Why Jahlil Okafor helps now and long term.

[Celtics978Fan]

Yes, an Okafor post but coming from a different view of short and long term Celtics.  When I'm saying we either low ball trade the 76ers with like a Nader and Bird or if gets a buy out we sign him.  If can do a multiple year sign we do it now if not we wait till after the season.  If we do get Okafor this year and going for multiple years signing Marcus Smart is very important as well. 

Okafor is a 21 year old turning 22 this season, offensive dominant center in the paint.  Yes, he has his limitations on defense but in his 3 years in the league he's average over a block a game and this year so far 2 a game.  This year he's only playing 22 minutes a game and averaging 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.  For a back up center in a bad system that's good but in our team could be an offensive star in our second unit, plus could fill in as a starter easily. 

Also the reason Okafor would be a great fit in Boston is not just the coach who will get the most out of him.  But Horford and Baynes are the perfect mentors for Okafor.  Horford is an A class teammate who is the ultimate professional.  He'd be able to even further polish Okafor's offensive game, plus teach him defense correctly.  Baynes came into the league under Gregg Popovich, who I'm sure taught him plenty plus also learned under Tim Duncan.  Baynes would also be able to show him defense and how to be that bruiser in the paint. 

The short term why Okafor would help us is his offensive game on the block, plus in limited games this year his rebounding and blocking would be a be help in the second unit.  The long term of Okafor being in Boston is what really intrigued me after looking at this year's draft, we could have or might not have.

Long term effects on signing Okafor to a longer deal then just this year.  Say we don't get the Lakers pick this year, we still end up with a former number 3 pick in the draft who will be only 23.  He could technically still be in college but he'd have 3 years in the NBA and productive in the NBA in under 30 minutes a game.  But why could he be even more value if we do get the Lakers pick that falls in between 2-5.  Let's take a look at the potential top 5 picks and how they'd fit with the Celtics long term.

Michael Porter a 6'10 small forward or in the NBA could also play the power forward in a quick line up.  Plus also putting on some more size could play traditional power forward without a question.  I see him at the number one spot, so we don't have a chance at him but teams could try to go a different way who knows.  Honestly would be my hope for the Celtics. 

Marvin Bagley the 6'11 power forward they say is a freak on the court.  I'm sure could also play center of needed to specially in the NBA today being more positionless but I'm still traditional when comes to a line up. 

DeAndre Ayton a 7'0 center who is looking like to be the best center in the draft.  He's a cornerstone piece in the paint with a good offensive game and good defender, plus not a liability at the free throw line for a big.  Honestly one of the players I'm most interested in, in this draft.

Mohamed Bamba another 7'0 center with a lot of potential.  His offensive game isn't up to where you'd like to see but has glimpse of it.  Watched him in the high school all american game and he caught my attention.  He needs to put on some weight and strength, but he's got the defensive mind set of a Marcus Camby, DeAndre Jordan, Rudy Gobert. 

Luka Doncic the 6'7 international shooting guard/small forward.  Haven't gotten to watch a lot on him but the little I have, he's impressive.  He'll need more time I think then the other top 4 but international game sometimes development can transfer quickly. 

Why does Okafor become important to the Celtics if we get these draft players in the future.  Baynes is only on a one year deal, Horford is getting older and only would have two years left after this season.  Gives Horford plenty of time to teach Okafor and if we get any of the bigs in this draft. 

I'm going to show a couple line ups why he could be a big future here in Boston if this class does fall to us.  Mind you this is just a look at the starting line ups where they'd play if we start the rookies.  Plus got to remember Horford is only signed 2 more years at this point and getting older so will rest more, so Okafor can get minutes for him at either the center or could try some power forward.

If we get one of the two centers in this draft.
Center - Ayton or Bamba
Power Forward - Horford
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown
Point Guard - Irving

If we get one of the 3 forwards/guards
Center - Horford
Power Forward - Tatum, Bagley or Porter
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown or Doncic
Point Guard - Irving

Now what I'm looking at is the second unit with Okafor.  Plus what I think the starting line up would be without the new rookies.  Plus I'm saying we resign Marcus Smart, the Celtics would be great next year and have the young core to keep it going for years even after Horford and if we decide to move on from Hayward or Irving years down the line.

Starting 5
Center - Horford
Power Forward - Tatum
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown
Point Guard - Irving

Second Unit Multiple Lineups
Center - Okafor, Ayton or Bamba
Power Forward - Yabusele, Morris, Theis, Porter or Bagley
Small Forward - Morris, Ojeleye
Shooting Guard - Smart, Doncic
Point Guard - Rozier, Smart

Plus we still have a late first that we'd be able to go after a young guard.  In my perfect world I'd move up in this draft with our pick and one of the other 1st we have to draft for Collin Sexton from Alabama, watched him in the all american game and was really impressed. 

Had a good time putting this post together and wanted to see what others thought.

