Rumor: Celtics, among others, in contact with Sixers about Noel/Okafor

[hwangjini_1]

Who else is as excited as I am? In just 3 days we are going to get answers to many of our questions and will have a better idea about the future of green!

But let's not get. Overly excited by whom ever Ainge picks at 3.  That player may.  Only be a Celtic for a few minutes. 

[LarBrd33]

Celts and Sixers trade talk heats up. Philly really really wants Dunn per Tim Welsch. @CSNNE

Great, then we should expect more than just Okafor in return.

Okafor was a #3 in what may have been a stronger draft for bigs.

The Celtics reportedly already stated a few weeks ago that they want more than Okafor for #3.

Posturing.  Believe it when I see it.

#3 for Okafor makes too much sense for both teams.

Apparently, there's no players at #3 with all-star potential.  Philly might be getting 75 cents on the dollar, but they have a position log jam.   Boston gets a better prospect.  Philly alleviates their position jam.  Boston alleviates the position log jam they'd have if they draft another guard.   We need a big.  They need a guard.   Danny likes Okafor.  Philly likes Dunn.  Makes a lot of sense for both teams.

Except that everyone with inside knowledge says that Philly is not getting #3 for Okafor. NBA GMs seem much less infatuated with Okafor than you, Lar.

"Everyone" = one report.   Let's see what happens Thursday.   There's plenty of people still saying Okafor for #3 is a win for Boston.

Off the top of my head, I can name Ford and Kyler as specific reporters who have said Okafor for #3 is a non-starter, and then there's every Boston and Philly reporter on the planet. No one credible thinks Okafor's perceived value around the league is #3.

Cool.  If we get Okafor for less than the #3, I'd be thrilled.   I'm not counting on it.   

The way this is going, some people here are going to be really disappointed if they see us give up #3 in a large package for OKafor - but the reality is that it would be a great deal for us.  People will come around.  Not worried about it. 

[Beat LA]

Who else is as excited as I am? In just 3 days we are going to get answers to many of our questions and will have a better idea about the future of green!

But let's not get. Overly excited by whom ever Ainge picks at 3.  That player may.  Only be a Celtic for a few minutes. 

Right?

[LarBrd33]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

I'm sure you'll write plenty of stupid things on Friday.

Does that mean you also expect to see us offer #3 in a package for Okafor ?

[Beat LA]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

Wait, are you saying CSN is saying something different than Ford?

I think I'd do AB for Noel without blinking. I love AB, but Noel's defense and athleticism would be HUGE for us, especially with Smart ready to step in at the two spot.

And after a quick look, the only places seemingly still suggesting Okafor for #3 is "SixersSense," who also said Okafor for Wiggins should happen. 

Ugh. No way.

Subtracting an all NBA defender and a 15ppg guy for a guy who's already torn an ACL and can't score but plays defense. No thank you.

Sounds like a Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge player to me *facepalm*.

But DA was the one who drafted the 15 PPG, All-NBA defender who you don't wanna trade away? Bradley has FAR exceeded what any of us could've hoped for him when he got drafted. Give credit where it's due.

wait a minute! Beat LA, werent you the dude last year who said youd prefer Markel Brown or KJ McDaniels to Avery Bradley!?!

That was in 2014, guys.  If you're going to criticize me do it properly, lol . And both of those guys can play, btw.

Edit: I found the quote to which you're referring, Ilikesports17 -

I don't know if those young guys will be better than Bradley, but all I'm trying to say is that it's certainly possible to find players with similar skillsets in Brown and McDaniels, as well as other guys with excellent potential in Clarkson and Dinwiddie.  I just feel that Bradley is too one-dimensional.  He's a very good role player, yes, but I don't see him ever turning into anything other than what he is now, which is a defensive star.

[droopdog7]

**** at these one-sided draft proposals. 

Okafor for the #3 pick is fair value for both sides.  People need to lay off the crack pipe with the sixers needing to throw in much more. Indeed, they may have enough to get BOTH Simmons and Dunn but time will tell.

Now, that doesn't mean we need to do the trade because maybe we prefer the player we can get at #3.  Up to Danny, assuming any of this is true.  But so annoyed at ridiculous fans.  You can bet that any trade a fan would make is going to be one-sided.

[LarBrd33]

**** at these one-sided draft proposals. 

Okafor for the #3 pick is fair value for both sides.  People need to lay off the crack pipe with the sixers needing to throw in much more. Indeed, they may have enough to get BOTH Simmons and Dunn but time will tell.

Now, that doesn't mean we need to do the trade because maybe we prefer the player we can get at #3.  Up Danny, assuming any of this is true.  But so annoyed with

TP.  I'm excited for the draft.  It's pretty awesome that there's even a possibility of us getting Okafor.   Hopefully Danny can pull it off.  The 76ers situation (with them needing to dump bigs now that they have franchise players in Embiid and Simmons) offers a nice consolation prize for us ending up #3 in a 2-player draft.  Because of Philly's unique situation, we have a chance to get a far better prospect (Okafor) than what's available to us.  That's exciting.

