Best 2016 draft options for Celtics (in the top 10)

[celticmania]

Brandon Ingram looks atrocious today

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Jaylen Brown.

A kid with an NBA ready body and athleticism is hard to pass. He's got some flaws that could be worked, but he could contribute right away, especially on defense with his size, length and quickness. He can also run the floor very well, with great pace and is just not afraid to slash.

I think I'd take him over Brandon Ingram to be honest.

 Yoki, your killing me with that comment. I gave you a Tp just for being bold, and I love Brown, but just on Upside alone you really have to take Ingram, what is it about Ingram that you don't love?  Beanpole Skinny?
 I see a go to scorer in the making, fouth quarter Paul Pierce style give it to him and get out of his way.

It's not about what I don't love about Ingram, but what I love about Brown.

Jaylen Brown to me has better potential to be a great all around player than Ingram, who could very well be a deadly scorer in the NBA. Brown's size, length and athleticism is already NBA ready, and if proper work is done, he could turn into one of the premier defenders in the NBA, capable of defending any position.

And while he can't be as great a scorer as Ingram (if they both pan out), he could develop into a good one. He's a great slasher, which means he has the potential to be a DeMar Derozan type of player that can just get to the line a bunch of times. He's always attacking.

He's also got the intangibles. He's unselfish and he's got good motor.

I won't be disappointed if we pick Brandon Ingram, because yes, he could turn into a bucket getter extraordinaire. I just like Jaylen Brown's potential to be a much better all around player, and there's not a lot of those in the NBA.   

[knuckleballer]

Brandon Ingram looks atrocious today

Duke has been playing with a thin bench due to injuries and he has been playing nearly 40 minutes every game recently.  He looks tired.

[chilidawg]

Brandon Ingram looks atrocious today

Duke has been playing with a thin bench due to injuries and he has been playing nearly 40 minutes every game recently.  He looks tired.

He certainly did look tired.  Interesting that K didn't give him much of a break, more or less telling him to suck it up and play through it. 

He better have been tired, because that was a truly bad game for him.  Couldn't deal with the double teams, and really struggled to get his shot off.  First time I've seen that.

[knuckleballer]

I have been convinced that Simmons is the number 1 pick, but yesterday was a bad look for him.  He was benched to start the game due to an academic issue.  I didn't see the game, but from what I have read and from the highlights, he responded by giving a lackluster effort in what was essentially a must win if they want to make the tournament.  I'm sure the coach thought the the early benching might light a fire under him, instead he responded the wrong way.

Here's a series of tweets from Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress about the game.

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Disgraceful how? Simmons simply did not look like he cared one bit about winning or losing. Seemed primarily concerned w/ just looking cool

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
You never want to overreact to one game, so we'll have to see how Ben Simmons responds in the next few weeks. Tonight was just disgraceful.

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
All you need to know about LSU's current state can be seen as timeouts get called. Bench absolutely lifeless. Ben Simmons by himself on end.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
This is going to be a game tape teams study closely. How does Ben Simmons respond to adversity? Not everything always goes your way in NBA.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
More from TV broadcast. Jones: "Academic matter, there are some academic things he needs to take care of. This is how we're dealing with it"

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Watching game, Ben Simmons looks checked out, seems to be going through motions. Has 5 turnovers. Hasn't bent his knees once on defense yet.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
TV broadcast asked LSU's coach why didn't Ben Simmons start? Johnny Jones: "It is an internal matter and we will address it after the game."

[Csfan1984]

Lab, Simmons, Ingram, Brown and all the players that might come out are all just very young. They barely understand responsibility.  Remember yourself at that age. Now think of the added pressure a high profile student athlete is under. They are going to have bad days

[Denis998]

I have been convinced that Simmons is the number 1 pick, but yesterday was a bad look for him.  He was benched to start the game due to an academic issue.  I didn't see the game, but from what I have read and from the highlights, he responded by giving a lackluster effort in what was essentially a must win if they want to make the tournament.  I'm sure the coach thought the the early benching might light a fire under him, instead he responded the wrong way.

Here's a series of tweets from Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress about the game.

