Sounds like we attempted to trade Rondo for Juilus Randle

[jambr380]

but he's not regarded as an 'elite' prospect.  he would have gone higher if he was.

What exactly is it that you think he will do better than either Sully or KO?  score?  don't see it.  Sully and KO are both very good scoring around the bucket and pretty solid shooters (not digging the volume of Sully's 3's but he's still a solid shooter inside the line). 

Sully is a proven rebounder and a pretty decent passer.  KO is proving to be a really solid ballhandler and passer. 

Their biggest flaw is defense.  pure and simple.  Randle, even with all the hype, is known to be horrible on D.  worse than Sully and KO in college.  I'm not seeing why anyone thinks this guy will be better than the 2 young PFs we already have OR why we need to add to that logjam at PF, especially when we still have Bass for the year.

That draft had 7 guys who would have gone top 3 in an average draft: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, Gordon, Exum, Smart, Randle and Vonleh. None of those guys are getting traded for 4 months of production from a borderline all-star. Like I said earlier, would you trade Smart for ZBo?

Randle is a much better athlete than Sullinger or Olynyk and he has the potential to be a go-to offensive weapon, as he was in college. I don't really think either of Sully or Olynyk is that. They can attack in the post or face up in the right matchup/situation but they can't really create their own offense.

Keep in mind Randle only played in college his freshman year and was one of the youngest  freshmen. Olynyk redshirted his freshman year - its not a like comparison.

CORRECTION: Olynyk played on the bench his freshman and sophomore seasons and redshirted as a junior. Regardless the dominant college basketball player we drafted was Olynyk as a senior. At the same ages, Randle was much better in all facets of the game than Olynyk.

I don't buy that Randle is definitely a better prospect than Olynyk. I was happy when we got the 6th pick because it meant that we would have one of Smart, Gordon, or Exum and didn't need to worry about drafting Vonleh or Randle.

I also don't like comparing players based on age rather than NBA experience since that is when players really grow. I get it, Randle is younger and therefore automatically has more potential than KO, but there is a good chance he never reaches that potential. KO needed to learn the speed of the NBA, but Randle will need to figure out a new way to play if he is to be successful. He is strong and has nice spin moves, but I doubt he will be be able to push around as many people in the NBA as he did in college.

One last thing, you said there were seven prospects, but you named eight 

[littleteapot]

The point is not that Randle is young, I also hate it when guys who have done absolutely nothing are considered "potential" guys because they are 19.

The point is that WHEN Randle was 19 he dominated a bunch of 20, 21 and 22 year olds. Olynyk played like a very talented 19 year old when he was 22. I'm just saying that comparing Olynyk's senior year in college to Randle's freshman year and saying "Olynyk was better defensively and did all these different things better" is ridiculous.

[Beat LA]

I'd much rather have Randle than Sully.  He's younger, quicker, faster, a much better athlete (although that's not saying much, lol), a pretty good rebounder, just as good of a passer, has no weight issues, and, perhaps most importantly, he HAS NO THREE POINT SHOT.  He can knock down the midrange jumper, but he prefers to PLAY IN THE POST!  Lol, I'm sorry, but I don't want two big guys who spend more time at the 3-point line than they do inside - style of play or not.  I was actually kind of hoping that we could get him for Sully, or Sully and Green, but I guess not.  Plus, even though he's out this year, that will only help our odds in the lottery.  Oops, never mind about that last point, lol.

[TheFlex]

The point is not that Randle is young, I also hate it when guys who have done absolutely nothing are considered "potential" guys because they are 19.

The point is that WHEN Randle was 19 he dominated a bunch of 20, 21 and 22 year olds. Olynyk played like a very talented 19 year old when he was 22. I'm just saying that comparing Olynyk's senior year in college to Randle's freshman year and saying "Olynyk was better defensively and did all these different things better" is ridiculous.

TP. Irrespective to the argument being had (I only read your reply), I think Celtic fans often forget that Olynyk is 23. That doesn't mean his potentially is automatically shot but it's important to keep in mind that we're not watching a 19/20-year old out there.

[SHAQATTACK]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-power-rankings--warriors-still-shining-203840556.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Lakers and Celtics had mutual interest for a Rajon Rondo deal, but the Lakers weren?t willing to give up injured rookie Julius Randle, a source said.

... Well that settles that.  Rondo for Nash's expiring + Randle always seemed like the most logical deal to me.  Sounds like the Lakers weren't willing to give up their injured prospect.  I don't blame them.  They can just sign Rondo this summer.

