I'm calling it...our #3 draft pick for 2016. Buddy Hield. Boom.

[walker834]

i'd be happy with Hield as our pick.  I feel like Simmons is overhyped and doesn't have that killer instinct, where Buddy has the mentality of a sharpshooter that Simmons lacks.

[hwangjini_1]

Hield is going to be better than JR Smith and Wes Mathews. He's going to be something like Klay Thompson and possibly even better.

I too would prefer a trade for Butler and wouldn't mind an Okafur trade. I like Bender at #4 but if we keep the pick, Buddy is my guy.

OK, so I'm not really well versed in high level physics or mechanical science or whatever, but can you give me a basic idea of how your time machine works?  I'm really curious. 

Also, when are you going to officially announce your discovery to the world?  Or is the government already on you to keep it hush hush?

Are the insults necessary? I'll fix it for you to dry your tears. Or would you prefer the time machine?

To me, Hield is going to be better than JR Smith and Wes Mathews. He's going to be something like Klay Thompson and possibly even better.

I too would prefer a trade for Butler and wouldn't mind an Okafur trade. I like Bender at #4 but if we keep the pick, Buddy is my guy.

the time machine!!!! yes, yes, yes...please oh please give me the time machine. if i can go back and unscrewup my life i would be eternally grateful to you. 

[hwangjini_1]

Buddy Hield is the guy.
I believe we're going to trade down to #4, the Suns will take Bender, we will take Hield with #4.
We'll get #13 from the Suns for the trade and may even be able to move into the top 10 if we can combine the #16 and #13 somehow. (or just draft both).

Why do I think Hield is our guy?
The main reason for me taking Hield is purely and simply his scoring ability. This guy doesn't just shoot threes- he can finish around the basket with incredible athleticism and agility. He can split defenders like Harden and finish with his left hand.[/b]
His work ethic (shoots 6 hours a day, every day during the season) is utterly inspiring- he's a born leader like Marcus Smart but can lead us on the offensive end.

Buddy Hield has the overall offensive game to become the best shooting guard in the NBA combined with the attitude that the truly great NBA players have like Kobe and MJ. This isn't an exaggeration at all. To get as good as he has gotten in such a short period of time and shoot the three ball night in and night out is the sign of greatness.

I'm not sure what we're going to do with Smart and Bradley because one of them (probably Bradley) will go to a contender so Buddy can start by his sophomore year.

This guy is going to be an incredible scorer in the NBA and he's only getting better.
He's also possibly going to rival Klay Thompson as the best three point shooting SG in the NBA but with a better dribble/drive game.

Buddy Hield is the perfect modern day shooting guard. There's a very good chance that Buddy Hield is actually going to be better than Klay Thompson one day, because you know he's going to become an excellent defender with his IQ and work ethic.
When the three point is as valuable as it is now in the NBA, Hield has the size, footwork, pure talent and confidence, with just enough athleticism to be 'quick'..... combined with an elite Kobe Bryant level work ethic.

The Celtics will pick Buddy Hield with #3

For your own sake, watch this and remind yourself of this kids gifts.

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

good to read the optimism, but i am not in agreement on hield. i am not saying he stinks or is sucky or suckily stinks or even stinky sucky. 

rather, i know he can shoot, but the rest of his offense, and defense, is not as rave-worthy as you point out. or, at least i have not seen anything yet to say he is that good.

he ball handling is not impressive, not terrible though.

his passing is pedestrian, not bad.

his decisions on driving to the basket often leaves him playing 1 on 2/3 basketball.

he clearly does NOT have a great first step, but he does have a very good step-back jumper. which he will need since he does NOT have a great first step.

on defense, he will probably improve, but i didnt see anything that made me go "wow."

in short, there are better players in the draft at #4 i think. i would be happy with hield at #6 or more, but not at #s 3, 4, or 5.

Points taken Hwang. Appreciate your constructed and meaningful response/argument as usual.
One point I'd offer is that Hield, like Klay Thompson and Ray Allen, doesn't neccessarily need a blazing first step because of his shooting threat- he tends to get overplayed and he is actually extremely good at attacking close outs by driving and by driving and pulling up/back.

agreed. would i like to have hield on the celtics! hell yes!!!! i think he will be a great shooter in the nba.

i just like a few guys better, but i agree with you points on his shooting absolutely.

