My early 2015 1st round picks for the Celtics

[HomerSapien]

In your scenario I'd prefer Turner to Harrell if he's still on the board.  Too much talent and potential not to gamble on that late.  Even if he turned out to be a total bust it'd be worth the risk on a 7 footer who can shoot and block shots like Turner.

I've warmed to RHJ over the season.  Definitely wouldn't mind him with the Clips pick based on how things are currently projected.

Its your opinion and I could be wrong (that Turner ends up being a better player).  But what is it about Harrell you don't like?

He is like a taller version of Jae Crowder with a longer wingspan/more explosiveness.  Our defense (ability to guard multiple positions, intensity, now add an  capable rim protector) would become that much better.

Crowder is more of a 3/4 swingman whereas Harrell is more of a 4/5 so I'm not sure that is a great comparison, but in terms of energy I see where you are coming from. 

I don't necessarily dislike Harrell, but he strikes me as a player with limited upside.  I'd rather see the Celtics try to nab someone with a higher ceiling.  He has a great motor, which I certainly like, but I don't think he has much of an offensive game, and has limited range on his shot.  Also, I'm sick of the train of undersized 4/5 men that have been on the Celtics in recent years and I would love to see us add some actual length if the opportunity presents itself.  Finally, he's 21 years old when some of the other prospects in question aren't 19 yet and I tend to gravitate toward younger guys because they are the least finished products and have more time to be molded.

I feel like you can usually find a 6' 8" energy guy in the 2nd round and I'd rather take a chance on this type of player there, or you could always role the dice on a retread like Thomas Robinson and hope he puts it together on stop #5.

I certainly acknowledge I could be underestimating Harrell as I haven't watched him a ton this season, but that is my thought process.

[Eddie20]

Oubre, Winslow, and Turner will all go before Kaminsky. Kaminsky's stock is sure to drop once he posts some pedestrian numbers at the combine.

Maybe. But once he nails 3 after 3  , handles the ball around with ease for a 7ft tall player , his stock will rise again.

Is this Dirk or Kaminsky we're talking about? Kaminsky is a good shooter, but he's not an elite shooter. Scouts have pointed out to a slow release that might give him problems on the next level.

Come on, Dirk's release is pretty slow also.   Kaminsky is not as automatic but he is good shooter. Better than KO , and KO is considered a good 3 pt shooter for his height now.

Centers are going to have to respect Kaminsky shooting capabilities and come out to defend him.

Right, just like they respect Hawes. That's a nice skill to have for a big, but let's talk about his weaknesses.

Age/upside - He's turning 22 next month and he's dominating much younger players. His first two years in college he was awful, so is this improvement because he worked hard or simply because he's an upperclassmen?

Athleticism - He's slow footed and will likely struggle in space and defending the p&r on the next level. His lack of lift will also be an issue around the basket. Remember he won't be playing Chattanooga here.

Strength - He reportedly struggled this summer at the Adidas camp with more physical and athletic players. Gives up position too easily.

Why would you want to add a player that brings nothing to our team that we don't already have? If we had a Drummond, Jordan, Gobbert, etc. manning the middle, then I'm on board. However, adding Kaminsky to a team that already includes unathletic players with equal skill sets and weaknesses,  along the front line is not ideal. I know you like him, but you seem to focus on college stats rather than what his ceiling is on the next level. Give me Turner as a big, or Winslow or Oubre on the wing, and I'll take that upside all day.

[HomerSapien]

Will Turner even play in the 4th quarter under CBS?
CBS has guys out in the 4th now that can guard at least 2 positions. Can run end to end multiple times between whistles. Turner has issues running end to end multiple times  now. It doesnt look natural. He would fit better under a half court oriented team imo

Turner supposedly is still adjusting to the recent rapid growth of his body.  He is such a weird prospect.  At times he looks incredibly agile, and then other times he looks like childhood Forest Gump.  I do think he has a higher bust potential, but he also has such potential that I'd gamble on it in a heartbeat outside the top 10 - 12.