Kudos to Ainge for trying to get something of value for Rondo.  Wish he had done it sooner when Rondo had more trade value.

I agree ,   I thought the best DEAL could be had " possibly" trading with Lakers.  Although I didn't want to see Rondo or any famous Celtic on LA.   lOL

They want KD to sign at all costs.  Rondo was the best point guard lure ....they could have got.  To me , not getting Rondo seriously hurts any chance of signing Durrant.

Now they want Reggie Jackson or Dragic  ....heck Jackson is already with KD ...HA! And LA coach is really no better ....maybe worse.

I thought a laker first rounder or Randle in some deal might get it done too.   ....

I'll bet it was close to happening .......it was the trade I was thinking was going down.

[guava_wrench]

but he's not regarded as an 'elite' prospect.  he would have gone higher if he was.

What exactly is it that you think he will do better than either Sully or KO?  score?  don't see it.  Sully and KO are both very good scoring around the bucket and pretty solid shooters (not digging the volume of Sully's 3's but he's still a solid shooter inside the line). 

Sully is a proven rebounder and a pretty decent passer.  KO is proving to be a really solid ballhandler and passer. 

Their biggest flaw is defense.  pure and simple.  Randle, even with all the hype, is known to be horrible on D.  worse than Sully and KO in college.  I'm not seeing why anyone thinks this guy will be better than the 2 young PFs we already have OR why we need to add to that logjam at PF, especially when we still have Bass for the year.

That draft had 7 guys who would have gone top 3 in an average draft: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, Gordon, Exum, Smart, Randle and Vonleh. None of those guys are getting traded for 4 months of production from a borderline all-star. Like I said earlier, would you trade Smart for ZBo?

Randle is a much better athlete than Sullinger or Olynyk and he has the potential to be a go-to offensive weapon, as he was in college. I don't really think either of Sully or Olynyk is that. They can attack in the post or face up in the right matchup/situation but they can't really create their own offense.

Keep in mind Randle only played in college his freshman year and was one of the youngest  freshmen. Olynyk redshirted his freshman year - its not a like comparison.

CORRECTION: Olynyk played on the bench his freshman and sophomore seasons and redshirted as a junior. Regardless the dominant college basketball player we drafted was Olynyk as a senior. At the same ages, Randle was much better in all facets of the game than Olynyk.

Excellent response.

I have never been a Randle fan, but pretty much every GM leading a hypothetical rebuilding team would pick him over Kelly for the long term unless they have health concerns with Randle. Comparing Olynyk and Randle at different ages is a bit disingenuous. Paul George averages 8 PPG his rookie season. Heck, I don't remember KO tearing it up the first month of his rookie season despite many more years of development than Randle. Are people going to judge Randle now based on what -- one pro game and a single excellent college season?

[vjcsmoke]

I would rather have the Lakers 2015 1st round pick than Randle.  I don't think that was ever on the table though.

[slamtheking]

but he's not regarded as an 'elite' prospect.  he would have gone higher if he was.

What exactly is it that you think he will do better than either Sully or KO?  score?  don't see it.  Sully and KO are both very good scoring around the bucket and pretty solid shooters (not digging the volume of Sully's 3's but he's still a solid shooter inside the line). 

Sully is a proven rebounder and a pretty decent passer.  KO is proving to be a really solid ballhandler and passer. 

Their biggest flaw is defense.  pure and simple.  Randle, even with all the hype, is known to be horrible on D.  worse than Sully and KO in college.  I'm not seeing why anyone thinks this guy will be better than the 2 young PFs we already have OR why we need to add to that logjam at PF, especially when we still have Bass for the year.

That draft had 7 guys who would have gone top 3 in an average draft: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, Gordon, Exum, Smart, Randle and Vonleh. None of those guys are getting traded for 4 months of production from a borderline all-star. Like I said earlier, would you trade Smart for ZBo?

Randle is a much better athlete than Sullinger or Olynyk and he has the potential to be a go-to offensive weapon, as he was in college. I don't really think either of Sully or Olynyk is that. They can attack in the post or face up in the right matchup/situation but they can't really create their own offense.

Keep in mind Randle only played in college his freshman year and was one of the youngest  freshmen. Olynyk redshirted his freshman year - its not a like comparison.

CORRECTION: Olynyk played on the bench his freshman and sophomore seasons and redshirted as a junior. Regardless the dominant college basketball player we drafted was Olynyk as a senior. At the same ages, Randle was much better in all facets of the game than Olynyk.

Excellent response.

