“A handful of teams” have already called Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge about deals involving the top overall pick in the draft, relays Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
Despite a near-consensus in the media that Washington point guard Markelle Fultz will be the first player selected, Ainge insists the Celtics are studying potential picks and aren’t leaning toward any player. They are also trying to determine the return that the selection will bring on the trade market.
“There’s two things that are happening,” Ainge said. “I think the value of [the pick] increases the closer you get to the draft is one, and two is we really need to know the value of the whole draft, because some of the conversations that you have are trading down in the draft and trading picks for players, moving backward and so forth.”
Boston began holding pre-draft workouts in early May, although Ainge says most of the players who have auditioned are being targeted with the team’s three second-round picks. Ainge and his staff are currently in Las Vegas for a workout and will travel to Los Angeles for another.
Most workouts involving top prospects are organized by agents, and Fultz hasn’t hired one yet. The Celtics held a private meeting with Fultz at the draft combine, and Ainge will try to set up a visit to Boston for the 19-year-old, who is doing most of his training in Washington, D.C.
UCLA’s Lonzo Ball, who may also be considered for the top pick, turned down an invitation to work out for the Celtics.
Ainge said he’s not offended by Ball’s decision, understanding his desire to play for the Lakers because he grew up in Los Angeles and has concerns about the number of established players already in Boston’s backcourt.
“We’ve followed him in the summer in the past and we’re prepared on who he is, and it wouldn’t affect us in any way,” Ainge said. “I certainly don’t hold it against him or take it personal.”
If Philly gives me Embiid they can have the first pick
No way!! Embiid needs to prove he can stay healthy first.!
I mean that’s the risk involved. If he’s healthy, he’s worth far more than that pick
If he’s healthy, he’s shades of Hakee, Kareem, and Wilt with a 3-Pt shot. When healthy he is already better than everyone on the Celtics. He’s a huge risk, but the reward is a HOFer. You’re just hoping he doesn’t become Greg Oden.
Per 36 Mins
Kareem – 24.1 Pts 10.9 TRB 2.6 BLK
Wilt – 23.6 Pts 18 TRB 8.8 BLKs (per game data)
Embiid – 28.7 Pts 11.1 TRB 3.5 BLK 36% 3PT
Hakeem – 21.9 Pts 11.2 TRB 3.1 BLK 20% 3PT
Oden – 14.9 Pts 11.6 TRB 2.3 BLK
Except Wilt averaged 30 ppg, 22 total rb and around 4 blocks per game.
Unless it’s Anthony Davis going to Boston Danny picks and keeps Fultz with the #1 pick.
Boston would owe them in that deal
Obviously the Celtics would need to include more in the trade, but he’s definitely worth it.
This years #1. Plus Next years Brooklyn pick , rozier and crowder for davis
#1,#37, Crowder, and Zeller for Porzingis and Hernangomez
Pretty sure that trade doesn’t work financially for the Knicks. That in addition to it being extremely far-fetched and based entirely on your speculation
Um that’s what all trade rumors are it’s everyone guessing and having fun you should try it
I like that deal but throw in Olynyk
Olynyk is an RFA. But you guys are ignoring salary matching so why worry about which players are actually under contract and available to be traded
Bledsoe for first pick
Haha you funny please way draft somebody who’s a B player that up there in age when you can get the same thing that’s much younger
*trade for
I like it. Bledsoe & #4 pick for #1 pick. Pull the trigger McD!
As long as the Sixers don’t trade away everything I don’t care who picks #1.