Also, I'm not overly concerned about if CBS would play him (or any other player for that matter) in the 4th.  If a guy can get the job done, then he'll get minutes.  If a player is good enough at certain things Stevens seems to be willing to flex his approach to maximize his players abilities, not force a square peg into a round whole for the sake of a system.

[Tr1boy]

Oubre, Winslow, and Turner will all go before Kaminsky. Kaminsky's stock is sure to drop once he posts some pedestrian numbers at the combine.

Maybe. But once he nails 3 after 3  , handles the ball around with ease for a 7ft tall player , his stock will rise again.

Is this Dirk or Kaminsky we're talking about? Kaminsky is a good shooter, but he's not an elite shooter. Scouts have pointed out to a slow release that might give him problems on the next level.

Come on, Dirk's release is pretty slow also.   Kaminsky is not as automatic but he is good shooter. Better than KO , and KO is considered a good 3 pt shooter for his height now.

Centers are going to have to respect Kaminsky shooting capabilities and come out to defend him.

Right, just like they respect Hawes. That's a nice skill to have for a big, but let's talk about his weaknesses.

Age/upside - He's turning 22 next month and he's dominating much younger players. His first two years in college he was awful, so is this improvement because he worked hard or simply because he's an upperclassmen?

Athleticism - He's slow footed and will likely struggle in space and defending the p&r on the next level. His lack of lift will also be an issue around the basket. Remember he won't be playing Chattanooga here.

Strength - He reportedly struggled this summer at the Adidas camp with more physical and athletic players. Gives up position too easily.

Why would you want to add a player that brings nothing to our team that we don't already have? If we had a Drummond, Jordan, Gobbert, etc. manning the middle, then I'm on board. However, adding Kaminsky to a team that already includes unathletic players with equal skill sets and weaknesses,  along the front line is not ideal. I know you like him, but you seem to focus on college stats rather than what his ceiling is on the next level. Give me Turner as a big, or Winslow or Oubre on the wing, and I'll take that upside all day.

Nobody knows the answer to some of your questions until we see him play in the NBA. Btw Kaminsky is more mobile /athletic compared to Hawes.  Also is a better ball handler, shot blocker

Kaminsky will add strength to better prepare for the nba. He is likely going to have another good tourney to improve on his draft status.

[HomerSapien]

Give me Turner as a big, or Winslow or Oubre on the wing, and I'll take that upside all day.

Agreed.  As late as we are probably picking, any of these 3 would look nice in green.

[Eddie20]

Oubre, Winslow, and Turner will all go before Kaminsky. Kaminsky's stock is sure to drop once he posts some pedestrian numbers at the combine.

Maybe. But once he nails 3 after 3  , handles the ball around with ease for a 7ft tall player , his stock will rise again.

Is this Dirk or Kaminsky we're talking about? Kaminsky is a good shooter, but he's not an elite shooter. Scouts have pointed out to a slow release that might give him problems on the next level.

Come on, Dirk's release is pretty slow also.   Kaminsky is not as automatic but he is good shooter. Better than KO , and KO is considered a good 3 pt shooter for his height now.

Centers are going to have to respect Kaminsky shooting capabilities and come out to defend him.

Right, just like they respect Hawes. That's a nice skill to have for a big, but let's talk about his weaknesses.

Age/upside - He's turning 22 next month and he's dominating much younger players. His first two years in college he was awful, so is this improvement because he worked hard or simply because he's an upperclassmen?

Athleticism - He's slow footed and will likely struggle in space and defending the p&r on the next level. His lack of lift will also be an issue around the basket. Remember he won't be playing Chattanooga here.

Strength - He reportedly struggled this summer at the Adidas camp with more physical and athletic players. Gives up position too easily.

Why would you want to add a player that brings nothing to our team that we don't already have? If we had a Drummond, Jordan, Gobbert, etc. manning the middle, then I'm on board. However, adding Kaminsky to a team that already includes unathletic players with equal skill sets and weaknesses,  along the front line is not ideal. I know you like him, but you seem to focus on college stats rather than what his ceiling is on the next level. Give me Turner as a big, or Winslow or Oubre on the wing, and I'll take that upside all day.