[RodyTur10]

TP for the work on your post. There are a lot of variables which influence whether the Celtics should be interested in Okafor (fit, necessity, price etc.), but to me the most important part are the financial consequences.

With three max contracts there's just not much space to maneuver and add more players. With the (likely) upcoming extension for Smart and the year after idem dito for Irving and Rozier with the corresponding salary increases, the Celtics are already on their way into (deep) luxury tax.

Our improvement has to come from developing our youngsters and hopefully pick up some useful cheap veterans here and there. You can't ask for more. And I think some lottery team should make a pitch for Okafor and give him a real chance. He's only getting bench minutes in Boston.

[wdleehi]

My opinion on this:


He doesn't fit what the Celtics need in multiple ways.  Others have already talked about his lack of defense and his offense is limited to down low.


The other part of this is that this Celtics team doesn't need any more youth and doesn't need a player picked up in terms of long term needs. 


The Celtics need some veteran know how on the bench.  Someone who has done it before and can provide short burst of good NBA level play.   Someone the young players can go to for help.   Someone who helps the team when the NBA wall hits the 6 rookies.   

[pearljammer10]

Yes, an Okafor post but coming from a different view of short and long term Celtics.  When I'm saying we either low ball trade the 76ers with like a Nader and Bird or if gets a buy out we sign him.  If can do a multiple year sign we do it now if not we wait till after the season.  If we do get Okafor this year and going for multiple years signing Marcus Smart is very important as well. 

Okafor is a 21 year old turning 22 this season, offensive dominant center in the paint.  Yes, he has his limitations on defense but in his 3 years in the league he's average over a block a game and this year so far 2 a game. This year he's only playing 22 minutes a game and averaging 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.  For a back up center in a bad system that's good but in our team could be an offensive star in our second unit, plus could fill in as a starter easily. 

Also the reason Okafor would be a great fit in Boston is not just the coach who will get the most out of him.  But Horford and Baynes are the perfect mentors for Okafor.  Horford is an A class teammate who is the ultimate professional.  He'd be able to even further polish Okafor's offensive game, plus teach him defense correctly.  Baynes came into the league under Gregg Popovich, who I'm sure taught him plenty plus also learned under Tim Duncan.  Baynes would also be able to show him defense and how to be that bruiser in the paint. 

The short term why Okafor would help us is his offensive game on the block, plus in limited games this year his rebounding and blocking would be a be help in the second unit.  The long term of Okafor being in Boston is what really intrigued me after looking at this year's draft, we could have or might not have.

Long term effects on signing Okafor to a longer deal then just this year.  Say we don't get the Lakers pick this year, we still end up with a former number 3 pick in the draft who will be only 23.  He could technically still be in college but he'd have 3 years in the NBA and productive in the NBA in under 30 minutes a game.  But why could he be even more value if we do get the Lakers pick that falls in between 2-5.  Let's take a look at the potential top 5 picks and how they'd fit with the Celtics long term.

Michael Porter a 6'10 small forward or in the NBA could also play the power forward in a quick line up.  Plus also putting on some more size could play traditional power forward without a question.  I see him at the number one spot, so we don't have a chance at him but teams could try to go a different way who knows.  Honestly would be my hope for the Celtics. 

Marvin Bagley the 6'11 power forward they say is a freak on the court.  I'm sure could also play center of needed to specially in the NBA today being more positionless but I'm still traditional when comes to a line up. 

DeAndre Ayton a 7'0 center who is looking like to be the best center in the draft.  He's a cornerstone piece in the paint with a good offensive game and good defender, plus not a liability at the free throw line for a big.  Honestly one of the players I'm most interested in, in this draft.

Mohamed Bamba another 7'0 center with a lot of potential.  His offensive game isn't up to where you'd like to see but has glimpse of it.  Watched him in the high school all american game and he caught my attention.  He needs to put on some weight and strength, but he's got the defensive mind set of a Marcus Camby, DeAndre Jordan, Rudy Gobert. 

Luka Doncic the 6'7 international shooting guard/small forward.  Haven't gotten to watch a lot on him but the little I have, he's impressive.  He'll need more time I think then the other top 4 but international game sometimes development can transfer quickly. 

Why does Okafor become important to the Celtics if we get these draft players in the future.  Baynes is only on a one year deal, Horford is getting older and only would have two years left after this season.  Gives Horford plenty of time to teach Okafor and if we get any of the bigs in this draft. 

I'm going to show a couple line ups why he could be a big future here in Boston if this class does fall to us.  Mind you this is just a look at the starting line ups where they'd play if we start the rookies.  Plus got to remember Horford is only signed 2 more years at this point and getting older so will rest more, so Okafor can get minutes for him at either the center or could try some power forward.

