Chad Ford: Ainge loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo at draft time

[ssspence]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."

Ouch.

[PhoSita]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."

Ouch.

In a weak draft, Ainge may have felt the best play to make was to go with the guy who had the best chance of being a useful role player.

Right now, the Celtics are on track to select pretty high in the draft, which means Ainge will be able to take a guy with a lot of upside who is also a fairly safe gamble.  None of the guys in the top 6-7 has major bust potential, as far as I've been able to glean. 

Even Embiid, if he never really improved from what he is now, would be a nice player, though not a great one.

[D.o.s.]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."

Ouch.

In a weak draft, Ainge may have felt the best play to make was to go with the guy who had the best chance of being a useful role player.

Right now, the Celtics are on track to select pretty high in the draft, which means Ainge will be able to take a guy with a lot of upside who is also a fairly safe gamble.  None of the guys in the top 6-7 has major bust potential, as far as I've been able to glean. 

Even Embiid, if he never really improved from what he is now, would be a nice player, though not a great one.

I think you're correct re: Olynyk.

[Moranis]

except a weak draft for a team that is or just about to enter rebuilding is the perfect time to swing for the fences and go for the high risk, high reward player.

[slamtheking]

KO is looking like an OK pick at the moment.  Giannis hasn't set the world on fire.

looking forward to seeing what Danny can accomplish in this year's draft.  it figures to be his best drafting position ever (that he didn't trade away)

[ssspence]

except a weak draft for a team that is or just about to enter rebuilding is the perfect time to swing for the fences and go for the high risk, high reward player.

right. it's more sensible to take a risk in a weak draft than a strong one. olynyk was too good to pass up? like i said: ouch.

[obnoxiousmime]

How would it being a "weak draft" affect the pick at all? Isn't it still a player A vs. player B decision?

Also, what was so "safe" about Olynyk? How about calling him "safer" instead?

Finally, Ainge traded up to get Olynyk. Maybe it didn't cost much to move up, but it's still a firm declaration that was the guy you wanted.

Anyway, no points for "liking" a guy after the fact. I kind of wish I didn't hear this information because it's just confusing and ultimately meaningless.

[Celtics18]

I still think Kelly Olynyk has a good shot at having a better NBA career than Giannis Antetokoumnpo.  I like the pick.

[aingeforthree]

From what I've seen, and still very early, Olynyk is the better pick and player.  Ainge made the right choice.

Granted, we can't even grade any of these guys until around year 4.  So I'll hold out for the final grade until then.

[csfansince60s]

How would it being a "weak draft" affect the pick at all? Isn't it still a player A vs. player B decision?

Also, what was so "safe" about Olynyk? How about calling him "safer" instead?

Finally, Ainge traded up to get Olynyk. Maybe it didn't cost much to move up, but it's still a firm declaration that was the guy you wanted.

Anyway, no points for "liking" a guy after the fact. I kind of wish I didn't hear this information because it's just confusing and ultimately meaningless.

TP.

It's like still moaning over that girl you blew your chance on in 3rd grade who turned out to be that gorgeous super-model, wonderful mother who never complains about you playing golf.

Get over it.

[Dog_Lover106]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."
Ouch.

Ainge said this himself before the draft on WEEI and Austin Ainge and I believe even Danny scouted there. I recall Danny saying he was raw but the most talented player in the draft. Thought that this was old news.

When the trade to move up happened, I was sure it was Antetokoumnpo, but in all my wisdom was screaming "please Shabazz Muhammed". Did not see Olynyk coming.

Really hate when people spew out stats on Giannis. I wanted Shabazz, so I am clearly no genius, but it is so  easy to see the incredible talent this KID has. We certainly could of done worse, but not really an Olynyk fan for the long term. Giannis is a keeper and not much older than Wiggins.

[Celtics18]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."
Ouch.

Ainge said this himself before the draft on WEEI and Austin Ainge and I believe even Danny scouted there. I recall Danny saying he was raw but the most talented player in the draft. Thought that this was old news.

When the trade to move up happened, I was sure it was Antetokoumnpo, but in all my wisdom was screaming "please Shabazz Muhammed". Did not see Olynyk coming.

