Celtics not afraid to explore deals heading into Draft

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-not-afraid-explore-deals-heading-draft



Celtics not afraid to explore deals heading into Draft
May 27, 2015, 10:45 pm








WALTHAM, Mass. – Having so many draft picks has made Danny Ainge a popular man among NBA executives leading up to the June 25 NBA draft.

The Celtics’ president of basketball operations has discussed a number of possible draft-day scenarios and anticipates there will be many more conversations in the coming weeks.

“We’ve had conversations about both moving up and down,” Ainge told CSNNE.com. “Usually those don’t get serious until draft day.”

In the meantime, Ainge and the Celtics will continue to evaluate as many prospects as possible knowing they have to cast as wide a net as possible with a two, first-round picks (No. 16 and No. 28) as well as two, second rounders (No. 33 and No. 45 overall).

Having all those picks is certainly a luxury for Boston, but it’s hard to imagine that the Celtics will add four rookies from this year’s draft class to their active roster next season.

Using a pick for an overseas talent that won't come to the NBA for a year or so will certainly be given some consideration.

And of course the Celtics can always pursue trading one or more picks.

“It’s hard to move up or ask a team to move down until they know who they like,” said Austin Ainge, Boston’s director of player personnel. “Everyone is still in that process. Those are usually day-of-the-draft or day-before-the-draft type deals.”

But for a team like the Celtics whose first pick on draft night is currently 16th overall, moving up into the lottery (top-14) is a lot easier said than done.

“You can buy a second round pick sometimes for a million dollars,” said Austin Ainge. “And you can offer your whole roster for the second (overall) pick and can’t get it. It’s very different (moving into the lottery).”

But that won’t deter the Celtics from looking to make a move up or down in the draft.

“One thing no one will accuse us of is being afraid to make calls,” said Austin Ainge. “We definitely will talk to a lot of teams.

He added, “It takes two to trade. We can’t force that on anyone else, nor is that always smart. The (New England) Patriots have done very well moving back (in the draft).”



bob
MY NOTE:  The usual underwhelming Blakely mush.  "They're looking at everything, but nothing specific to talk about, but they're not afraid, we'll have to wait and see, anything could happen or nothing could happen".

Indeed.



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yup. He has a new article on Brandon Bass where Bass doesn't seem to give any indication that he wants to re-sign with Boston, and Blakely paints it as Bass has no inclination either way.

Mush would be a welcome improvement on most of Blakeley's work.

          A PROCLAMATION

• There will be a draft.

• There will be an opportunity to sign free agents.

• Trades may occur either involving the draft or irrespective of the draft.

• The Celtics have many assets that could affect their ability to acquire players in the draft, free agency or trades.

• There are many players in the college and pro ranks who might be considered as potential acquisitions.

• Said players vary in the attributes and weaknesses they represent.

• The Celtics should aim toward winding up with the kinds of players they most need.

• If players hate the snow and cold, they can always go south.  South Boston is great in February.

Just send my Hall of Fame plaque for writing to: Daring Predictions 'R Us.

Sam