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Disgraceful how? Simmons simply did not look like he cared one bit about winning or losing. Seemed primarily concerned w/ just looking cool

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
You never want to overreact to one game, so we'll have to see how Ben Simmons responds in the next few weeks. Tonight was just disgraceful.

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
All you need to know about LSU's current state can be seen as timeouts get called. Bench absolutely lifeless. Ben Simmons by himself on end.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
This is going to be a game tape teams study closely. How does Ben Simmons respond to adversity? Not everything always goes your way in NBA.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
More from TV broadcast. Jones: "Academic matter, there are some academic things he needs to take care of. This is how we're dealing with it"

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Watching game, Ben Simmons looks checked out, seems to be going through motions. Has 5 turnovers. Hasn't bent his knees once on defense yet.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
TV broadcast asked LSU's coach why didn't Ben Simmons start? Johnny Jones: "It is an internal matter and we will address it after the game."

We would be kidding ourselves to think he is in LSU for an "education", for him its just an unnecessary obstacle he needs to get through. So why should he be penalized for something he doesn't need or want. He did that school a favor just for considering of committing to them, let alone generate them millions of dollars for playing on their team. IMO, they should just create a "Professional Sports" major and have them at the gym all day. Considering he is Ben Simmons after all, he can skip all around the court for the duration of their leftover games, and still get picked #1.
Screw the NCAA and their socialist ideals.

[knuckleballer]

I agree the college basketball system is a joke especially for NBA bound players.  I still want to see a competitive fire from players, if not for their school or coach, then for their teammates and their desire to win.  He's still the #1 pick in my mind, but that's not what I want to see from him.  The fact he's only 19 certainly may be a reason for that.

[hwangjini_1]

I have been convinced that Simmons is the number 1 pick, but yesterday was a bad look for him.  He was benched to start the game due to an academic issue.  I didn't see the game, but from what I have read and from the highlights, he responded by giving a lackluster effort in what was essentially a must win if they want to make the tournament.  I'm sure the coach thought the the early benching might light a fire under him, instead he responded the wrong way.

Here's a series of tweets from Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress about the game.

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Disgraceful how? Simmons simply did not look like he cared one bit about winning or losing. Seemed primarily concerned w/ just looking cool

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
You never want to overreact to one game, so we'll have to see how Ben Simmons responds in the next few weeks. Tonight was just disgraceful.

Jonathan Givony
13h13 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
All you need to know about LSU's current state can be seen as timeouts get called. Bench absolutely lifeless. Ben Simmons by himself on end.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
This is going to be a game tape teams study closely. How does Ben Simmons respond to adversity? Not everything always goes your way in NBA.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
More from TV broadcast. Jones: "Academic matter, there are some academic things he needs to take care of. This is how we're dealing with it"

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Watching game, Ben Simmons looks checked out, seems to be going through motions. Has 5 turnovers. Hasn't bent his knees once on defense yet.

Jonathan Givony
14h14 hours ago
Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
TV broadcast asked LSU's coach why didn't Ben Simmons start? Johnny Jones: "It is an internal matter and we will address it after the game."

We would be kidding ourselves to think he is in LSU for an "education", for him its just an unnecessary obstacle he needs to get through. So why should he be penalized for something he doesn't need or want. He did that school a favor just for considering of committing to them, let alone generate them millions of dollars for playing on their team. IMO, they should just create a "Professional Sports" major and have them at the gym all day. Considering he is Ben Simmons after all, he can skip all around the court for the duration of their leftover games, and still get picked #1.
Screw the NCAA and their socialist ideals.

1. you dont understand socialism.

2. it's not much of a favor to LSU if he sulks and refuses to play hard, let alone well.

3. yes, ncaa amateurism is a joke. but for the vast majority of athletes who never will reach the professional leagues and are indeed students, the system is less laughable.

[PhoSita]

Screw the NCAA and their socialist ideals.

What about the NCAA is socialist? 

That place makes money by the truckload on the backs of unpaid laborers.  That's not very socialist, if you know anything about the meaning and history of that word.


As for Simmons getting disciplined for an academic thing, I agree it's kind of silly to punish a player who's clearly only focused on getting to the NBA for something that has nothing to do with the NBA, but the NCAA has to keep up its silly "student athlete" facade.

