After 1st half of game 1 ECF, forget Fultz, give me Paul George

[indeedproceed]

I disagree with the original post in a profound way.

Not because we absolutely shouldn't trade Fultz for George, if Danny thinks that's the move that's the move and I accept it.

But getting thrashed by the defending champs in game 1 after a 6 game series and a 7 game series after the same defending champs who have only played 8 games in the same timeframe is basically par for the course. I'm happy the final score was what it was.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I've said this elsewhere, and I plan to continue saying it, so maybe it's my new basketball mantra: You need transcendent talent to win NBA titles.

Sure, there's the super-occasional fluke, like the 2003 Pistons, but that's anomalous.

LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, KG, Pierce, Bird, Magic, Jordan, Hakeem. That's what wins titles. That's what Boston doesn't yet have.

I don't think Paul George is at that level. I also don't think Jimmy Butler is. I'm not convinced that either of them ever will be. Sure, they move the needle, so if you can get them using only cap space, or for pennies on the dollar in trade, great.

But I don't think you trade a shot at a potentially transcendent talent like Markelle Fultz unless it's part of a package for a guy who's already a transcendent player.

So if Danny can talk someone into swapping Curry or Leonard for a package featuring Fultz, great. But that's probably not gonna happen.

All of which is to say, I hope Danny doesn't exchange a potential long-term championship window for a somewhat-improved but shorter-lasting team now. And I don't think he will. I think he's made it clear that he doesn't want a repeat of the KG era—he wants something better and longer lasting.

George or Butler could be a part of that, but probably not at the expense of Boston's first-ever No. 1 draft slot.

Regarding this series against Cleveland, Boston's already exceeded virtually everyone's expectations for this season, so for me it's all gravy at this point.

Getting swept in four blowouts would be a bit of a bummer, but the Celtics have proven themselves to be one of the four best teams in the entire NBA, which is better than anyone expected at this point. And they have the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Gravy.

Besides, they had only one day off and Cleveland's well-rested. They could still pull off a win or two.

[max215]

I've said this elsewhere, and I plan to continue saying it, so maybe it's my new basketball mantra: You need transcendent talent to win NBA titles.

Sure, there's the super-occasional fluke, like the 2003 Pistons, but that's anomalous.

LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, KG, Pierce, Bird, Magic, Jordan, Hakeem. That's what wins titles. That's what Boston doesn't yet have.

I don't think Paul George is at that level. I also don't think Jimmy Butler is. I'm not convinced that either of them ever will be. Sure, they move the needle, so if you can get them using only cap space, or for pennies on the dollar in trade, great.

But I don't think you trade a shot at a potentially transcendent talent like Markelle Fultz unless it's part of a package for a guy who's already a transcendent player.

So if Danny can talk someone into swapping Curry or Leonard for a package featuring Fultz, great. But that's probably not gonna happen.

All of which is to say, I hope Danny doesn't exchange a potential long-term championship window for a somewhat-improved but shorter-lasting team now. And I don't think he will. I think he's made it clear that he doesn't want a repeat of the KG era—he wants something better and longer lasting.

George or Butler could be a part of that, but probably not at the expense of Boston's first-ever No. 1 draft slot.

Regarding this series against Cleveland, Boston's already exceeded virtually everyone's expectations for this season, so for me it's all gravy at this point.

Getting swept in four blowouts would be a bit of a bummer, but the Celtics have proven themselves to be one of the four best teams in the entire NBA, which is better than anyone expected at this point. And they have the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Gravy.

Besides, they had only one day off and Cleveland's well-rested. They could still pull off a win or two.

I almost wrote this exact post about 20 minutes ago lol. Markelle is the best chance we've had at a transcendent talent since we acquired KG, which is why we must keep the pick unless Davis, Towns, Leonard, Durant, Curry, LeBron, or Giannis unexpectedly becomes available.

[action781]

I've said this elsewhere, and I plan to continue saying it, so maybe it's my new basketball mantra: You need transcendent talent to win NBA titles.

Sure, there's the super-occasional fluke, like the 2003 Pistons, but that's anomalous.

LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, KG, Pierce, Bird, Magic, Jordan, Hakeem. That's what wins titles. That's what Boston doesn't yet have.

I don't think Paul George is at that level. I also don't think Jimmy Butler is. I'm not convinced that either of them ever will be. Sure, they move the needle, so if you can get them using only cap space, or for pennies on the dollar in trade, great.

But I don't think you trade a shot at a potentially transcendent talent like Markelle Fultz unless it's part of a package for a guy who's already a transcendent player.

So if Danny can talk someone into swapping Curry or Leonard for a package featuring Fultz, great. But that's probably not gonna happen.

All of which is to say, I hope Danny doesn't exchange a potential long-term championship window for a somewhat-improved but shorter-lasting team now. And I don't think he will. I think he's made it clear that he doesn't want a repeat of the KG era—he wants something better and longer lasting.

George or Butler could be a part of that, but probably not at the expense of Boston's first-ever No. 1 draft slot.

Regarding this series against Cleveland, Boston's already exceeded virtually everyone's expectations for this season, so for me it's all gravy at this point.

Getting swept in four blowouts would be a bit of a bummer, but the Celtics have proven themselves to be one of the four best teams in the entire NBA, which is better than anyone expected at this point. And they have the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Gravy.

Besides, they had only one day off and Cleveland's well-rested. They could still pull off a win or two.

I'd say Paul George right now is on the same level or higher as 2006-2007 Paul Pierce.  From 2004-2007, Pierce didn't make a single all-league team.  Also what about Dirk?  Paul George is close to the same level as 2011 Dirk Nowitzki. 