Really hate when people spew out stats on Giannis. I wanted Shabazz, so I am clearly no genius, but it is so  easy to see the incredible talent this KID has. We certainly could of done worse, but not really an Olynyk fan for the long term. Giannis is a keeper and not much older than Wiggins.

Jury is still out.  You guys can play the Lee J. Cobb role all you want.  I'll play Henry Fonda's role and wait for all the facts and information to come in before reaching the ultimate verdict. 

[LooseCannon]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."
Ouch.

Ainge said this himself before the draft on WEEI and Austin Ainge and I believe even Danny scouted there. I recall Danny saying he was raw but the most talented player in the draft. Thought that this was old news.

But no one ever believes anything Ainge says before the draft about players he might draft.

[Dog_Lover106]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."
Ouch.

Ainge said this himself before the draft on WEEI and Austin Ainge and I believe even Danny scouted there. I recall Danny saying he was raw but the most talented player in the draft. Thought that this was old news.

When the trade to move up happened, I was sure it was Antetokoumnpo, but in all my wisdom was screaming "please Shabazz Muhammed". Did not see Olynyk coming.

Really hate when people spew out stats on Giannis. I wanted Shabazz, so I am clearly no genius, but it is so  easy to see the incredible talent this KID has. We certainly could of done worse, but not really an Olynyk fan for the long term. Giannis is a keeper and not much older than Wiggins.

Jury is still out.  You guys can play the Lee J. Cobb role all you want.  I'll play Henry Fonda's role and wait for all the facts and information to come in before reaching the ultimate verdict.

Not sure if Giannis or Olynyk have even heard of Henry Fonda and I myself had to google Lee J. Cobb?

But I think however you are telling that me you disagree and prefer Olynyk at this point? You may be right, as I am the guy that wanted Shabazz Muhammed after all.

Giannis is only 3 months older than Andrew Wiggins. Both are raw, but imagine Antetokoumnpo playing now for Kansas or a Duke, instead of adjusting to NBA life? If this were the case, I think we would be going "wow, who is this guy" if Giannis was a freshman playing in the college game instead.

[Celtics18]

Ford:

"The Celtics love Jabari (as do most teams) and we've had him as the No. 1 pick for them. But Embiid fits more of a need and has a bigger upside. Ainge has drafted on upside in the past but last year I know he loved Giannis Antetokoumnpo but didn't pull the trigger on him and instead took the much safer Kelly Olynyk. So maybe Ainge isn't quite the gambler we make him out to be."
Ouch.

Ainge said this himself before the draft on WEEI and Austin Ainge and I believe even Danny scouted there. I recall Danny saying he was raw but the most talented player in the draft. Thought that this was old news.

When the trade to move up happened, I was sure it was Antetokoumnpo, but in all my wisdom was screaming "please Shabazz Muhammed". Did not see Olynyk coming.

Really hate when people spew out stats on Giannis. I wanted Shabazz, so I am clearly no genius, but it is so  easy to see the incredible talent this KID has. We certainly could of done worse, but not really an Olynyk fan for the long term. Giannis is a keeper and not much older than Wiggins.

Jury is still out.  You guys can play the Lee J. Cobb role all you want.  I'll play Henry Fonda's role and wait for all the facts and information to come in before reaching the ultimate verdict.

Not sure if Giannis or Olynyk have even heard of Henry Fonda and I myself had to google Lee J. Cobb?

But I think however you are telling that me you disagree and prefer Olynyk at this point? You may be right, as I am the guy that wanted Shabazz Muhammed after all.

Giannis is only 3 months older than Andrew Wiggins. Both are raw, but imagine Antetokoumnpo playing now for Kansas or a Duke, instead of adjusting to NBA life? If this were the case, I think we would be going "wow, who is this guy" if Giannis was a freshman playing in the college game instead.

I highly recommend Twelve Angry Men.  It's a classic.  As to Kelly vs. Giannis, I still think Danny made the right choice.  I know he's older, and obviously much less athletic, but I think that once he starts to figure it out, his game will translate to being a very good pro. 

Admittedly, Giannis has a lot of "upside," but he still has a long way to go to prove that he will have the overall skills to be a great NBA player.