Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Danny Ainge and Co. were back in Boston plotting strategy and looking to get back in on the transactional fun they kick-started by sending the No. 1 overall pick to Philadelphia.
One NBA exec told the Herald that Ainge would love to find a way to get North Carolina State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who isn’t rated as high as the third overall pick. Another said the Celts were looking at perhaps moving down in the draft again and picking up another asset for their trouble.
Meanwhile, to give you an idea of how surreal this has all become, a coach from yet another team said that if you asked 10 different clubs what Ainge wanted, you’d get 10 different answers. “We call him the minister of disinformation,” he said. “He’s putting a lot of stuff out there.”
Herald – Danny Ainge keeping everyone guessing on eve of NBA Draft
As of yesterday, the front office was undecided and still is weighing the merits of Jackson and Duke’s Jayson Tatum. As Ainge said earlier this week, the team has both players ranked as high as Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball at the top of the draft board.
Though Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac is said to be on the periphery of Celtics’ thinking, thanks to the 6-foot-11 forward’s defensive versatility and developing jumper, the team is thinking the hardest about the following two players:
Jayson Tatum — The 6-foot-8 Duke forward won over the scouting staff in several ways, including one of the most polished scoring capabilities and an off-court personality that has not just impressed the Celtics, but every team within interviewing distance.
[…]
Josh Jackson — Jackson is a strong, athletic defender who is expected to mature as a scorer in the NBA, though some have questioned his ability to develop a jump shot. In terms of his passion and rugged style, some compared the 6-8 forward to Marcus Smart.
And though some question his temperament after a violent incident last season, the Celtics reportedly feel good about drafting Jackson after investigating what happened.
Herald – Celtics choice at No. 3 comes down to Jayson Tatum or Josh Jackson, for now
One week ago, Boston fans were anticipating the glory of selecting first in the NBA Draft. We thought Markelle Fultz was going to be the next great Celtic. We were giddy, knowing that, ironically, the draft will be held at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets (and thanks yet again, Billy King).
Today, we don’t know what the hell to think. And if you’re reading this in hopes of learning who exactly Ainge will now choose with the third overall pick – sorry, you’ve come to the wrong blog.
With Fultz now sure to be grabbed by Philadelphia, and Lonzo Ball apparently about to get his wish to play for the Lakers, the two most likely candidates for No. 3 are Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson. Both are 6’8” forwards who should make an impact in the NBA – Tatum as a dynamic scorer and Jackson as an active defender who can run the floor.
There’s so much to like about both, but everyone has flaws. Tatum is a poor defender, and some fans don’t want him literally because they hate everyone associated with Duke. Jackson is an erratic shooter, got arrested last season, and did not work out for Boston during this pre-draft period. (Some would say that last negative isn’t a problem.)
However … there’s always a chance of Danny being Danny and taking an unforeseen route.
But that’s where Ainge could be the contrarian when looking at Tatum’s lack of high-end athleticism and possible lack of elite-level ceiling. The last time he went with a player of that mold was Jared Sullinger, and that didn’t exactly work out so well. So, a reluctant pass.
That leaves Isaac. A player few had on the radar for the top 3, never mind the No. 1 pick Ainge said he would have used on his target talent, is 6-foot-11, has a 7-foot-1 wingspan, can dribble like a guard and potentially defend every position on the floor. He was the first player Ainge had in for workouts and was, presumably, the first one Stevens spoke with after the Celtics exited the playoffs.
He is potentially still growing, has a game that seems to fit the direction of the modern NBA, and can play a true frontcourt spot where the Celtics could not settle on a starter for through most of the playoffs.
Providence Journal – NBA Draft: Ainge’s choice with No. 3 pick isn’t so obvious
Wouldn’t that be a shocker?
So with the draft mere hours away, we’ll let you decide. Here are the “strengths” videos for all three players from Draft Express. Also, use the links below each video to view their “weaknesses” and other video analyses, stats, scouting reports, and more.