[CFAN38]

We all know DA will draft BPA and try to figure out a way to make it work. With that said the following is my lottery big board.

1. Simmons, the media will find warts as season goes on but he is a generational talent

2. Ingram, with physical maturity he could be top 5 scorer in league for years

3. Bender, very intriguing mix of skills great match for current NBA style

4. Poeltl, athletic with great hands for his size. not a sexy prospect but long term anchor at 5

5. Brown, super athlete who will take time to develop shot this creates bust potential

6. Ellenson, under whelming athlete but very skilled and has size to play 4/5

7. Dunn, looks solid but I dont see the Star others do especially at his age

8. Hield, who ever drafts him will be very happy JJ Redick 2.0. instant contributor

9. Murray, smooth isolation scorer who may struggle vs high end NBA defenders

10. Labissiere, mystery man despite everyone seeing him,could be a wasted pick or the steal of the draft

11. Rabb, solid all around big man who is mobile and long just needs to get stronger

12. Stone, traditional low post big who will excel on the right team

13. Korkmaz, I know very little about him but he can shoot and has good wing size

14. Valentine, very well rounded player. will help a team from day 1 limited ceiling but very high floor.

Players I like outside the lottery

Nigel Hayes, really nice fit as a big 3 small ball 4. Could be a poor mans D Green

John Egbunu, raw but a physical beast. He has the tools to be an elite rebounder and post defender

Brice Johnson, great stats and really quick off the court. He is likely a career backup but will be an efficiant finisher and rebounder

If I was DA I would not trade the pick if 1-2. If the Okafor rumor is true I would trade him straight up with nothing else added for pick 3-4 as I think Bender and Poeltl are similar level prospects to Okafor and would have him at #3 if he was in this draft. After pick 4 I would expect and be willing to include other assets.   

[clevelandceltic]

Poeltl on a similar level as Okafor? Wow. Thats the first I have heard anyone suggest something like that. Could happen but I havent seen anything to suggest that.

We all know DA will draft BPA and try to figure out a way to make it work. With that said the following is my lottery big board.

1. Simmons, the media will find warts as season goes on but he is a generational talent

2. Ingram, with physical maturity he could be top 5 scorer in league for years

3. Bender, very intriguing mix of skills great match for current NBA style

4. Poeltl, athletic with great hands for his size. not a sexy prospect but long term anchor at 5

5. Brown, super athlete who will take time to develop shot this creates bust potential

6. Ellenson, under whelming athlete but very skilled and has size to play 4/5

7. Dunn, looks solid but I dont see the Star others do especially at his age

8. Hield, who ever drafts him will be very happy JJ Redick 2.0. instant contributor

9. Murray, smooth isolation scorer who may struggle vs high end NBA defenders

10. Labissiere, mystery man despite everyone seeing him,could be a wasted pick or the steal of the draft

11. Rabb, solid all around big man who is mobile and long just needs to get stronger

12. Stone, traditional low post big who will excel on the right team

13. Korkmaz, I know very little about him but he can shoot and has good wing size

14. Valentine, very well rounded player. will help a team from day 1 limited ceiling but very high floor.

Players I like outside the lottery

Nigel Hayes, really nice fit as a big 3 small ball 4. Could be a poor mans D Green

John Egbunu, raw but a physical beast. He has the tools to be an elite rebounder and post defender

Brice Johnson, great stats and really quick off the court. He is likely a career backup but will be an efficiant finisher and rebounder

If I was DA I would not trade the pick if 1-2. If the Okafor rumor is true I would trade him straight up with nothing else added for pick 3-4 as I think Bender and Poeltl are similar level prospects to Okafor and would have him at #3 if he was in this draft. After pick 4 I would expect and be willing to include other assets.   

[CFAN38]

Poeltl on a similar level as Okafor? Wow. Thats the first I have heard anyone suggest something like that. Could happen but I havent seen anything to suggest that.

We all know DA will draft BPA and try to figure out a way to make it work. With that said the following is my lottery big board.