[blink]

Crowder and #1 for Paul George.

As long as he is willing to sign an extension, that is who this team need.

He can create himself, and is very good off the ball so IT Horford and George is our trio.

Tired of seeing Crowder

tired of Crowder too but Paul George wouldn't have fixed tonight's mess. 

I'll keep Fultz and build with the young guys who were the only ones that showed up to play tonight

I agree.  I don't want us to trade the pick.  The two guys that busted their butts out there and really competed were smart and jaylen.  draft Fultz this year, draft a big next year.  Those should be the core of the future

[incoherent]

Weird, watching this game made me realize we need to build for when Lebron is a bit older, not the opposite.

[JSD]

Weird, watching this game made me realize we need to build for when Lebron is a bit older, not the opposite.

No kidding.

I'm over here thinking about punting. Something like,  Horford, IT, Bradley and Crowder to the Knicks for Porzingus and the #8 pick. Lol.

[jakeopp]

Weird, watching this game made me realize we need to build for when Lebron is a bit older, not the opposite.

No kidding.

I'm over here thinking about punting. Something like,  Horford, IT, Bradley and Crowder to the Knicks for Porzingus and the #8 pick. Lol.

Imagine...

Fultz/Smart
Monk (at #8...might as well while i'm dreaming)
Brown
Zinger/Yabu
Zizic

 

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I've said this elsewhere, and I plan to continue saying it, so maybe it's my new basketball mantra: You need transcendent talent to win NBA titles.

Sure, there's the super-occasional fluke, like the 2003 Pistons, but that's anomalous.

LeBron, Duncan, Shaq, KG, Pierce, Bird, Magic, Jordan, Hakeem. That's what wins titles. That's what Boston doesn't yet have.

I don't think Paul George is at that level. I also don't think Jimmy Butler is. I'm not convinced that either of them ever will be. Sure, they move the needle, so if you can get them using only cap space, or for pennies on the dollar in trade, great.

But I don't think you trade a shot at a potentially transcendent talent like Markelle Fultz unless it's part of a package for a guy who's already a transcendent player.

So if Danny can talk someone into swapping Curry or Leonard for a package featuring Fultz, great. But that's probably not gonna happen.

All of which is to say, I hope Danny doesn't exchange a potential long-term championship window for a somewhat-improved but shorter-lasting team now. And I don't think he will. I think he's made it clear that he doesn't want a repeat of the KG era—he wants something better and longer lasting.

George or Butler could be a part of that, but probably not at the expense of Boston's first-ever No. 1 draft slot.

Regarding this series against Cleveland, Boston's already exceeded virtually everyone's expectations for this season, so for me it's all gravy at this point.

Getting swept in four blowouts would be a bit of a bummer, but the Celtics have proven themselves to be one of the four best teams in the entire NBA, which is better than anyone expected at this point. And they have the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Gravy.

Besides, they had only one day off and Cleveland's well-rested. They could still pull off a win or two.

I'd say Paul George right now is on the same level or higher as 2006-2007 Paul Pierce.  From 2004-2007, Pierce didn't make a single all-league team.  Also what about Dirk?  Paul George is close to the same level as 2011 Dirk Nowitzki.

I hesitated to include Pierce in that list. I also thought of Dirk. Both were certainly great players, but now I'm not sure I'd call either of them transcendent talents.

I think comparing George to them is fair. But as I said before, George is not someone I give up the No. 1 pick for when it's possible that the pick could be used to draft someone who will be even better than George, and also much cheaper for several years.

But I also said that I'm fine with acquiring a guy like George as a free agent. His talent is undeniable and he would make the Celtics better. I just don't think he's a KG-level player you sell the farm for, especially without a commitment to re-sign.

I also am not sure I want to speed up this team's timeline a great deal. It would be cool to have a team that could beat a prime LeBron, but Boston's best chances at developing a dynasty probably include aligning their arrival as legit contenders with LeBron's decline and (possibly, due to cap concerns) the breaking up of Golden State's core.

[Redz]

I marvel at how Lebron is able to make it look like he is playing against a bunch of kindergarteners almost at will.  That first quarter was ridiculous. 

[Dannys Chipotle Guy]

I marvel at how Lebron is able to make it look like he is playing against a bunch of kindergarteners almost at will.  That first quarter was ridiculous.

its unbelievable.

He stands at the top of the key and then isos. If he gets Smart or Thomas or Bradley or any of the smaller guys he just backs them down from the three point line and after a dribble or two spins of them and is at the basket.

If he gets Kelly or Horford or Crowder, he just takes a step back and blows by them.

If he gets Jaylen, he seems to have to think a little bit, but honestly not that hard. He is substantially bigger and stronger than Brown. Although Brown does have the quickness and length to at least kinda bother him.

He is the greatest athlete Ive ever seen.

Then combine that with his brilliant court vision and you have yourself a human cheat code.

[Rosco917]

Its AD or sit tight and build for a team that will peak in a 2 or 3 years. Hopefully Fultz will be the PG of the future if properly groomed, or at least the SG of the future.

We have another Net pick in 2018 too.

Plus another 2 more years of minutes on Lebrons wheels may finally take its toll.

[Roy H.]

DIdnt Lebron average 33/10/9 on 54.3% shooting (.592 eFG%) in a four game sweep of George?

I don't get the premise here. Lebron can't be stopped, and very few guys (Kawhi, a healthy Iguodala) can slow him down.

[Darío SpanishFan]

We don't ever learn. People keep overreacting after a bad game.

[SparzWizard]

The Celtics were never going to beat LeBron James and the Cavaliers in a 7-game series this season let's be real lol. The expectations were to get past the first two rounds.

#1 pick, got to control it wisely.