[mef730]

I feel like Simmons is overhyped and doesn't have that killer instinct, where Buddy has the mentality of a sharpshooter that Simmons lacks.

So I'm about to date myself but, based on what I've seen on Simmons, the best comparison I have is Arnie Becker on LA Law. More concerned with image than anything else. Naturally gifted at what he does, but could be just as happy doing something else if he had the same talents in that field. Buddy Hield could never do anything but play basketball. Simmons? Who knows.

Mike

[Timdawgg]

I still think we trade #3 & #16 + Bradley, Jerebko  to Bulls for Butler and #14.  It almost seems perfect especially if the Bulls really like someone at #3

[Chris22]

Dunn or Brown, please.
We someone who can play both sides of the ball.

[LooseCannon]

Work ethic and character are important traits.  I believe these are hallmarks of "The Celtic Way" and hope Ainge makes those considerations as important as skills and physical gifts.

I believe Hield is a guy who can prove this doubters wrong that he doesn't have much more upside.

I firmly believe the C's lost the ATL series because Bradley was out and Crowder was not 100%.  Bradley mainly because of his outside shot.  To me, Hield is already a better outside shooter than Bradley.  I say, take Hield and entertain offers for Bradley/picks.

Doing that still makes the Celtics thin when it comes to three-point shooters.  Boston needs to increase the number of perimeter shooters that they can put on the floor at the same time way more than it needs an upgrade on Bradley.

[JohnBoy65]

I still think we trade #3 & #16 + Bradley, Jerebko  to Bulls for Butler and #14.  It almost seems perfect especially if the Bulls really like someone at #3

I don't think we're getting back a pick. I think it'll be everything you said for Butler and Butler only. Personally, I am ok with that trade.

[Surferdad]

Work ethic and character are important traits.  I believe these are hallmarks of "The Celtic Way" and hope Ainge makes those considerations as important as skills and physical gifts.

I believe Hield is a guy who can prove this doubters wrong that he doesn't have much more upside.

I firmly believe the C's lost the ATL series because Bradley was out and Crowder was not 100%.  Bradley mainly because of his outside shot.  To me, Hield is already a better outside shooter than Bradley.  I say, take Hield and entertain offers for Bradley/picks.

Doing that still makes the Celtics thin when it comes to three-point shooters.  Boston needs to increase the number of perimeter shooters that they can put on the floor at the same time way more than it needs an upgrade on Bradley.

Right, well, you can never have too many shooters on any team.  The Celtics also need help up front with rim protection and rebounding.  I don't think adding multiple shooters is the top priority, but ONE REALLY GOOD shooter would help a lot.  Address the other needs too!

[LooseCannon]

Work ethic and character are important traits.  I believe these are hallmarks of "The Celtic Way" and hope Ainge makes those considerations as important as skills and physical gifts.

I believe Hield is a guy who can prove this doubters wrong that he doesn't have much more upside.

I firmly believe the C's lost the ATL series because Bradley was out and Crowder was not 100%.  Bradley mainly because of his outside shot.  To me, Hield is already a better outside shooter than Bradley.  I say, take Hield and entertain offers for Bradley/picks.

Doing that still makes the Celtics thin when it comes to three-point shooters.  Boston needs to increase the number of perimeter shooters that they can put on the floor at the same time way more than it needs an upgrade on Bradley.

Right, well, you can never have too many shooters on any team.  The Celtics also need help up front with rim protection and rebounding.  I don't think adding multiple shooters is the top priority, but ONE REALLY GOOD shooter would help a lot.  Address the other needs too!

My priorities would be a starting-caliber forward who is a good three-point shooter without being a defensive liability and a big who improves the defense without being an offensive zero.

[The One]

I really like Hield...but is 4 a bit high?

Also maybe Murray is a better offensive player and a few years younger.

If the Celts got Hield and swung a trade for Butler...I'm cool with that.

