Oh no, Celtics pick Ennis

[get_banners]

The "Rondo can't shoot" argument is getting really old. Do these people know its not 2009? Also, do they understand what statistics are? Rondo has become a pretty decent shooter. His elbow jumper numbers are very good. In fact, the only shooting-related hole in his game at this point is the FT, and that seems to be much better this year (obviously a small sample size, but still).

His elbow jumper has been good, but the sample size is pretty small so far this season:
http://vorped.com/bball/index.php/player/shotchart/829-Rajon-Rondo

More concerning is his inability to finish around the rim, but I think that's coming back as his comfort level returns.

Yeah, I think the inside game will get better as he gets stronger. His elbow jumper has been pretty decent the past 2 years or so, so I'm fairly confident he's got that. The FT shooting...that hasn't been good until this year, so I will hold judgment on that until we have a larger sample size.

[aingeforthree]

Why would you be down on the pick ?

He could easily be the best PG in the draft.  Nobody in the draft with better poise than Ennis.  He knows how to run a team.  He's probably got the best feel for a game out of any college player, including the top 3 studs.

People will look at his stats and determine his worth by that, but that won't be the tell all of the player.  If a team wants a real PG like Rondo who knows how to play the game, Ennis is the guy.

[saltlover]

I'm not anti-Ennis.  I'm anti-Ennis at #6, because I think there are easily 6 players better than him, but I don't care if they pick him either later in the lottery if our draft position changes, or with out second pick, should he still be available in the 15-17 range.

He's a good player.  Our team isn't very good, and we need the best players available.  If that's Ennis, so be it.  Rondo shouldn't play 48 minutes every night, so if Ennis gets to play 12-15 minutes, providing much better production than Pressey while adjusting to the NBA, then our team will be better off next year.  It also has the benefit of providing us with a plan B if Rondo leaves next year -- something I really hope doesn't happen, but is certainly a non-zero possibility.  And if Rondo stays, that's a fine trade chip for the summer of 2015.

But not at #6.  I'd say no earlier than #8, and ideally more the 10-15 range.

[CFAN38]

I like Ennis but not over smart. Smart has such an imposing physical profile for a PG it would be hard to see any PG (other than Exum if you count him at PG) going before he does. Off the top of my head I cant think of a pg in the nba who matches the physicality of Smart. I have my doubts about him running an offense and hitting a jumper but think he is at least a Tyeke Evans level player.   

[Mr October]

I like Ennis's game. He could be better than Smart as a pro. He has the complete game, minus flashy speed.

If the celtics dont land a pick in the top 4, they are in a bit of a bind. Most of the talent in the middle of the lottery plays PG or PF, the Celtics two strongest positions. They might be forced to trade down.

I would still grab a PF. I think Randle and Vonleh are worth keeping, and letting them battle it out with Sully for a year or 2.

[Smokeeye123]

Well if we pick ennis i imagine we are trading down to around the 10th pick then? Wed also be trading rondo if we drafted ennis...

[footey]

Don't understand all the love for Smart.  Best case he is Tony Allen, which isn't bad, but not worthy of a top 5-6 pick in this draft.  I would take Harris before him.  We need a prototype 2 guard who can shoot and play good D. We need the next Ray Allen, not the next Tony Allen, with our top pick.

[Donoghus]

Ennis seems to be the type that could be a very solid player in the NBA for a very long time.  Love his composure & decision-making.  I don't think he's superstar material but a very servicable, professional PG.

It's just that the Celtics don't really need that right now & certainly not with a top 7 pick.