I have never been a Randle fan, but pretty much every GM leading a hypothetical rebuilding team would pick him over Kelly for the long term unless they have health concerns with Randle. Comparing Olynyk and Randle at different ages is a bit disingenuous. Paul George averages 8 PPG his rookie season. Heck, I don't remember KO tearing it up the first month of his rookie season despite many more years of development than Randle. Are people going to judge Randle now based on what -- one pro game and a single excellent college season?

I'm basing my opinion of Randle on the number of scouting reports and evaluations posted about him during the college season and pre-draft.  they're all pretty consistent.  solid offense, horrid defense.

KO is starting to show a nice offensive repertoire lately.  I see him having as much potential to be a go-to scorer as Randle.  even more than Randle actually considering KO's ball handling and passing make him more versatile.  Also, Sully on the  box/around the hoop is pretty good at creating space and scoring.

as for trading Smart for Zach, I'd do it in a heartbeat if we still had Rondo.  doing that trade now would be pointless.

[Beat LA]

but he's not regarded as an 'elite' prospect.  he would have gone higher if he was.

What exactly is it that you think he will do better than either Sully or KO?  score?  don't see it.  Sully and KO are both very good scoring around the bucket and pretty solid shooters (not digging the volume of Sully's 3's but he's still a solid shooter inside the line). 

Sully is a proven rebounder and a pretty decent passer.  KO is proving to be a really solid ballhandler and passer. 

Their biggest flaw is defense.  pure and simple.  Randle, even with all the hype, is known to be horrible on D.  worse than Sully and KO in college.  I'm not seeing why anyone thinks this guy will be better than the 2 young PFs we already have OR why we need to add to that logjam at PF, especially when we still have Bass for the year.

That draft had 7 guys who would have gone top 3 in an average draft: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, Gordon, Exum, Smart, Randle and Vonleh. None of those guys are getting traded for 4 months of production from a borderline all-star. Like I said earlier, would you trade Smart for ZBo?

Randle is a much better athlete than Sullinger or Olynyk and he has the potential to be a go-to offensive weapon, as he was in college. I don't really think either of Sully or Olynyk is that. They can attack in the post or face up in the right matchup/situation but they can't really create their own offense.

Keep in mind Randle only played in college his freshman year and was one of the youngest  freshmen. Olynyk redshirted his freshman year - its not a like comparison.

CORRECTION: Olynyk played on the bench his freshman and sophomore seasons and redshirted as a junior. Regardless the dominant college basketball player we drafted was Olynyk as a senior. At the same ages, Randle was much better in all facets of the game than Olynyk.

Excellent response.

I have never been a Randle fan, but pretty much every GM leading a hypothetical rebuilding team would pick him over Kelly for the long term unless they have health concerns with Randle. Comparing Olynyk and Randle at different ages is a bit disingenuous. Paul George averages 8 PPG his rookie season. Heck, I don't remember KO tearing it up the first month of his rookie season despite many more years of development than Randle. Are people going to judge Randle now based on what -- one pro game and a single excellent college season?

I'm basing my opinion of Randle on the number of scouting reports and evaluations posted about him during the college season and pre-draft.  they're all pretty consistent.  solid offense, horrid defense.

KO is starting to show a nice offensive repertoire lately.  I see him having as much potential to be a go-to scorer as Randle.  even more than Randle actually considering KO's ball handling and passing make him more versatile.  Also, Sully on the  box/around the hoop is pretty good at creating space and scoring.

as for trading Smart for Zach, I'd do it in a heartbeat if we still had Rondo.  doing that trade now would be pointless.

While KO does have more range on his shot, Randle can also bring the ball up the court and is an excellent passer.  I was torn between him and Smart.  Honestly, I was hoping that we could have traded Sully for the Lakers' pick to get both of them, especially after missing out on Embiid , but LA isn't that dumb, unfortunately, lol. Ugh.

[LooseCannon]

The Lakers have limited trade assets due to future firsts being tied up due to protection, so the only way Ainge gets more value than what he got from Dallas is if Randle is included.  this is true even if you have a pessimistic view of Randle.  The Mavs were at least willing to give up a pick that has a shot of being post-Dirk.  There was no point in having a discussion without Randle on the table.

[oldtype]

I'm iffy on Randle. He's taken a pretty bad injury and there's really no guarantee that he becomes better than Sullinger or Olynyk. All things considered I probably take the Mavs package over just Randle + Nash

[Celtics4ever]

Ainge and Stevens know what we have in Sully and it might be good to get another PF.