Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
It has been reported the Celtics have dangled their picks at No. 6 and No. 17 in the 2014 draft, a future first-rounder and young veterans Jared Sullinger and Olynyk to Minnesota. Sorry, but that’s a bunch of junk, primarily because as Boston executive Danny Ainge well knows after working out draft prospects, there’s no guarantee a team that picks sixth will land a better player than the rookie selected 11th.
For starters, the Nuggets could trump Boston by offering Faried, among 28 players picked to the USA men’s national team pool for 2014-16. Sweeten the deal with the No. 11 pick in the first round. The trade could meet league requirements for approval by adding Wilson Chandler and J.J. Hickson to the mix. Saunders and Connelly have the solid relationship to revamp the deal as needed.
Kenneth Faried is the x-factor in the Kevin Love sweepstakes. Of all the names mentioned as trade bait — Klay Thompson, Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk – the 24 year old Faried (13.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 19 PER) is the best player (who also happens to play Love’s position).
The Herald’s Steve Bulpett also reports that Denver would acquire another player – possibly Aron Afflalo – and include him in the deal.
But is Denver really in the mix? Eric Goodman – a sports radio host in Denver – doesn’t believe so:
@Nate_Timmons A lot of smoke around this–little fire.. #Nuggets don’t have an attractive pkg of players.. Nuggs being used in posturing.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) June 18, 2014
Goodman also thinks Faried would bolt Minnesota after the two seasons remaining on his contract.
All these rumors surrounding Kevin Love are stressing me out. Fortunately, this should be resolved by draft night next Thursday.
Related: Globe – Celtics offer for Love not among best | CSNNE – Love suitors won’t tip hand early
On Page 2, assistant coach Ron Adams is not going to Golden State.
All indications are that, at the moment, Celtics veteran assistant coach Ron Adams will remain with the team, the Globe has learned.
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) June 19, 2014
Not huge news, but I prefer that the respected Adams remain by the side of Brad Stevens for at least another season or two.
And finally, Gregg Popovich shows everyone he can count to five.
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Could Pop be mocking LeBron’s infamous, “Not one, not two, not three… ” championship prediction? You bet.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Celtics top 5 draft busts since 78 | Could Lavine hop to Cs?
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