The Celtics are armed with a wealth of picks in this June’s draft, but the team also remains high on last season’s crop of rookies, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com writes. Team executive Danny Ainge believes that a number of Boston’s young players could blossom if given more playing time, Forsberg relays. Ainge also noted that he has received trade inquiries from other teams regarding power forward Jordan Mickey and point guard Terry Rozier, the scribe adds.
“I really believe it’s an opportunity league. There are many players that are sitting on benches on other teams that are stacked with talent that just don’t get an opportunity. We have some on our team,” Ainge said. “We think [2015 second-round pick] Jordan Mickey has a bright future and [2015 first-round pick] Terry Rozier has a bright future and we’ve gotten calls from other teams about them that say, ‘Those guys aren’t getting an opportunity in Boston, we want to get those guys to come play for us.’ But we’re going to try to be patient with them as well, and other young guys.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Brad Stevens said he doesn’t regret sitting the younger members of the team, with the coach adding that playing time needs to be earned in the NBA, Forsberg relays in the same piece. “No, because it’s earned. I mean, who are you sitting?” Stevens responded when asked if he had any regrets about his rotation. “This is professional basketball and I think that we had five good [guards/small forwards]. Marcus Smart is obviously young, but otherwise guys that have been in the league for a while and earned that time at those spots, when you start talking about the 1 through 3. … Usually we stayed with those five guys when we were healthy.“
- The team also intends to scour the market for undervalued players, an approach that has served the team well in recent seasons, Forsberg also notes. “It really is an opportunity league and I think the last couple of years — the Jae Crowders of the world, Isaiah Thomas, guys that we’ve acquired via trade like Jonas Jerebko — they love the fact that they’re getting an opportunity to play and with that opportunity they’ve shined,” Ainge told reporters.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Dragan Bender told the Celtics that he would come to Boston for a workout after the Israeli season ends, Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe relays (via Twitter). Bender is the No. 3 overall prospect according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.
Please draft Buddy Hield with the 3rd pick, PLEASE
Bender is the better pick and gives them something they don’t have. They have plenty of guards and I don’t think Hield is much more than a role player in the NBA.
Besides being a somewhat able 3pt shooter, how is bender any different than Zeller?
I’m not high on Bender but I’ll clear this up a bit. He’s not Zeller, Bender is physically similar but is quicker than Zeller. Bender is much less tough and strong so he becomes a long 3 or stretch 4. He needs to work on extending his range and learning the mental aspect of defense. So at the end of the day he needs development to get minutes on the Celtics but he a chance to develop into a very good player.
I like that approach.
Make small moves. I wouldn’t mind either of the plumlees or maybe call
Minnesota see what they want for gorgui dieng or Suns for Alex Len. I think taking hield
Is the best bet personally. Let smart start at the 2 see if he can maintain the spot. I do think Avery gets moved this summer though.
Undervalued guys best way to go. Forgot John Henson would be good too
Wonder if the Lakers are kicking themselves for not taking Porzingis last year after the “wowwed” in a private workout with them. Next five man that projects as high will probably be Mohammad Mamba and DeAndre Ayton in 2018….
I been saying all year trade smart for okafor.. And throw in another gaurd or couple picks..While the league is still high on him.. But i woulndnt go as far as trading that 3rd pick.. I dont think they have to.. Lets not forget we have the next 2 years of nets picks.. They arnt gonna get any better. Then still have money to sign free agents.