Nobody knows the answer to some of your questions until we see him play in the NBA. Btw Kaminsky is more mobile /athletic compared to Hawes.  Also is a better ball handler, shot blocker

Kaminsky will add strength to better prepare for the nba. He is likely going to have another good tourney to improve on his draft status.

Hawes was a lottery pick, but he, much like Kamimsky, had limited upside. Can you name the last perimeter oriented big (non foreign player), who lacks athleticism and strength, and excelled in the league? Not just a role player either, but to the level you're hyping him up? Because lately the list hasn't been pretty.

[Quetzalcoatl]

Kaminsky's offense relies on posting up college players, over reliance on his spin moves and 3 pt shooting.  The only one of those that will translate is the 3 pt shooting....but he's a center!  Trying to translate those spin moves to the pros will get him stripped left and right.  He's barely passable defensively.  People being good in college does not equal being good in the pros.

[bleedGREENdon]

I can see WCS a dropping to the celtics look at who would have picks before us

Philly- has centers
Lakers- might take him
Bucks- might take him
Jazz- has a center
Nets - has a center
Sacramento- has a center
Minnesota- has a center
Denver- has a center
Knicks- might take him
Charlotte- has a center
Detroit- has a center
Orlando- has a center



Knicks lakers bucks are the three teams that need a center.

Knicks probably have a top 5 pick, don't see them taking WCS that high, would more likely trade that pick for a vet if needed.
Lakers, same as Knicks.

Bucks I could see them taking him which would be scary already have Gianni's 6'11 playing SG, Parker 6'9 playing SF and Henson 6'11 PF and MCW 6'6 PG that defense would be ridiculously long and all could switch on PnR. I could see the Bucks taking WCS. Now would Danny trade with them for him?

Second option.
Kaminsky?

A lineup of
Smart
Bradley
Crowder
Kanminsky
Sully

Is a lineup in which EVERYONE can shoot the ball, what brad wants
Even throw Kelly in there

Smart
Bradley
Crowder
Kelly
Kaminsky

I mean I know our interior defense would be terrible, but the ball movement and shooting would be A1 and a problem for the league.

Those are the two I want for our first round pick. Now with clippers pick, I would take Valentin from Michigan state, kid can poor em up for a PF, Anderson from Virginia, Lyles from Kentucky, Or Harrell.

[CFAN38]

Just posted a really long fan post listing out my NBA draft Tiers and views on prospects.

http://www.celticsblog.com/2015/3/18/8241001/tiers-of-an-nba-draft-addict

[CFAN38]

I can see WCS a dropping to the celtics look at who would have picks before us

Philly- has centers
Lakers- might take him
Bucks- might take him
Jazz- has a center
Nets - has a center
Sacramento- has a center
Minnesota- has a center
Denver- has a center
Knicks- might take him
Charlotte- has a center
Detroit- has a center
Orlando- has a center



Knicks lakers bucks are the three teams that need a center.

Knicks probably have a top 5 pick, don't see them taking WCS that high, would more likely trade that pick for a vet if needed.
Lakers, same as Knicks.

Bucks I could see them taking him which would be scary already have Gianni's 6'11 playing SG, Parker 6'9 playing SF and Henson 6'11 PF and MCW 6'6 PG that defense would be ridiculously long and all could switch on PnR. I could see the Bucks taking WCS. Now would Danny trade with them for him?

Second option.
Kaminsky?

A lineup of
Smart
Bradley
Crowder
Kanminsky
Sully

Is a lineup in which EVERYONE can shoot the ball, what brad wants
Even throw Kelly in there

Smart
Bradley
Crowder
Kelly
Kaminsky

I mean I know our interior defense would be terrible, but the ball movement and shooting would be A1 and a problem for the league.

