SupremeCommander wrote:Also, Boston did real well dealing a lotto pick for Ray Allen... I don't necessarily think they will keep it, they just aren't trying to give it away

They are holding out for a big name player (younger than Melo) to finally go on the market. Jimmy Butler is the obvious target, but there may be others. Who knows, maybe Ainge thinks he has a legit chance at someone like Anthony Davis. Far fetched for sure, but with New Orleans going nowhere fast, if they miss the playoffs by a mile, maybe in the summer if Boston lands the #1 pick, do they consider Jaylen Brown, the #1 pick, Brooklyn 2018 pick, and Memphis 2019 pick for Davis? Probably not, but you never know.

Knixkik wrote:

SupremeCommander wrote:Also, Boston did real well dealing a lotto pick for Ray Allen... I don't necessarily think they will keep it, they just aren't trying to give it away

They are holding out for a big name player (younger than Melo) to finally go on the market. Jimmy Butler is the obvious target, but there may be others. Who knows, maybe Ainge thinks he has a legit chance at someone like Anthony Davis. Far fetched for sure, but with New Orleans going nowhere fast, if they miss the playoffs by a mile, maybe in the summer if Boston lands the #1 pick, do they consider Jaylen Brown, the #1 pick, Brooklyn 2018 pick, and Memphis 2019 pick for Davis? Probably not, but you never know.

last draft it was Jahill for picks and supposedly the celts chickened out

nixluva wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

I watch a lot of college and have read up a lot on this draft. I am not sure if there is anyone with Franchise changing upside. I think this draft is incredibly deep and will have a few all-stars and probably a few more fringe-all-star-types, but i don't see a consensus top tier prospect. Towns, Davis, Giannis, Porzingis, Embiid, etc i don't see that type of potential game-changer. I think Fultz and Ball might be great, but maybe on the Lillard/Kyrie Irving level. Just a step below franchise caliber player, if that makes sense. Obviously that's up to interpretation, but that is just how i view it. But this is one of the strongest top 10s in a long time. All of the top 10 have a chance to be all-star caliber players.

I agree. I think Martin is overrating the top of this draft but also underrating Melo's possible impact on the Celtics chances of getting to the Finals. Melo is not in this Draft IMO!!! The Celtics could grab a sure thing in Melo who is capable of going off at any point in a game or Series!

The Brooklyn pick is not going to be able to put the Celtics over the top next year as a Rookie IMO. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas at 27, Horford at 30 and IMO Melo fits that group better than a rookie PG.

The Celtics weakness is defense not offense. What does Melo get them?

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

I watch a lot of college and have read up a lot on this draft. I am not sure if there is anyone with Franchise changing upside. I think this draft is incredibly deep and will have a few all-stars and probably a few more fringe-all-star-types, but i don't see a consensus top tier prospect. Towns, Davis, Giannis, Porzingis, Embiid, etc i don't see that type of potential game-changer. I think Fultz and Ball might be great, but maybe on the Lillard/Kyrie Irving level. Just a step below franchise caliber player, if that makes sense. Obviously that's up to interpretation, but that is just how i view it. But this is one of the strongest top 10s in a long time. All of the top 10 have a chance to be all-star caliber players.

I agree. I think Martin is overrating the top of this draft but also underrating Melo's possible impact on the Celtics chances of getting to the Finals. Melo is not in this Draft IMO!!! The Celtics could grab a sure thing in Melo who is capable of going off at any point in a game or Series!

The Brooklyn pick is not going to be able to put the Celtics over the top next year as a Rookie IMO. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas at 27, Horford at 30 and IMO Melo fits that group better than a rookie PG.

The Celtics weakness is defense not offense. What does Melo get them?

My response is who could they get that would solve their defensive woes to the degree that they would become favored to beat the Cavs? At least with Melo they could add another weapon for opposing defenders to have to worry about. It's hard to find great 2 way players at this stage. Teams aren't exactly giving that kind of talent away.

Boston would be adding another threat that can be dominant in one on one situations or when you sit Isaiah or Horford. If you don't see the advantage in that I can't say I agree with that take.

nixluva wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

I watch a lot of college and have read up a lot on this draft. I am not sure if there is anyone with Franchise changing upside. I think this draft is incredibly deep and will have a few all-stars and probably a few more fringe-all-star-types, but i don't see a consensus top tier prospect. Towns, Davis, Giannis, Porzingis, Embiid, etc i don't see that type of potential game-changer. I think Fultz and Ball might be great, but maybe on the Lillard/Kyrie Irving level. Just a step below franchise caliber player, if that makes sense. Obviously that's up to interpretation, but that is just how i view it. But this is one of the strongest top 10s in a long time. All of the top 10 have a chance to be all-star caliber players.

