Anthony Bennett Available per ESPN

[BudweiserCeltic]

I thought it was worth studying. If it were a matter of simply deciding one prospect over another, I'd roll the dice with Bennett, but I think his price tag is a non-starter in a year that we'll be potentially going all-in with our usage of cap space to acquire talent.

I mean, if Bennett starts playing well, then the point is a bit moot... but I don't think the risk is worth it.

[Chief Macho]

you do wonder if brad could harvest his talent..

[Tr1boy]

No thx. Bust

[PhoSita]

Yup.  I think Bennett is a better prospect than what will be available at #16.

Problem, as others have pointed out, is that Bennett's contract pays him about 5-6 mil per season.  That cuts into our cap space. 

I would guess that Bennett has a better career than who gets selected 16th, though.

When you combine the fact that he's an out of shape, no-defense, younger version of Brandon Bass with the fact that he makes more than Brandon Bass has ever made on an annual basis, it makes no sense to pick up Bennett.


Maybe nobody at 16 in this draft has the raw talent Bennett has / once had (I'm skeptical) but I'd rather draft at #16 and get a fresh slate than try to pick up what's left of this kid who has spent the first two years of his career on two of the worst-run, worst-coached teams in the league.


When Bennett is on the free agent market after the Wolves decline to pick up his rookie option next summer, perhaps the Celts can look into signing him to a vet minimum deal.

[Fafnir]

It'd have to be an 28 for me to not be mad if they made this move.

I'm not a believer in him working out at this point, just hasn't found his game at the NBA level.

[Vermont Green]

I am not real high on Bennett for the reasons many have mentioned (lots of $$ and not that good) but I am not sure Minni did right by him.  According to 82games, they played him 40% at Center and 60% at PF.  He is 6'-7" without shoes.  I know he has long arms and is probably very strong but that just doesn't sound right.  Kind of like playing Brandon Bass at Center.  It is fine for a kind of change of pace, novelty matchup but not 40% of your time on the court.

Anyway, he does intrigue me some but not enough to want to get him.  I pass.

[Donoghus]

It'd have to be an 28 for me to not be mad if they made this move.

I'm not a believer in him working out at this point, just hasn't found his game at the NBA level.

Or, seemingly, the conditioning.

[35Lewis]

Not really sure ESPN has to announce he's available because I'm sure it was assumed.

Being picked #1 really set this kid up for failure because the expectations are so high.

[guava_wrench]

The Celtics 4's are mediocre?

Do you think I'm over or underrating them? I'd personally say that mediocre is a fair characterization of Sully and KO. Both are perfectly capable NBA players, but neither should be a starter on a competitive team. I'm curious to know what you meant.

I think you're underrating them. They're not stars, but I think they can start on compeitive teams (Sullinger more than Olnyk.)

Look at the list of PF:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/position/pf

Mediocre. They can both improve based on age and the better guys on that list have been in the league longer for the most part, but potential is irrelevant when discussing whether they are 'mediocre' at the moment.

[Who]

I am intrigued by him but we already have two young prospects at PF and both of those guys are further along in their development than Bennett.

I think Bennett can still find his way in the league but I always thought he was more of a role player than a star in the NBA -- I thought he could be an Al Harrington type player prior to draft ... although, I now think it'll be less than that -- so I am not high enough on his potential to move for Bennett at Sully's or Olynyk's expense.

[MJohnnyboy]

I'd be interested if the Celtics didn't have two young power forwards who, even with their flaws, have proven a lot more in this league than Bennett has.

I'm in the same group that believes Bennett can be a good player in this league. I don't think he'll be a star but with good conditioning and the right team, he could flourish. Heck that could still happen in Minny if KG takes him under his wing.

[Celtics4ever]

Let some other team roll the dice on this bust.

[Rondo9]

The Celtics 4's are mediocre?

Do you think I'm over or underrating them? I'd personally say that mediocre is a fair characterization of Sully and KO. Both are perfectly capable NBA players, but neither should be a starter on a competitive team. I'm curious to know what you meant.

I think you're underrating them. They're not stars, but I think they can start on compeitive teams (Sullinger more than Olnyk.)

Look at the list of PF:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/position/pf

Mediocre. They can both improve based on age and the better guys on that list have been in the league longer for the most part, but potential is irrelevant when discussing whether they are 'mediocre' at the moment.

Well at least Sullinger is better than Serge Ibaka. 

[tazzmaniac]

Whichever team has Bennett has to pay him 5.8mil for next season and must decide by October 31 whether to pickup his 4th year option (7.3mil).  Maybe Stevens could turn Bennett into something useful but a few months of offseason isn't enough to determine that and make a 7.3mil bet.  So giving up any pick for Bennett makes no sense at all.   

[LooseCannon]

Not really fond of guys who have conditioning issues and poor defensive effort.