Let's say the Celtics have the 5th or 6th pick and the Wiggins, Embiid, Parker and Randle are gone, leaving Exum and Smart.
1) Do you take Exum, Smart, someone else, or try to trade the pick?
2) If you do take Exum or Smart, and assuming either is the real deal, do you:
- Trade Rondo?
Re-sign Bradley?
Re-sign Crawford?
I think right now just based on scouting reports I'd take Exum because he has the potential to be special, he's taller than Smart, and he has more ability to play both guard positions. Though both don't have great shots right now, Exum is supposed to have a smart basketball IQ. I do love Smart's leadership and competitiveness though. It would definitely be a tough call, because Smart at least has two years of college as a track record.
I would then see if Rondo and Exum can play together. If Exum is the real deal and is obviously better at point then I'd consider dealing Rondo since his contract will be up and we don't need two points. The same would apply to Smart.
With Exum on board and having good height, I might be more inclined to overlook Bradley's height disadvantage at SG when deciding how much to offer him.
I don't think either way I keep Crawford unless it's small money. Maybe if Bradley gets some significantly higher offer than Crawford in RFA, I change my mind and consider keeping Crawford over Bradley.
What do you guys think? My guess is regardless of what happens, either Crawford or Bradley will likely not be here next season. That would become a definite if Smart or Exum is drafted.