If we get one of the two centers in this draft.
Center - Ayton or Bamba
Power Forward - Horford
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown
Point Guard - Irving

If we get one of the 3 forwards/guards
Center - Horford
Power Forward - Tatum, Bagley or Porter
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown or Doncic
Point Guard - Irving

Now what I'm looking at is the second unit with Okafor.  Plus what I think the starting line up would be without the new rookies.  Plus I'm saying we resign Marcus Smart, the Celtics would be great next year and have the young core to keep it going for years even after Horford and if we decide to move on from Hayward or Irving years down the line.

Starting 5
Center - Horford
Power Forward - Tatum
Small Forward - Hayward
Shooting Guard - Brown
Point Guard - Irving

Second Unit Multiple Lineups
Center - Okafor, Ayton or Bamba
Power Forward - Yabusele, Morris, Theis, Porter or Bagley
Small Forward - Morris, Ojeleye
Shooting Guard - Smart, Doncic
Point Guard - Rozier, Smart

Plus we still have a late first that we'd be able to go after a young guard.  In my perfect world I'd move up in this draft with our pick and one of the other 1st we have to draft for Collin Sexton from Alabama, watched him in the all american game and was really impressed. 

Had a good time putting this post together and wanted to see what others thought.

He's played 1 game.........

[Celtics978Fan]

Honestly I thought he's played more games but thank you for the correction.

[manl_lui]

to be fair, everyone was ripping on Kyrie's overall defense before he got here and this season he's in the top 10 for a couple of categories. about 10% or so has gone by for the season so the sample size is ok, i hope he can keep this up

with that said, i put a lot of confidence in Brad Stevens, if he can get Kyrie to buy in, i hope he can do the same with Okafor and not to mention he Okafor is still 21 years old. Took Rozier a while to play into the rotation so I'd like to see how Okafor plays in a real system

[danglertx]

to be fair, everyone was ripping on Kyrie's overall defense before he got here and this season he's in the top 10 for a couple of categories. about 10% or so has gone by for the season so the sample size is ok, i hope he can keep this up

with that said, i put a lot of confidence in Brad Stevens, if he can get Kyrie to buy in, i hope he can do the same with Okafor and not to mention he Okafor is still 21 years old. Took Rozier a while to play into the rotation so I'd like to see how Okafor plays in a real system

I have to say, Kyrie's defense has been much better than advertised.  In fact, I'd say it has been mostly terrific.

[Ilikesports17]

I really like Jah. I think he is a talented player with a lot of potential but he just can't help us now and in the future. It's either or.

1. We sign him/trade for him using the DPE. He is good. We can't afford to keep him.

2. We sign him/trade for him and he sucks. Bummer. He sucks. Good try. We could resign him, but why? He still sucks.

[SHAQATTACK]

Danny is super cheap

he ll wait as long as he can before making any move ....if at all.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Yeah, I'm interested in bringing him over. Depends on trade assets, but seems like he's cheap currently. We'll see.

[wdleehi]

Danny is super cheap

he ll wait as long as he can before making any move ....if at all.

He is?   I remember this team paying tax before. 


More likely he will wait to see if a better vet gets bought out or put on the trading block.

[pearljammer10]

Honestly I thought he's played more games but thank you for the correction.

And to send a more serious thought back your way. I wouldn’t mind using the DPE on him for the rest of the year if he gets bought out. If he plays well great for us. If he doesn’t oh well. Stevens gets the best out of these types of players. I have a feeling he signs with a team where he knows he’ll get significant minutes off the bat though.

[jambr380]

Long term effects on signing Okafor to a longer deal then just this year.  Say we don't get the Lakers pick this year, we still end up with a former number 3 pick in the draft who will be only 23.  He could technically still be in college but he'd have 3 years in the NBA and productive in the NBA in under 30 minutes a game.

I have thought about this part and it is pretty intriguing. The talented bigs in this coming draft will mean nothing to us if that pick doesn't convey.

I would be interested in signing him to a bargain-basement multi-year deal to give us the allusion of a top draft pick that Stevens will actually have time to work with. We tried doing this with Javale McGee a couple of years back, but it did not work out.

I would take Okafor for just this year, but agree with Ilikesports that it would be a bummer if he really produced and we had to let him walk.

[CELTICSofBOSTON]

I️ would wait for him to get bought out and offer him a two year minimum deal.

[knuckleballer]

I'd bring him in if it doesn't cost more than a second round pick.  Horford and Baynes are both over 30 and Baynes is not signed beyond this year.  We also don't have depth at center. 

Okafor was drafted to a team that was designed to lose with no clear future plans for him.  That has to be tough for anybody especially a supposed blue chip prospect.  There was no veteran leadership or decent coaching and many parts of his game were raw or lacking.  Of course he was only 19 when he entered the league.

I don't see why he can't become as good of a defender as Baynes if he puts forth the effort and receives good coaching which he will in Boston.  If he can learn to make quicker decisions in the post by going into his move or passing more quickly and also develop a decent mid range shot, he can do fine in the modern NBA and Stevens' system.  It's worth a shot.