1. Simmons, the media will find warts as season goes on but he is a generational talent

2. Ingram, with physical maturity he could be top 5 scorer in league for years

3. Bender, very intriguing mix of skills great match for current NBA style

4. Poeltl, athletic with great hands for his size. not a sexy prospect but long term anchor at 5

5. Brown, super athlete who will take time to develop shot this creates bust potential

6. Ellenson, under whelming athlete but very skilled and has size to play 4/5

7. Dunn, looks solid but I dont see the Star others do especially at his age

8. Hield, who ever drafts him will be very happy JJ Redick 2.0. instant contributor

9. Murray, smooth isolation scorer who may struggle vs high end NBA defenders

10. Labissiere, mystery man despite everyone seeing him,could be a wasted pick or the steal of the draft

11. Rabb, solid all around big man who is mobile and long just needs to get stronger

12. Stone, traditional low post big who will excel on the right team

13. Korkmaz, I know very little about him but he can shoot and has good wing size

14. Valentine, very well rounded player. will help a team from day 1 limited ceiling but very high floor.

Players I like outside the lottery

Nigel Hayes, really nice fit as a big 3 small ball 4. Could be a poor mans D Green

John Egbunu, raw but a physical beast. He has the tools to be an elite rebounder and post defender

Brice Johnson, great stats and really quick off the court. He is likely a career backup but will be an efficiant finisher and rebounder

If I was DA I would not trade the pick if 1-2. If the Okafor rumor is true I would trade him straight up with nothing else added for pick 3-4 as I think Bender and Poeltl are similar level prospects to Okafor and would have him at #3 if he was in this draft. After pick 4 I would expect and be willing to include other assets.   

I don't want you to miss my point with Okafor. If he where in this draft coming out as a freshman I would have him as the 3rd pick. Simmons, Ingram, Okafor, Bender and Poeltl would be my top 5. I view Simmons and Ingram as potential star level players, guys who could be the best players on a championship contending team. Okafor, Bender and Poeltl are guys who I think will be very good pros and likely allstars at some point in their careers. When comparing Okafor and Poeltl they are much different players I think Okafors offense makes him the more intriguing prospect but his limitations on defense have to be delt with when placing him on a roster. Poeltl on the other hand will help what ever team he is on defensively and should ultimately develop into a solid offensive threat. Though I hate player comps I think this works and highlights my point.

Who would you rather have a healthy prime Big Al or Andrew Bogut?   

Big Al is the more dominate offensive player and Bogut the more dominate defender. So it comes down to what is the greater liability Boguts Offense or Big Als D?

I would end up taking the superior offensive player, build with solid defense around him , and hope that my coach can cover up his weaknesses but others may want the benefits of a superior defender.

Its also worth noting that they played against each other last year in the sweet 16. Duke won 63-57.

Their stat lines

Poeltl     27min 10pts 5-10FG 8RB (5 offensive) 1ast 3blk 2TO 1PF
Okafor   32min  6pts    3-6FG 8RB (0 offensive) 0ast 2blk 4TO 3PF

[clevelandceltic]

Im not even doing a side by side comparison of players. Im just saying in terms of the projected level of prospect I dont see Poeltl and Okafor on the same level. Nothing about Poeltl's game projects to me as all star potential whereas I do see that with Okafor.

In terms of Poeltl I think he has the 3rd most potential of any Pac 12 player. He projects as a solid NBA player to me.

[mef730]

If there is one guy im really looking forward to us picking with the DAL pick its Timothe Luwawu. Guy has elite length, great hands, shoots it well, but most of all is super active and plays like he wants it. I would love to see this guy in a small ball lineup with Jae, and Marcus. He exudes the same type of effort.

Offensively similar to Young but seems to go to both hands with ease and have that aggressive finish at the rim mentality. I know its just a highlight video but it is the first in my research that has really gotten me excited. Its 11 minutes but do yourself a favor if youre looking for some excitement.



http://www.draftexpress.com/video/12077/

Just watched that video. He definitely looks smooth. I'd be happy to take him in the teens. My only concern is that turnover ratio: Ouch, 19.1% of possessions. True, that's the way they play, but I would be taking a chance that Brad can slow him down a bit and improve his decision making ability.

Mike