Celtics Claim Top Pick in Lottery
Regardless of what happens against LeBron and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics will view this season as an immense success. Four years ago, Boston completely gutted their team. They traded away Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and their coach Doc Rivers, before ultimately hiring a college coach who had no track-record at the NBA level. Now in 2017, they are the top team in the East (record-wise) and just staked their claim to the top overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. But, the question looms: What will the Celtics do moving forward?
They have a bevy of questions to answer, but many would consider that a fantastic problem to have. Some of which include: Do they trade or hold onto to the number 1 pick? What do they do with their 5'9" superstar? Move him? Can they make a run at Gordon Hayward in free agency? These are just some of the questions that Danny Ainge will need to ponder prior to June's draft.
If I were Danny Ainge here is what I would do: I would take Markelle Fultz with the first pick and then go from there. There is no question, in my mind, that he is the best player in this draft. He has legit superstar potential, so there is no way the Celtics can pass on that. By taking him rather than trading the pick for a superstar - say Jimmy Butler - the Celtics are not necessarily in win now desperation mode. Yes, they can still win in the present, but they will also have a solidified franchise player for the next decade to come. Essentially, drafting Fultz prolongs their title window. My next order of business would be to pursue Gordon Hayward. I would try and lure him into playing for his college coach. Let's say that fails, and instead Boston has to "settle" for Danillo Gallinari with their cap space.
I would then have to decide what to do with Isaiah Thomas. He is fantastic and a joy to watch, but seriously, how can you justify paying a player of his stature in the ballpark of $35 million a season when he will be 34 years-old at the conclusion of the contract. You cannot. I would try to have him take a lesser deal, but he wouldn't Despite the love that Boston fans have for him, I would place him on the trading block. Boston could get a good haul for IT, but not a crazy as one might expect.
I would then lock up Avery Bradley long-term. That guy is the most underrated player in the NBA, in my opinion.
This is where it gets very interesting. This might blow your mind, but I would then call Dell Demps, the GM of the Pelicans, and see what it would take to get Anthony Davis. You say he is untouchable? While I tend to agree, I would offer him the house. I would propose Al Horford, Jae Crowder, and next year's Brooklyn pick for the Unibrow. Who says no? Horford and Cousins are a much better tandem, in terms of how they complement one another, than AD and Cousins. Also, the Pelicans are desperate for competent wings, and Crowder is one on such a favorable contract. From Boston's perspective, Davis would add a unique element of an uber-athletic big that they so desperately lack. I truthfully believe this trade, while it sounds asinine at first glance, would go through.
After these offseason maneuvers, Boston's starting five would be:
Point Guard: Markelle Fultz
Shooting Guard: Avery Bradley
Small Forward: Jaylen Brown
Power Forward: Danillo Gallinari
Center: Anthony Davis
Forget beating Cleveland, that team would beat Golden State. They would also be title contenders until at least like 2024. That is not exaggeration. Every move that I illustrated is not far-fetched. In fact, after all of these moves, Boston would still be under the cap. That is a deadly starting five, and would be the five that would open the 2017-2018 season if I had the keys in Boston. Oh, and did I mention that I would win Executive of the Year?
