Let's not stress the Lottery. While it would be great to land 1 or 2.
Bender, Murray, Hield, Dunn, Ellison, will be available with the Celtics pick.
If we are 3, then who are we taking?
One of these guys, according to multiple mock draft boards, depending what you are viewing.
All provide different pieces to the puzzle.
What does make a top 3 pick fun is the idea of what Danny might do with it.
But if we landed 1 or 2, do you really want to see Danny trade that pick?
Yes. I think he trades it no matter where it lands. The better the pick, the more he saves in assets.
I think for Danny to trade a top 2 pick, you'd NEED one of the following to happen:
-OKC blows this series and Durant takes serious FA meetings, thus allowing Danny to swing for the fences with a trade in hopes of attracting him (overpay for Butler or someone of that level)
or
-Boogie/Paul George becomes available for the pick
Without one of the above happening, I see Danny keeping a top 2 pick and waiting until next summer to make a big trade in hopes of attracting '17 free agents.
I don't think free agency has anything to do with it, just because that comes a week or so later after the draft. You have no idea at that point who is doing what.
Everyone is talking about Boogie, Butler, George, etc in trade, but there is always someone who nobody is talking about that is available. Who that is, remains to be seen.
Personally, I think Ainge's main target with the Brooklyn pick is and always has been Kevin Love. The location of the pick will determine what he does or doesn't have to give up.
I also think Ainge has a great shot at landing Jahlil Okafor with the Brooklyn pick, if Philly doesn't land the Lakers pick. Ainge's relationshp with Colangelo is well known, and I think ultimately they will be having conversations between the Lottery and the draft.
Bottom line, I think either Love or Okafor is added to this roster when the draft is all said and done. The Brooklyn pick will be used in either scenario.