The draft will be televised on ESPN, NBA TV, and CSNNE (with Mike, Tommy, et al) beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
[protected-iframe id=”ca723c0cc54072f3c607e28b6a081bf4-114320562-112175908″ info=”//player.complex.com/tv/iframe?pId=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588&cId=ltdmNoYTE6pJ1jCQ1BXwGZYjzMJIpbp7&adSetCode=d4063ffb5eea4665ac55cd9182bbb23e&site=draftexpress&kw=” width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”] [protected-iframe id=”40f5f6b0e45bc50fb41ff4c3ed1ee5ce-114320562-112175908″ info=”//player.complex.com/tv/iframe?pId=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588&cId=ltc2pqYTE6dvTOK0_KDm7UyL-2Bx8ixs&adSetCode=d4063ffb5eea4665ac55cd9182bbb23e&site=draftexpress&kw=” width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”] [protected-iframe id=”e97d5e2da3e0c5c93a9bf6af00179f2b-114320562-112175908″ info=”//player.complex.com/tv/iframe?pId=23b69841d9454479a6f4fcf4a8514588&cId=w0Mmt2YTE6dGl3qgOXHKL9JLsIqLaO3p&adSetCode=d4063ffb5eea4665ac55cd9182bbb23e&site=draftexpress&kw=” width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]Full report on Jonathan Isaac.
Draft links:
Herald – Bulpett: Only moves Celtics should make are ones that help them contend for NBA title
CSNNE – Blakely: Josh Jackson’s Lack Of Time With Celtics Makes Him Unlikely Choice At No. 3 | Jayson Tatum Understands What Celtics Role Will Be If Taken No. 3 | Jonathan Isaac ‘Good With The Potential To Be Great’ Defensively
NBA.com – Draft Hub
Boston.com – Celtics rumor roundup: NBA executive says Danny Ainge is considering moving down again in draft order | Who’s No. 3? NBA draft intrigue begins after Fultz, Ball | Isaiah Thomas is once again inciting NBA free agency rumors on social media | Danny Ainge’s son hopes Gordon Hayward stays in Utah (editor’s note: damn politics!)
Globe – In visit with Jayson Tatum, Brad Stevens talks the value of versatility | Josh Jackson: ‘It would be great to play in Boston’ | NBA’s approach to draft must graduate | Gary Washburn’s NBA mock draft | Choice is clear, Celtics should draft Jayson Tatum
NESN – NBA Rumors: Celtics Have Been After Lakers’ 2018 Pick For Over A Year
ESPN – Draft News
CBS Boston – Final Mock Draft Roundup: Who Will Celtics Take At No. 3?
Sports Illustrated – 2017 NBA Draft: Needs For All 30 Teams | 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Rumors And All 60 Picks
CBS Sports – Celtics GM Ainge reportedly refuses Jimmy Butler deal; what is he thinking? | Three reasons why all this madness is happening leading up to NBA Draft | NBA Mock Draft 2017: Celtics happy to get Duke’s Jayson Tatum with No. 3 pick | Mike Krzyzewski renews call for high school players to be eligible for the NBA Draft
WEEI – Top 10 all-time Celtics draft blunders
On Page 2: Chaos in New York
Phil Jackson giving an interview on @MSGNetworks
Not sure his initial three comments below are gonna give fans much faith in the last one… pic.twitter.com/EPyjsjrgho— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 22, 2017
Phil apparently really doesn’t have a clue about how to run a team. The only thing he’s done right is to luck into drafting “The Unicorn” (probably now the most popular Knick, although he wasn’t on draft night), and now Phil sounds like he might really, actually trade away the only asset they have for the future.
Knicks fans are in agony now – which they’re accustomed to, because they know to always expect the worst. In the next few hours, this drama has the potential to explode into the biggest story of this wild draft season. And that’s saying something.
Related: CSNNE – Report: Knicks Listening to Porzingis Offers, Reportedly Looking For Top-Four Pick To Draft Josh Jackson | MassLive – Kristaps Porzingis trade rumors: Phil Jackson admits New York Knicks listening to offers; they reportedly like Josh Jackson | Boston.com – Here’s a realistic package the Celtics could send the Knicks for Kristaps Porzingis
And, finally: A memorable season
A lot happened in just one year ⏪ https://t.co/MvI83yq56s
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 22, 2017
The Rest of the Links:
MassLive – NBA releases lower salary cap projection: How are Boston Celtics impacted?
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