I agree. I think Martin is overrating the top of this draft but also underrating Melo's possible impact on the Celtics chances of getting to the Finals. Melo is not in this Draft IMO!!! The Celtics could grab a sure thing in Melo who is capable of going off at any point in a game or Series!

The Brooklyn pick is not going to be able to put the Celtics over the top next year as a Rookie IMO. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas at 27, Horford at 30 and IMO Melo fits that group better than a rookie PG.

The Celtics weakness is defense not offense. What does Melo get them?

My response is who could they get that would solve their defensive woes to the degree that they would become favored to beat the Cavs? At least with Melo they could add another weapon for opposing defenders to have to worry about. It's hard to find great 2 way players at this stage. Teams aren't exactly giving that kind of talent away.

Boston would be adding another threat that can be dominant in one on one situations or when you sit Isaiah or Horford. If you don't see the advantage in that I can't say I agree with that take.

I don't disagree with that take. I just don't think adding Melo to that mix of players really moves the needle in getting them to the finals, and that's what I disagree about, because it KILLS their defense. And team. Just like Melo has been doing to the Knicks' defense. And team.

nixluva wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

I watch a lot of college and have read up a lot on this draft. I am not sure if there is anyone with Franchise changing upside. I think this draft is incredibly deep and will have a few all-stars and probably a few more fringe-all-star-types, but i don't see a consensus top tier prospect. Towns, Davis, Giannis, Porzingis, Embiid, etc i don't see that type of potential game-changer. I think Fultz and Ball might be great, but maybe on the Lillard/Kyrie Irving level. Just a step below franchise caliber player, if that makes sense. Obviously that's up to interpretation, but that is just how i view it. But this is one of the strongest top 10s in a long time. All of the top 10 have a chance to be all-star caliber players.

I agree. I think Martin is overrating the top of this draft but also underrating Melo's possible impact on the Celtics chances of getting to the Finals. Melo is not in this Draft IMO!!! The Celtics could grab a sure thing in Melo who is capable of going off at any point in a game or Series!

The Brooklyn pick is not going to be able to put the Celtics over the top next year as a Rookie IMO. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas at 27, Horford at 30 and IMO Melo fits that group better than a rookie PG.

To me the value in this draft is having a ton of guys that are going to be really good. The top of the draft sort of reminds me of 2014 where Wiggins, Parker, and Embiid all were viewed as all-star level players, but none of them were without their red flags that may keep them from being franchise players. But the difference is you have a lot of other players who will be awesome. In a lot of ways 1-12 in this draft might be a little bit of a crapshoot. For example, i'm sure there will be a guy drafted 7-10 that ends up being better than one of the guys drafted in the top 3.

martin wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

martin wrote:

nixluva wrote:Boston does know the value of adding the proven vet at the right time. That's how they won their last Title. I don't see the value of holding on to the pick when you know your team is THAT CLOSE!!! IMO you spend that pick and grab a sure thing in Melo who you know is going to be able to carry a team for stretches that just might make the difference in a playoff series. Meanwhile that draft pick MAY or MAY NOT end up where you want it and for who you may be thinking you'll get and then you still have to hope he's not a BUST. IMO that's not a good risk to take when you are that close to being able to knock off the defending champs and get to the FINALS. Plus you have a ton of Picks and stashed players already.

WHAT?

This year's draft has some talent that could be franchise level and that Brooklyn pick will probably be top 3. And you think that adding Melo would push Boston in the playoffs? Have you watched him? He can barely carry the Knicks for a quarter or 2. And he doesn't play defense and he renders every other player on the court useless.

If you are a team like CLE and could add Melo at the cost of ONLY a top 3 draft pick (ie. not losing any of their starters) and wanted to make sure you had the fire power off the bench to match GSW or SA, then maybe you do it; Boston is NOT in that situation.

I listened to Locked on the NBA podcast last night. The guest was an nba scout. His opinion was that the Celtics should get Melo if they can. He said that the playoffs are totally different and in a 7 game series relying on Isiah Thomas to score like he does and win isn't a plan for success. He said the Celtics need another scorer for the playoffs. He also said he doesn't think the Rockets system holds up in the playoffs.

Those 2 last sentences made me laugh. Boston needs more scoring in the playoffs! Houston's system - based primarily on scoring! - won't hold up in the playoffs.... said back to back.

Boston is top 5 in offensive efficiency and bottom 10 in league in defensive efficiency. I can't understand how Melo helps them.