Those are the two I want for our first round pick. Now with clippers pick, I would take Valentin from Michigan state, kid can poor em up for a PF, Anderson from Virginia, Lyles from Kentucky, Or Harrell.

I would add the Kings, Bobcats and Magic to teams that might take WCS. His mobility will allow him to play next PF on D and would make him a possibility (though terrible floor spacer) next to Cousins, Big Al or Vucivec. Not to mention teams will go BPA. Dont forget last draft the bobcats drafted Vonleh while alrady having big AL and Zeller.

[chambers]

I agree with you on Turner- I think he's going to be a Hasheem Thabeet type bust.
He less agile than Hibbert was and Hibbert came a looong way. I guess you could argue that Hibbert took until he was 24-25 years old to grow into his body so that gives Turner some hope.

I'd personally take Caris Levert and then see who wants to give us some assets for someone else.
If Caris Levert can overcome his foot issue then he's got All Star potential given how well he can shoot, dribble and create his own offense on the perimeter, and his left hand is a huge advantage ala Harden and the hesitation dribble.

I would like to get Porzingis by trading our pick, the Clippers pick, 2 Brooklyn picks and Kelly Olynk or Sullinger to the Knicks or Lakers if they get 4th or 5th and he's still on the board.
I would literally give them anything other than Smart.

I also think Thomas would work great in the triangle offense with Carmelo in New York.
But it's unlikely that they see any of our assets as having enough worth to even begin that conversation.

[TheTruthFot18]

I think then , they will pick (15th) Harrell (6'8 250 pounds pf, 7'4 wingspan).  He would fit in with the current Celtics group like a glove.  Versatile defender, tough, high motor, improved jump shot and offensive game. Has won a NCAA championship and gold medal (Under 19 tourney)

With our 2nd 1st , (25th) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (6'6 215 pounds sf/sg. 7'1 wingspan).  Another guy that would fit right in .  Can defend multiple positions, is a tenacious 1 on 1 defender,  has improved on his offensive game. However his main areas of expertise is on defense.  Both of these picks will add explosiveness, above the rim play.  Strengthen defensive depth.    With our 2nd round picks, Danny can afford to gamble on a few international players that could turn out to be steals down the line.

1. I'd rather grab Portis at that 14-16 pick. We don't need an another undersized PF. I'm afraid Portis will climb the board but that's my pick if we're not going to get in the lottery.

2. Glad to see some other RHJ support here and he's perfect at that pick as well as filling a need.

14. Portis
22. RHJ
(2) 2. D. Johnson

[jonaslopes]

Ainge went to Barcelona to see Hezonja. I really can see we trying to trade up to get him.

[saltlover]

I agree with you on Turner- I think he's going to be a Hasheem Thabeet type bust.
He less agile than Hibbert was and Hibbert came a looong way. I guess you could argue that Hibbert took until he was 24-25 years old to grow into his body so that gives Turner some hope.

I'd personally take Caris Levert and then see who wants to give us some assets for someone else.
If Caris Levert can overcome his foot issue then he's got All Star potential given how well he can shoot, dribble and create his own offense on the perimeter, and his left hand is a huge advantage ala Harden and the hesitation dribble.

I would like to get Porzingis by trading our pick, the Clippers pick, 2 Brooklyn picks and Kelly Olynk or Sullinger to the Knicks or Lakers if they get 4th or 5th and he's still on the board.
I would literally give them anything other than Smart.

I also think Thomas would work great in the triangle offense with Carmelo in New York.
But it's unlikely that they see any of our assets as having enough worth to even begin that conversation.

The general feeling coming out of Michigan right now is that Levert will not enter the draft this year.  That might change, depending what the draft advisory board (or whatever it's called) tells him, but he appears to be leaning that direction.

[saltlover]

Ainge went to Barcelona to see Hezonja. I really can see we trying to trade up to get him.

If we miss the playoffs, I can see that.  But it's unlikely he'll fall far enough to be acquirable with say the 15th and 23rd picks.