Danny talks draft preference.

[alldaboston]

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4723162/danny-ainge-i-have-to-protect-us-from-doing-something-irrational

Remember when we heard him say something about taking BPA? Some of us felt that meant that Bender wouldn't be as likely to be picked. Well in today's article he says:

Ainge stressed that, if Boston elects to utilize the No. 3 pick, it must target the player that the team believes has the potential to help the franchise deep into the future, not just in the immediate aftermath of the draft.

"I can’t talk about any players specifically, but a player that is going to take time to develop or a player that may not come over to the NBA for a year or two, if we really believe that player’s the best player, we have to take him," Ainge said. "We cannot let a player slip by us just because it doesn’t fulfill our immediate satisfaction, or the objective for the fans to see something more exciting. We have to pick the best player, under any circumstance.

Now it sounds like Danny is clarifying. Bender would be the pick if he was seen as having potential to become the BPA (even if it would set us back short term)

[saltlover]

I don't know why anyone would think Bender would be out with best-player available.  It just means he's going to pick whoever he thinks is the best long-term prospect regardless of position.  Whether he gets it right is a different story, but that's the plan.  The higher you are up in the draft, the better the plan that is.

[walker834]

I just posted the same article but agree completely.  Nice to hear Danny say it though.  I figured he would. I could do his job. Not many people can say that.

[ahonui06]

The logic is sound. Just curious to see who Boston ends up taking at #3 if they do make the selection.

[walker834]

I think DA feels pressure from fans and ownership to quicken the process which isn't always the best possible situation.

This media age we live in is anything but rational.  It's people with voices that sometimes aren't qualified to do what they do.

[The One]

So do we trust them to pick that guy?

I do.

[ahonui06]

So do we trust them to pick that guy?

I do.

I agree that Boston's management and Ainge will make the correct pick.

[saltlover]

I should point out the other reason to keep practicing best-player-available is for trading purposes.  In other words, if Ainge says he's taking whomever he thinks is best, regardless of position, more teams are likely to feel he's drafting the player they want.  If the Kings love Kris Dunn, then they're going to think he's the third best player.  Since they'll be convinced they're correct, they might believe Ainge will take him too.  At the same time, if Phoenix thinks that Bender is the third best player, then they likewise will think Ainge is taking Bender.  Accordingly, even though two teams might want different players with the third pick, they both could reasonably believe that their pick won't be available if they wait until #4.  That will increase demand for the pick, and accordingly, the price that Ainge could receive.

[mctyson]

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4723162/danny-ainge-i-have-to-protect-us-from-doing-something-irrational

Remember when we heard him say something about taking BPA? Some of us felt that meant that Bender wouldn't be as likely to be picked. Well in today's article he says:

Ainge stressed that, if Boston elects to utilize the No. 3 pick, it must target the player that the team believes has the potential to help the franchise deep into the future, not just in the immediate aftermath of the draft.

"I can’t talk about any players specifically, but a player that is going to take time to develop or a player that may not come over to the NBA for a year or two, if we really believe that player’s the best player, we have to take him," Ainge said. "We cannot let a player slip by us just because it doesn’t fulfill our immediate satisfaction, or the objective for the fans to see something more exciting. We have to pick the best player, under any circumstance.

Now it sounds like Danny is clarifying. Bender would be the pick if he was seen as having potential to become the BPA (even if it would set us back short term)

Emphasis on "would" here...no guarantee they think he is any good.

[cltc5]

Lol.  This is a complete contradiction to everything Danny has been saying.  He's making it sound like Bender to entice someone else.  Danny has been preaching BPA every draft and he'd be stupid to pick a project knowing that this team has over acheived and would benefit from immediate help.

[TheSundanceKid]

Danny clearly reads these boards and wants to reassure fans lol.

Seriously though whilst there is probably some truth in what he says this makes tactical sense. Phoenix at #4 will want Bender or Brown. Makes sense to build up the pick and say you aren't afraid to select anyone.

[LooseCannon]

Lol.  This is a complete contradiction to everything Danny has been saying.  He's making it sound like Bender to entice someone else.  Danny has been preaching BPA every draft and he'd be stupid to pick a project knowing that this team has over acheived and would benefit from immediate help.

He'd be a moron if he takes a lower-ceiling player because he wants immediate help.  Anyways, Ainge seems to do better when he drafts a player he loves as the BPA rather than drafting for need.

[Evantime34]

I love to hear this. It seems to go along with the general consensus of BPA on this board.

Even if Danny selects  Buddy Hield, we as fans will be confident that Danny believes Buddy will become the best player in the long term not just immediately.

[droopdog7]

Who exactly was confused by Danny's best player available comment?  I interpret best player available as best talent available (not the best player right now).  So in my interpretation, Bender was never off the table.

[Tr1boy]

Yes Danny,  IT and AB will be gone by that pt

Tbh I think it's mainly about bluffing.  Making the other teams want.  Inflate value of number 3