.

[Moranis]

I'd much prefer Randle or Embiid but Exum would be fine if the pick was 6 or later (though nbadraft.net and draftexpress both have him going #4).

[Snakehead]

As it looks like we won't be tanking as hard as some teams, yes, more talent in this draft the better.  I'm worried the depth of this class will drop off as some players don't declare, because they could be top picks next year with less competition.

[D.o.s.]

The kid is a killer IMO. His athleticism is underrated I think. Man can jump out of the gym, is super quick and has awesomely fast hands. His handle is quite impressive, and it really helps him on those bursts to the ring he does so often. His passing is pretty solid, especially on the drive and kick. Always looks to make an extra pass.
Gotta remember that he's only 18 right now, so his average jump shot will definitely improve as time goes on. If he declares, which is likely, and the celtics have a pick outside of top 2 we would be silly not to pick him.

Think Penny Hardaway meets Russell Westrbook.

Seriously? Penny Hardaway had all the tools to be one of the best point guards of all time.

[guava_wrench]

As it looks like we won't be tanking as hard as some teams, yes, more talent in this draft the better.  I'm worried the depth of this class will drop off as some players don't declare, because they could be top picks next year with less competition.

Perhaps what you mean is "As it looks like we aren't as bad as some teams".

Players don't tank. They play games. Players' careers don't benefit from playing poorly and their team getting draft picks. They benefit from proving they can play. The tanking was done in the offseason where multiple teams ditched their vets (Utah, Philly, Bos, Milw) for the sake of just playing younger guys or collecting assets that aren't on the court at the moment.

If we are going to use the word tank, we should use it properly in the context of the NBA.

[SHAQATTACK]

I would be inclined to take him third if Wiggy and Parker are taken.

[TheBigTicket23]

I'd be perfectly happy with Smart or Exum in the 6-12 range.  You'd be getting a top 4-5 player based on talent alone who dropped a few spots because other teams went after size.

Lots of very good players have had similar draft stories.

Yeah I agree with this. Around 4-7 would be perfect I guess... At the moment it's probably Parker, Randle and Wiggins (although I'm not sold on Wiggins yet) and then maybe Smart, Embiid, Harrison guys and Exum. Maybe some teams will go for size and draft Embiid at 4.

[fitzhickey]

The kid is a killer IMO. His athleticism is underrated I think. Man can jump out of the gym, is super quick and has awesomely fast hands. His handle is quite impressive, and it really helps him on those bursts to the ring he does so often. His passing is pretty solid, especially on the drive and kick. Always looks to make an extra pass.
Gotta remember that he's only 18 right now, so his average jump shot will definitely improve as time goes on. If he declares, which is likely, and the celtics have a pick outside of top 2 we would be silly not to pick him.

Think Penny Hardaway meets Russell Westrbook.

Seriously? Penny Hardaway had all the tools to be one of the best point guards of all time.

That's a quote from some article I read recently. if I find the link I'll post it.

[Snakehead]

As it looks like we won't be tanking as hard as some teams, yes, more talent in this draft the better.  I'm worried the depth of this class will drop off as some players don't declare, because they could be top picks next year with less competition.

Perhaps what you mean is "As it looks like we aren't as bad as some teams".

Players don't tank. They play games. Players' careers don't benefit from playing poorly and their team getting draft picks. They benefit from proving they can play. The tanking was done in the offseason where multiple teams ditched their vets (Utah, Philly, Bos, Milw) for the sake of just playing younger guys or collecting assets that aren't on the court at the moment.

If we are going to use the word tank, we should use it properly in the context of the NBA.

Okay?

I don't care why we are losing and who loses intentionally, whatever.  We just won't lose as much as other teams.  I don't care what word you use to say "we lost a lot of games".

[fitzhickey]

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/dante-exum

Player comparison: Penny Hardaway.

Exum gets a bit stronger and his shot improves and you have a star