Okafor was Ainge's Mystery Man?

[guava_wrench]

OKafor shoots .356 from the 10-16 distance and .682 from the FT line.

Granted, he is not Draymond Green, but he is nothing like Drummond or Deandre Jordan when it comes to shooting.

He's an old school big man.  You can debate whether there's still a place for old schol big men, but his rookie stats are pretty impressive and his floor seems to be Al Jefferson/Brook Lopez.   He's worth more than the Brooklyn pick right now.   I'm not at all surprised to hear Ainge offered it.  No-brainer. 

Really hope Brooklyn doesn't spoil this party, because I want to have a crack at getting one of those Philly bigs.  It's painfully clear they will need to trade at least one of them eventually and I think all three will be fantastic long-term.

First I'm shocked philly is looking into trading Him. Imo, he is currently there most valuable asset. Second, people forget both Lopez and Jefferson can shoot. They stretch the floor, just not to the three. Third, I think he is actually pretty athletic. If he gets in good shape and works on his game in the off-season, he can become very very good. I mean even his defense could become above average if he works on it. That is what makes him different from Lopez and Jefferson. He just needs to improve his shot, which he can if he works on it.

Your "most valuable asset" is exactly what you do trade.

Okafor might really need to be with a better, more mature team because is seems horribly immature. Considering that Philly might consider Embiid their best big, they might want to sell high with Okafor.

Okafor seems mobile with the ball, but I don't know about athletic. I guess I haven't seen him enough.

[Casperian]

Please no Noel. His offensive game is very, very raw. And besides Okafor is born a winner - he suffers having to play for a tanking team.

A last point, for several reasons, the front office (as well as Brett Brown) prefer Noel to Okafor, so if they are trading anyone it will be him.

So, the people who see these guys in the gym every day prefer the guy with the very raw offense over the "born winner", who doesn't even play for them in the 4th quarter of close games.

Got it.

You clearly have not watched many games of Philly, so just take a look at their stats per 36 min.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/noelne01.html

Bear in mind that Okafor is one year younger, has still three years in his contract (Noel's expires in the end of the next season), and one year less of experience in the NBA. But ofc you know better than Ainge.

Got it.

I'm not the one who contradicts himself.

Why does Philly want to keep the worse player, in your opinion? How do you come to the absurd conclusion Okafor is a "born winner"? Why do you think I give a flying rat fart about per 36 numbers of the only servicable offensive player on the worst team in NBA history?

But of course, Danny also liked Robert Swift.

[Future Celtics Owner]

I have a feeling the Brooklyn pick is ultimately gonna get traded along with a few role players for Okafor on draft night.

Probably better than anyone after pick number 2 in this draft, but I just don't know if he's going to fit our style.

That's a really valid concern, I just don't think Ainge cares.  Brad's shown he can make do with whatever Ainge gives him, Ainge knows it's his job to give Brad some elite talent.  Okafor is one, even if he's not the ideal prospect.

The fit, on at least one level, is simple -- how do you maximize a guy who's really good at finishing inside but who struggles on defense and shooting?  You surround him with versatile defenders who can spread the floor and who love to pass the ball.

I just don't know if Okafor's game is really going to translate in the new NBA. Sure, he'll have mismatches against certain teams that can't guard him down low, but it's just so abnormal to have a low post, non-stretch 5 nowadays who can't play defense. You almost need an Ibaka-type, i.e. 3 and D, stretch 4 next to him that is great defensively. However, there's just not that many guys like that in the NBA, especially at the 4.

I think there will always be a place in the NBA for big men with elite size and skill. I'm not convinced Okafor is a lost cause defensively and I don't buy into the idea that post up big men can't succeed in the NBA anymore. It's just not as easy to make it work as it once was.

What's the point of having a supposedly great coach if he can't figure out ways to maximize a tricky talent like Okafor?

It'd be one thing if he seemed like a selfish guy or a guy with no interest in playing defense. I don't think he's that.

Pho_city is completely right. TP.

Oak-a-4 is really just starting his career and IMO his jumper will get drastically better and so will the rest of his game. Why? Because right now the kid is daring ppl/teams to stop him from scoring through: driving(he is really good at driving), posting up, and just finishing in the paint....he is really really good at those 3 things.
But he never really shoots, even when he's open and should. Instead he puts the ball on the ground and drives, in those scenarios. He still scores a good amount even in spite other teams packing the paint on him.
His shot actually looks good and he has gotten better at ft's since college. IMO he will incorporate his jumper over-time and will become incredibly blessed offensive player.

I also think he can become a great defensive player, he has nothing holding him back physically ,or anything else, from development.

The biggest ? is he going to work and put the hours at the gym and on the court?

[Big333223]

Okafor's got the size and length to be a good rim protector in the NBA. But he just doesn't have the foot speed to switch onto anybody smaller than him.

He might be a perenial all star but I'd rather have a top 2 pick than him. If the pick was #3 or lower? I'd have to think about a talent like Okafor.

