Outlook for teams if they sign Durant: Kevin Pelton

[quidinqui33]

Good read from Pelton to get you even more hyped for Durant.  He gives Celtics the best shot for long term success for KD:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/16577741/where-kevin-durant-sign-2016-nba-free-agency

Boston Celtics: Sustainable success

While the Celtics are considered long shots to land Durant, they might have the most interesting pitch from one standpoint: Boston could sign Durant without sacrificing anything from a roster that won 48 games last season.

Even without factoring in free agents Jared Sullinger (and his lofty projection), Evan Turner and Tyler Zeller, the Celtics are pegged for approximately 62 wins next season with Durant. And unlike the aging rosters of other Durant suitors, Boston figures to move up from there.

After all, the Celtics could still add a high lottery pick thanks to the ability to swap with the Brooklyn Nets next year (with another unprotected Nets pick on the way in 2018). And the Celtics could pay Durant his new, higher maximum in the summer of 2017, re-sign Kelly Olynyk and still have some $20 million in cap room based on current projections.

By 2018-19, the projections have Boston (with Durant) topping out at 67 wins.

[Celtics18]

I'll bet Kevin Durant swears by Pelton's Win Projection formula.

[quidinqui33]

I'll bet Kevin Durant swears by Pelton's Win Projection formula.

Ha! Yeah.  Some of the projections in his article look like they were pulled out of nowhere. 

Still, another "pundit" that seems to think our situation is a pretty good one for Durant.

[CelticsBR]

It's a pity Durant probably doesn't pay for ESPN Insider

[jpotter33]

Unfortunately, this was a day after he had Sully as the sixth best free agent this summer, so I'm not sure how credible he looks right now. lol

But it is interesting that yet another NBA guy is coming out saying we're a top option, especially when considering the future.

[Robb]

Keep in mind that Pelton was the one who graded Jaylen Brown so poorly, so guard yourself against having your cake and eating it too, if you want to use this to get hyped for Durant.

[PhoSita]

Unfortunately, this was a day after he had Sully as the sixth best free agent this summer, so I'm not sure how credible he looks right now. lol

Yup. Pelton jumped the shark on that one.

[LilRip]

I don't know why we're not the front runners, actually. From what I've read, the Warriors and Spurs would both need to gut their team significantly to sign KD. Like, GSW would literally have zero centers (renouncing Mo Speights, Bogut and Ezeli, along with Barnes, Barbosa and a handful of other guys).

[TheSlipperyWhistle]

I don't know why we're not the front runners, actually. From what I've read, the Warriors and Spurs would both need to gut their team significantly to sign KD. Like, GSW would literally have zero centers (renouncing Mo Speights, Bogut and Ezeli, along with Barnes, Barbosa and a handful of other guys).

I think OKC is the frontrunner. After them, I think we are in position.

[manl_lui]

I don't know why we're not the front runners, actually. From what I've read, the Warriors and Spurs would both need to gut their team significantly to sign KD. Like, GSW would literally have zero centers (renouncing Mo Speights, Bogut and Ezeli, along with Barnes, Barbosa and a handful of other guys).

base on yesterday's article, regarding salary caps

I think it included Iggy for GSW

Duncan and Ginobili for Spurs.

I at least rule out Spurs since I think they stay loyal to Duncan. I can see GSW make a gutsy move to gut somewhat of their roster for Durant

[Celtics18]

I'll bet Kevin Durant swears by Pelton's Win Projection formula.

Ha! Yeah.  Some of the projections in his article look like they were pulled out of nowhere. 

Still, another "pundit" that seems to think our situation is a pretty good one for Durant.

I'm kidding.  TP for posting this.  Anything to keep our glimmer of hope alive . . .

[LilRip]

I don't know why we're not the front runners, actually. From what I've read, the Warriors and Spurs would both need to gut their team significantly to sign KD. Like, GSW would literally have zero centers (renouncing Mo Speights, Bogut and Ezeli, along with Barnes, Barbosa and a handful of other guys).

I think OKC is the frontrunner. After them, I think we are in position.

Oops, sorry. Yes, OKC should be the front runner. I guess I was just venting my frustration more towards people saying GSW (and Spurs?) were next in line while the C's had an outside shot.

[hpantazo]

Aren't Duncan and Ginobili considerin retirement though? If they do retire, then there is no issue of remaining loyal to them.

[Celtics18]

Keep in mind that Pelton was the one who graded Jaylen Brown so poorly, so guard yourself against having your cake and eating it too, if you want to use this to get hyped for Durant.

I'll definitely have my cake and eat it too.

He's a genius when he says we are getting Durant.

He's a hack and a charlatan when he says Brown is going to be a bust.

[LilRip]

I don't know why we're not the front runners, actually. From what I've read, the Warriors and Spurs would both need to gut their team significantly to sign KD. Like, GSW would literally have zero centers (renouncing Mo Speights, Bogut and Ezeli, along with Barnes, Barbosa and a handful of other guys).

base on yesterday's article, regarding salary caps

I think it included Iggy for GSW

Duncan and Ginobili for Spurs.

I at least rule out Spurs since I think they stay loyal to Duncan. I can see GSW make a gutsy move to gut somewhat of their roster for Durant

So they lose Bogut, Iggy, Barnes, Barbosa, Ezeli, Speights, and some other seldom used guys like Clark, Varejao, and Rush...

Who's left? Steph, Klay, Draymond and Livingston?? Very hard to imagine GSW being a favorite when a bunch of their wins came from their depth.