[Beat LA]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

Wait, are you saying CSN is saying something different than Ford?

I think I'd do AB for Noel without blinking. I love AB, but Noel's defense and athleticism would be HUGE for us, especially with Smart ready to step in at the two spot.

And after a quick look, the only places seemingly still suggesting Okafor for #3 is "SixersSense," who also said Okafor for Wiggins should happen. 

Ugh. No way.

Subtracting an all NBA defender and a 15ppg guy for a guy who's already torn an ACL and can't score but plays defense. No thank you.

Sounds like a Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge player to me *facepalm*.

But DA was the one who drafted the 15 PPG, All-NBA defender who you don't wanna trade away? Bradley has FAR exceeded what any of us could've hoped for him when he got drafted. Give credit where it's due.

No, I do want to trade him away, and yes, he's a fine player, so I'll give credit to Ainge on that one.  You have to admit, though, that it's disturbing to see a guy drafted 19th be so much better than the guy taken at 6 in Marcus Smart.  Ugh.

[Celtics18]

**** at these one-sided draft proposals. 

Okafor for the #3 pick is fair value for both sides.  People need to lay off the crack pipe with the sixers needing to throw in much more. Indeed, they may have enough to get BOTH Simmons and Dunn but time will tell.

Now, that doesn't mean we need to do the trade because maybe we prefer the player we can get at #3.  Up Danny, assuming any of this is true.  But so annoyed with

TP.  I'm excited for the draft.  It's pretty awesome that there's even a possibility of us getting Okafor.   Hopefully Danny can pull it off.  The 76ers situation (with them needing to dump bigs now that they have franchise players in Embiid and Simmons) offers a nice consolidation prize for us falling to #3 in a 2-player draft.  Because of Philly's unique situation, we have a chance to get a far better prospect (Okafor) than what's available to us.  That's exciting.

I really, really hope we don't end up with Okafor. 

[wiley]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

I'm sure you'll write plenty of stupid things on Friday.

Does that mean you also expect to see us offer #3 in a package for Okafor ?

I hope not.  Not interested in helping the Sixers solve any of their problems.  I'd be happy to add Okafor, I just don't think it can be done without overly helping them out...so forget him for now.  Or, wait and see what the deal is then discuss.   

[jpotter33]

**** at these one-sided draft proposals. 

Okafor for the #3 pick is fair value for both sides.  People need to lay off the crack pipe with the sixers needing to throw in much more. Indeed, they may have enough to get BOTH Simmons and Dunn but time will tell.

Now, that doesn't mean we need to do the trade because maybe we prefer the player we can get at #3.  Up Danny, assuming any of this is true.  But so annoyed with

TP.  I'm excited for the draft.  It's pretty awesome that there's even a possibility of us getting Okafor.   Hopefully Danny can pull it off.  The 76ers situation (with them needing to dump bigs now that they have franchise players in Embiid and Simmons) offers a nice consolation prize for us ending up #3 in a 2-player draft.  Because of Philly's unique situation, we have a chance to get a far better prospect (Okafor) than what's available to us.  That's exciting.

Even 76ers guys are now skeptical and not sure that they can get #3 for Okafor.

https://twitter.com/tmoore76ers/status/745093128382734336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

There's an increasing amount of evidence that Okafor is just not going to be enough for #3 by himself.

[colincb]

Jon Johnson ‏@jonjohnsonwip  · 1m1 minute ago 
Per league source, several teams have been in contact with Sixers about Okafor,Noel, including BOS & NO.

@jonjohnsonwip
 
Sports Talk Host - Sixers & Phillies reporter - Anchor - @TempleUniv Alumnus

 94WIP KYW1060 Philadelphia

Jon Johnson ‏@jonjohnsonwip  ·I'll be on @SportsRadioWIP at 10 to discuss Sixers, & what I was told.

I've been listening to him just now and he said he didn't have names (contrary to the tweet), but he said that both BOS and NO have been talking a lot to the Sixers recently based on a source that he trusts based off past experience. He also said that he'd be surprised if it was just Okafor for the 3rd pick.

===

Who knows what that means if anything. It could be the Sixers who have been pushing for a deal.

I'd be ripped if Ainge is trading the #3 straight up for Noel who is going to get a big payday next year.

[wiley]

**** at these one-sided draft proposals. 

Okafor for the #3 pick is fair value for both sides.  People need to lay off the crack pipe with the sixers needing to throw in much more. Indeed, they may have enough to get BOTH Simmons and Dunn but time will tell.

Now, that doesn't mean we need to do the trade because maybe we prefer the player we can get at #3.  Up Danny, assuming any of this is true.  But so annoyed with

TP.  I'm excited for the draft.  It's pretty awesome that there's even a possibility of us getting Okafor.   Hopefully Danny can pull it off.  The 76ers situation (with them needing to dump bigs now that they have franchise players in Embiid and Simmons) offers a nice consolation prize for us ending up #3 in a 2-player draft.  Because of Philly's unique situation, we have a chance to get a far better prospect (Okafor) than what's available to us.  That's exciting.