[tazzmaniac]

I have a feeling the Brooklyn pick is ultimately gonna get traded along with a few role players for Okafor on draft night.

Probably better than anyone after pick number 2 in this draft, but I just don't know if he's going to fit our style.

That's a really valid concern, I just don't think Ainge cares.  Brad's shown he can make do with whatever Ainge gives him, Ainge knows it's his job to give Brad some elite talent.  Okafor is one, even if he's not the ideal prospect.

The fit, on at least one level, is simple -- how do you maximize a guy who's really good at finishing inside but who struggles on defense and shooting?  You surround him with versatile defenders who can spread the floor and who love to pass the ball.

I just don't know if Okafor's game is really going to translate in the new NBA. Sure, he'll have mismatches against certain teams that can't guard him down low, but it's just so abnormal to have a low post, non-stretch 5 nowadays who can't play defense. You almost need an Ibaka-type, i.e. 3 and D, stretch 4 next to him that is great defensively. However, there's just not that many guys like that in the NBA, especially at the 4.

I think there will always be a place in the NBA for big men with elite size and skill. I'm not convinced Okafor is a lost cause defensively and I don't buy into the idea that post up big men can't succeed in the NBA anymore. It's just not as easy to make it work as it once was.

What's the point of having a supposedly great coach if he can't figure out ways to maximize a tricky talent like Okafor?

It'd be one thing if he seemed like a selfish guy or a guy with no interest in playing defense. I don't think he's that.

Pho_city is completely right. TP.

Oak-a-4 is really just starting his career and IMO his jumper will get drastically better and so will the rest of his game. Why? Because right now the kid is daring ppl/teams to stop him from scoring through: driving(he is really good at driving), posting up, and just finishing in the paint....he is really really good at those 3 things.
But he never really shoots, even when he's open and should. Instead he puts the ball on the ground and drives, in those scenarios. He still scores a good amount even in spite other teams packing the paint on him.
His shot actually looks good and he has gotten better at ft's since college. IMO he will incorporate his jumper over-time and will become incredibly blessed offensive player.

I also think he can become a great defensive player, he has nothing holding him back physically ,or anything else, from development.

The biggest ? is he going to work and put the hours at the gym and on the court?

Okafor has taken a lot of jump shots (357).  Much more than Monroe (169) and relatively close to M. Gasol (421).  I do expect him to improve his jumper and he might even develop a 3pt shot eventually. 

[chambers]

Bulpett is Ainge's media mouth.
I believe that Ainge has given Okfaur to Bulpett to throw people off because he has some kind of great deal in the making and he doesn't want anything getting out and changing the other side's minds.

I still think it was Jimmy Butler.
If I was completely wrong and it was Okafur, I could understand why Ainge and Brad would like him though.

[chambers]

If you think this guy is a chump, I urge you to watch more of Philly's games.
Just a random game vs Duncan, Aldridge and Diaw.

Footwork and fluidity is just beautiful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCvYq5f71PY

[The Rondo Show]

Bring Okafor to Boston!

[guava_wrench]

Bulpett is Ainge's media mouth.
I believe that Ainge has given Okfaur to Bulpett to throw people off because he has some kind of great deal in the making and he doesn't want anything getting out and changing the other side's minds.

I still think it was Jimmy Butler.
If I was completely wrong and it was Okafur, I could understand why Ainge and Brad would like him though.

Is there any reason to believe that Chicago is shopping Butler? Where is that idea coming from?

Why would they trade Butler? They have him locked up. He is only 26. He hasn't done anything to offend the fans there.

Why would Chicago want to start from scratch? Especially with the cap increasing?

[greece66]

Bulpett is Ainge's media mouth.
I believe that Ainge has given Okfaur to Bulpett to throw people off because he has some kind of great deal in the making and he doesn't want anything getting out and changing the other side's minds.

I still think it was Jimmy Butler.
If I was completely wrong and it was Okafur, I could understand why Ainge and Brad would like him though.

Is there any reason to believe that Chicago is shopping Butler? Where is that idea coming from?

Why would they trade Butler? They have him locked up. He is only 26. He hasn't done anything to offend the fans there.

Why would Chicago want to start from scratch? Especially with the cap increasing?

afaik the opposite is true. everyone might be available except from butler.

[greece66]

Please no Noel. His offensive game is very, very raw. And besides Okafor is born a winner - he suffers having to play for a tanking team.

A last point, for several reasons, the front office (as well as Brett Brown) prefer Noel to Okafor, so if they are trading anyone it will be him.

So, the people who see these guys in the gym every day prefer the guy with the very raw offense over the "born winner", who doesn't even play for them in the 4th quarter of close games.

Got it.

You clearly have not watched many games of Philly, so just take a look at their stats per 36 min.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/noelne01.html

Bear in mind that Okafor is one year younger, has still three years in his contract (Noel's expires in the end of the next season), and one year less of experience in the NBA. But ofc you know better than Ainge.

Got it.

I'm not the one who contradicts himself.

