C's didnt like Explosiveness of Fultz, C'S and Phi agree not much difference 1-3

[rondohondo]

Michael Eaves: Received some surprising info on Markelle Fultz and the #Celtics today. Some within the organization were not impressed with his workout. The most glaring critique was that he was not as explosive as they expected/hoped. Afterwards, team felt as if he was NOT the best prospect. 16 mins ago – via Twitter

According to a high-level front-office source, the reason the Sixers “only” paid a price of two first-round picks is because both teams see little separation between no. 1 and no. 3. It’s more about preference of player — Philly loves Markelle Fultz’s talent and his fit with its developing roster. The timing of the deal and the protections on the pick suggests both teams were negotiating on common grounds. 16 mins ago – via The Ringer

[RockinRyA]

Well, these guys know more about Fultz than I do, so Im going to give Ainge the benefit of the doubt.

[Big333223]

According to a high-level front-office source, the reason the Sixers “only” paid a price of two first-round picks is because both teams see little separation between no. 1 and no. 3. It’s more about preference of player — Philly loves Markelle Fultz’s talent and his fit with its developing roster. The timing of the deal and the protections on the pick suggests both teams were negotiating on common grounds. 16 mins ago – via The Ringer

I was just about to post that from that Ringer piece. It's entirely possible that the Fultz media hype machine has obscured that Jackson/Tatum/Ball really are right there with him.

https://theringer.com/2017-nba-free-agency-boston-celtics-nba-draft-markelle-fultz-paul-george-c58f16851680

Something else from that article (from Kevin O'Connor, if that matters):

This is a trade that makes sense for both parties. I think Fultz is a special prospect, but he’s not a no-brainer generational talent, like Anthony Davis or Karl-Anthony Towns. The Celtics were right to add value by moving down and positioning themselves to acquire a prospect they rate similarly to Fultz — such as Duke forward Jayson Tatum or Kansas forward Jackson.

[CELTICSofBOSTON]

I think there's a 15% chance Tatum turns out better than Fultz.

I trust Danny and his staff so I'm happy with that number I guess.

I really like Fultz though.  I was bummed we moved the pick.

[hpantazo]

Maybe the lack of explosiveness was due to his knee injury though?

[CelticsElite]

Honestly after looking at more video, he did lack Explosiveness. The 2 bad workouts don't help. And the lack of any defense is alarming

[ETNCeltics]

Is danny going to float random reasons he didn't like Fultz daily until he thinks the fans buy into it?

[hwangjini_1]

any proof that ainge cares that much about fans opinions? past actions and words by ainge show he doesnt pay much attention to fan opinions on draft decisions.

aside from your opinion, what is the basis for your post?

[jpotter33]

That's very interesting.

I thought Fultz was the best prospect from my novice analysis, but I was concerned about two things: his lack of fire/motivation and his seeming lack of explosiveness/foot speed. Perhaps I'm a bit biased after watching a year of a special athlete in Brown with crazy explosiveness and foot speed, but Fultz started reminding me more and more of a D'Angelo Russell-type game and athleticism more than anything, which I think would ultimately keep him from reaching that top-tier level of player.

I'm feeling a bit better about the trade now that these concerns have also seemingly been on the minds of much better basketball minds.

I've also felt uneasy about his knees/durability for some reason, too. Not sure why, but he just seems a bit fragile to me.

[bdm860]

Maybe the lack of explosiveness was due to his knee injury though?

Possibly another reason not to take him though.  This is what I wrote in one of the threads yesterday:

Not sure which of the 100 Fultz trade threads to post in, but here goes...

I remember someone on this blog speculated years ago that Danny doesn't like to draft guys who have knee problems, with the examples being:

The C's chose to pass on acquiring Brandon Roy in 2006, instead trading #7 pick (Foye) and LaFrentz for Telfair and Ratliff, and then having the #7 pick (Foye) they just traded away being immediately traded for Brandon Roy.

As well as the speculation (though highly disputed) that Danny would have been one of the few GMs to draft Durant over Oden in '07.

This speculation has alse been supported by Austin Ainge:

According to Austin Ainge, the son of Celtics president Danny Ainge and team director of player personnel, the Celtics’ medical staff told the team not to draft Greg Oden or Brandon Roy. Both players have had knee problems that shortened/ruined their careers. Oden has only played in 105 career games since being drafted in 2007, while Roy had five really good seasons, missed a year, attempted a comeback, and then retired for good.

And now we have the C's not drafting Fultz who also has had knee problems.

Maybe this trade is partially driven by concern for Fultz's knee?

[obnoxiousmime]

So THAT'S why they only went to B. Good! Danny pulled an audible mid-date and saved the company some money.

[celticinorlando]

This draft is all about role players. Not a ton of super stars in waiting.

[KGs Knee]

Is danny going to float random reasons he didn't like Fultz daily until he thinks the fans buy into it?

What on earth makes you think Ainge cares what the fans think about his draft strategy?

If you were in his position would you?

[Tr1boy]

Fultz is not that quick, explosive

Better than average.

I dont know how nbadraft has his explosiveness/quickness at level 9

[celticinorlando]

From the jump..I have always liked Tatum the best in this draft. Would have lived with Fultz but Tatum ADDS something new to the roster...Fultz would logjam the guard position even more.

I hope they take Tatum. His upside and skill set fits the roster better than Josh Jackson.