Ford was just on ESPN saying he thinks Philly will end up using Simmons as the definitive PG on the team.  That depresses me because I think he'll be like a 6'10" prime Rondo who can also jam over bigs.  Maybe it won't work, or he'll ask out of Philly...and Philly and the Lakers will hurt each other with a weird trade.

[crimson_stallion]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

Wait, are you saying CSN is saying something different than Ford?

I think I'd do AB for Noel without blinking. I love AB, but Noel's defense and athleticism would be HUGE for us, especially with Smart ready to step in at the two spot.

And after a quick look, the only places seemingly still suggesting Okafor for #3 is "SixersSense," who also said Okafor for Wiggins should happen. 

Ugh. No way.

Subtracting an all NBA defender and a 15ppg guy for a guy who's already torn an ACL and can't score but plays defense. No thank you.

Sounds like a Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge player to me *facepalm*.

But DA was the one who drafted the 15 PPG, All-NBA defender who you don't wanna trade away? Bradley has FAR exceeded what any of us could've hoped for him when he got drafted. Give credit where it's due.

No, I do want to trade him away, and yes, he's a fine player, so I'll give credit to Ainge on that one.  You have to admit, though, that it's disturbing to see a guy drafted 19th be so much better than the guy taken at 6 in Marcus Smart.  Ugh.

To be fair I think Bradley was injured at the time of the draft, so I imagine that probably pushed down his draft stock. 

In Smart's defense, it's also worth noting that Bradley didn't really take a big jump in production until his fourth season in the league, at the age of 23.  Prior to this his scoring averages were hovering around the 11.5 - 12.5 point per 36 range which is pretty much on point with what Smart has averaged his first two seasons.

In Bradley's defense, he was (IMHO) a more impactful defensive player and a significantly better shooter / scorer in his second season the Smart was in his second season - and Bradley also had the excuse that he was 4th-5th in the food chain behind any combination of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, KG and Jeff Green over his first three seasons.  As soon as Pierce and KG got shipped out of town Bradley was given a bigger offensive role, and his scoring has increased by about +50% since that time, without a significant reduction in his percentages.  Smart by comparison has had almost two full seasons playing on a Celtics team that's desperately in need of scoring, and has struggles to reach a double figure scoring average.

But then in Smart's defense he's a much better passer/playmaker then Bradley and has a much tighter handle then Bradley did in his first few seasons.

Bradley was also held back by major (as in, season ending) injuries, which undoubtedly restricted his early development.  Smart has had injuries too, but nothing nearly as severe as the double-shoulder surgery Bradley had to go through after his second season.

Plenty of arguments in both directions. 

At the end of they day I don't think Smart is a lesser player then Bradley was as a second year player - I think they are about on par, and if anything Smart is probably a slightly better overall player.  BUT I do think that Bradley's skillset is one that is more valuable on today's NBA because his skillset (a quick/long guard who can pressure the ball and stretch the floor) has a great deal of value on ANY roster...while Smart's skillset (a PG who can defend small forwards and rebound well) is a somewhat more niche' set of skills that probably aren't as highly in demand. 

[tankcity!]

Now CSN is saying #3 pick for one of Noel/Okafor. Said Ford is reporting (guessing) AB for one of them.

im having trouble interpreting this post.

It's not the post, Thats what they said on Sports tonight.

 And yeah it didn't make sense. I don't think Ford is on top of this. AB for Okafor/Noel doesn't get Philly what they want which is Dunn. #3 gets you Okafor, MAYBE Noel, DA wants a bit more. Which he should, he's not the one seeking out the pick.

So we're at a point now where Boston would struggle to get Nerlens Noel for the #3 pick?  Interesting.

Honestly I'd be happy with either.  I'd love to have Noel.  It's comical to me people think Okafor is not worth the #3, but Nerlens is worth more than #3.  When you consider that this is the last year of Noels' rookie contract, it's pretty funny.

I'm looking forward to Thursday so I can stop reading stupid things one way or the other.

Keep the pick.  Trade it.  Whatever.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=84922.0

"Jeff Teague or trade Okafor for the 3rd pick and draft Sunn? Dunn vs Teague? I like dunn

Kyler: You are assuming thats possible to do... Boston not moving the 3 just for Okafor, would take a lot more."

Yeah.  That was the same day Kyler said Okafor was better than every prospect available at #3 and that it wasn't even close.  So that was pretty funny.

If Philly decides they are willing to move Okafor for #3, I expect us to take it - unless we have some grander plan in place to trade the 3rd pick as a means to lure Kevin Durant.  Otherwise, it's a pretty easy decision to make.  You grab the BPA - and that's Okafor.

There comes a time when you just have to admit you're wrong. And you're believing Tim Welsh's report. Is he even reliable?