[LilRip]

I believe in Hield. I think the game is changing to favor guys like him. I wouldnt mind the pick at all, although questions of roster balance abound. I mean, another guard?? I wonder if there's some way to draft both Hield and Bender :p

[MBunge]

(1) I really just don't see the point of trading down a slot to pick up another first that we won't be able to use or trade for anything meaningful

(2) To me Hield's best case scenario is something along the lines of a J.R. Smith / Wes Matthews type shooting guard.  That's pretty nice, and the Celts could use a guy like that, but not the sort of player who will take the Celts to another level.


I'm all in on trading for Butler or somebody else established, then if that fails going after Okafor, then if that falls through, taking a swing on Bender. 

Ending up with a seven footer who might be another Kirilenko or Kukoc type guy, in today's league, would not be such a bad Plan C.

Hield is going to be better than JR Smith and Wes Mathews. He's going to be something like Klay Thompson and possibly even better.

I too would prefer a trade for Butler and wouldn't mind an Okafur trade. I like Bender at #4 but if we keep the pick, Buddy is my guy.

Klay Thompson is arguably the second best shooter of all time; that's a pretty unrealistic expectation.

He's a great shooter, so is Buddy Hield.
Klay Thompson shot 39.8% in his Junior year at Washington State over 246 attempts.
Hield shot 45.7% over 322 attempts.
50/45/88 overall is a guy that's going to be a great NBA shooter.

Doug McDermott's a pretty great shooter too, right?

Jaycee Carroll has demonstrated his abilities as a great shooter, too.  Overseas.

Then there's Shan Foster.  Wonder why he isn't tearing up the league?


I think Buddy Hield will be a nice player.  People just need to step back and remember that lots of guys that throw flames in college don't turn into NBA stars.  Lots of players demonstrate their ability to hit tons and tons of shots against college defenders, with the college three point line.  They typically go on to be excellent shooters at the professional level, if they make it. 

Thing is, being an excellent shooter doesn't make you an excellent player.  You've got to have above average peripheral abilities, too.  It's not as if Hield is one dimensional as a player.  He just doesn't exactly stand out all that much in terms of playmaking, getting inside, finishing at the rim, rebounding, forcing turnovers, or anything else.  He's just a really excellent scorer and shooter.

Working to Hield's advantage is that he was the whole show in college.  He led a team to the Final Four that had one other guy who might go in the 2nd round this year.  Jamaal Murray, in contrast, was playing with so much talent that a guy who barely got on the court for Kentucky like Skal is projected as a late lottery pick.

If I saw more people with real concerns about Hield's athleticism, like there was with McDermott, I'd be concerned but most of the experts seem comfortable that he won't have a problem in that area.

Mike

[D Dub]

I like Bender in theory, but really when you think about it Hield is as good as, maybe better, a three-pt threat as anyone who'll be available in free agency this summer.

That's the thing with this crop of prospects-- both he and Bender could help our team spread the floor immediately. 

I wonder if there is a deal to be had with Minnesota.  They don't have much room on the roster for more project-prospects & likely want to add an established player or two.  Would they deal us #5 for Bradley, 16, 31, & 35?

Might be a nice way for us to draft both Bender & Hield, open up minutes for them to play.

[wiley]

On the Hield bandwagon completely. 

However, if Dunn shows his greatness leading up
to the draft, he should be the pick, because he can be traded down to some point guard starved team for a guy Danny likes plus another asset or two. 

Dunn could be traded to Sacramento or New Orleans for Hield (Suns taking Bender), or in a boogie deal with Sac.  Or maybe even in a Philly deal for Ingram if we add something.  And he could be traded down to Utah at #12 along with Olly or someone for a guy danny likes at 12 plus a quality big..or in an expanded deal for Hayward.

Finally, Dunn could be kept.  In that case trading Smart would be the most logical step, and he should bring good value in a trade.  I love Smart and that would hurt, but he could be traded to a Western team for an fairly impressive big imo. 

I like Hield and Murray and believe we need that kind of shooting.  But Dunn may be the clear BPA, which would mean he should be the pick and everything else figured out after.