Why does Philly want to keep the worse player, in your opinion? How do you come to the absurd conclusion Okafor is a "born winner"? Why do you think I give a flying rat fart about per 36 numbers of the only servicable offensive player on the worst team in NBA history?

But of course, Danny also liked Robert Swift.

Philly wants to keep the player that suits their system better. Embiid, Okafor and Noel are too many bigs to keep in one roster. As for the rest, just watch Okafor play more.

[chambers]

Please no Noel. His offensive game is very, very raw. And besides Okafor is born a winner - he suffers having to play for a tanking team.

A last point, for several reasons, the front office (as well as Brett Brown) prefer Noel to Okafor, so if they are trading anyone it will be him.

So, the people who see these guys in the gym every day prefer the guy with the very raw offense over the "born winner", who doesn't even play for them in the 4th quarter of close games.

Got it.

You clearly have not watched many games of Philly, so just take a look at their stats per 36 min.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/noelne01.html

Bear in mind that Okafor is one year younger, has still three years in his contract (Noel's expires in the end of the next season), and one year less of experience in the NBA. But ofc you know better than Ainge.

Got it.

I'm not the one who contradicts himself.

Why does Philly want to keep the worse player, in your opinion? How do you come to the absurd conclusion Okafor is a "born winner"? Why do you think I give a flying rat fart about per 36 numbers of the only servicable offensive player on the worst team in NBA history?

But of course, Danny also liked Robert Swift.

Philly wants to keep the player that suits their system better. Embiid, Okafor and Noel are too many bigs to keep in one roster. As for the rest, just watch Okafor play more.

Okafur is the better  player.
Embid is probably better and thus one of their offensive beast centers is expendable.

[ThePaintedArea]

I just don't know if Okafor's game is really going to translate in the new NBA. Sure, he'll have mismatches against certain teams that can't guard him down low, but it's just so abnormal to have a low post, non-stretch 5 nowadays who can't play defense. You almost need an Ibaka-type, i.e. 3 and D, stretch 4 next to him that is great defensively. However, there's just not that many guys like that in the NBA, especially at the 4.

And precious few who are efficient in the post.  The other issue is whether you're clogging the lane for something more promising.  But surely a mixture is possible, and surely Okafor could develop a pick and roll game as good as his post game.  In any case, Brad Stevens is not shy about calling for post-ups.

I think there will always be a place in the NBA for big men with elite size and skill. I'm not convinced Okafor is a lost cause defensively and I don't buy into the idea that post up big men can't succeed in the NBA anymore. It's just not as easy to make it work as it once was.

He's also got a great body, great joints - he'll have a long career.  The great feet and hands say he's eventually a plus individual defender.  Being a good team defender is the larger part of defense, though; what has he got going for him?

 1) He wants to be great - long record of excellence, and ample evidence in his post game of a history of relentless repetition and coachability.  He's a worker.

 2) He's got fight in him (! as shown off the court this year)

 3) Great footwork translates easily into recovery and closeout

 4) He sees the floor - incidentally, he's actually a pretty good passer

Currently shooting .690 from the line - that's C-minus, so he's not a hacking target, and he's a rookie; good chance he'll improve on it.  Shooting 3.5 a game - likely to go up as he figures it out and gets respect from the refs.

His PER is 16.8, [dang] good, and obviously with upside.

Real Plus-minus hates him, VORP has him below replacement level.  Ouch!

Why the Jekyll-and-Hyde disconnect between stats?  He's failing as a team player and excelling as an individual.  I think he can make up the gap - I bet we know by Playoffs 2018, just about the timeline that the Celtics are looking at.

[chambers]

Bulpett is Ainge's media mouth.
I believe that Ainge has given Okfaur to Bulpett to throw people off because he has some kind of great deal in the making and he doesn't want anything getting out and changing the other side's minds.

I still think it was Jimmy Butler.
If I was completely wrong and it was Okafur, I could understand why Ainge and Brad would like him though.

Is there any reason to believe that Chicago is shopping Butler? Where is that idea coming from?

Why would they trade Butler? They have him locked up. He is only 26. He hasn't done anything to offend the fans there.

Why would Chicago want to start from scratch? Especially with the cap increasing?

There's no hard evidence, just speculation as with most of this stuff.

I just think that Chicago's situation is pretty dire right now, and that they aren't getting rid of Rose's contract until Butler is 28 years old. He's already expressed concern with Hoiberg, there have been rifts with Rose- although that Rose/Butler conflict hasn't deteriorated as much as we'd hope.
Jimmy and his agent could be trying to pull the plug there because they're in no man's land with room for one max player, a crap coach, and a late blooming Jimmy Butler who is reaching his prime.
The Bulls could reset now by:
-Portis
-McDermott
-2016' Brooklyn pick (at worst will be # 6, most likely #3-#5, could get lucky and get top 3)
-2016 Bulls pick (probably lottery if Jimmy and Pau were traded)
-2016 Celtics pick (late first, not that valuable)
-2016 Kings pick (lottery between #8-#12)
-Terry Rozier- who the Bulls coveted in the draft.
-2018 Brooklyn pick