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.
But sources told ESPN that the Celtics, to date, have been rebuffed in their efforts to assemble a sufficiently enticing deal to acquire any of these four prime targets: Chicago Bulls All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler, Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward and Milwaukee Bucks teammates Jabari Parker or Khris Middleton.
Who the Celtics like at No. 3, if they end up keeping the pick, has likewise emerged as one of the bigger mysteries of draft week, sources say.
ESPN – Sources: Celtics rebuffed in bid to swap No. 3 pick for established vet
There’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that Danny Ainge is reportedly trying to get a proven young player who could help improve the Celtics sooner than later. With the lack of a clear-cut choice at No. 3, this makes complete sense.
The bad news, obviously, is that Danny has been stymied so far. But it’s never over till it’s over. There’s still time to negotiate before tomorrow night’s draft, and you have to figure Ainge has yet to put his best offer on the table. As to exactly which player(s) he’s going after, there are countless rumors – some possibly accurate and others pure fiction. Scan through the links below and check out whichever article feeds your fantasy.
Draft and trade rumor links:
MassLive – Boston Celtics trade rumors 2016: Attempts for Jimmy Butler, Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Gordon Hayward have been rebuffed | ESPN’s Brian Windhorst thinks a Kevin Love trade could still make sense for Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers | 2016 NBA Draft rumors: Boston Celtics trying to package No. 3 pick for ‘legitimate starter,’ not having much luck | Jamal Murray: Are Boston Celtics, sweet-shooting ex-Kentucky guard a fit? | Philadelphia 76ers reportedly trying to trade with Boston Celtics to take Kris Dunn at No. 3 | 2016 NBA Draft, Boston Celtics: What to expect from the 16th and 23rd picks
Herald – Draft breakdown: Celtics need to target their shooting woes | Danny Ainge will have chance to find some second-round gold
CSNNE – Ben Simmons Posts Instagram Photo In Sixers Jersey, Says To “Trust The Process”
Providence Journal – Celtics decision with No. 3 pick will have major influence on rest of NBA Draft
Boston.com – How one-and-done players have fared in the NBA | The Celtics fan’s guide to falling in love with Dragan Bender
CBS Boston– Celtics Reportedly Interested In Milwaukee Small Forward Khris Middleton
Sports Illustrated – Special Delivery: Dragan Bender has tools to be NBA’s next Croatian star
Globe – Simmons No. 1 in NBA beat writers mock draft; Celtics take Brown
On Page 2: Be prepared
“We won’t draft a guy,” said assistant general manager Mike Zarren, “without watching every possession they’ve played this year.”
Sometimes an unscheduled gathering of senior staffers can develop a rhythm and go long into the night. Ainge might see footage of one guard and then want to compare clips of similar players. Then the group might realize it has neglected centers, so they switch to watching them.
“Then somebody calls you, and you’ve been watching for four hours, and someone calls with a potential trade offer and then you watch some current NBA guys,” Zarren said. “And then the trade offer includes a pick in a different area of the draft, so you say, ‘OK let’s watch these guys, too.’ ”
Then an impromptu session has turned into something more, and then it’s time for a burrito run. Ainge prefers to watch clips as a group, because one person might notice something the others do not. It could be a flaw in a player’s shooting mechanics, or simply how he interacts with teammates.
“Watching together is good,” Ainge said, “because it breeds conversation.”
Globe – Behind the scenes with the Celtics’ draft strategists
No matter who the Celtics draft or acquire in a trade, two things will be true: 1) Ainge and his team will be second-guessed; 2) those doing the second-guessing will possess only a tiny fraction of knowledge about the draft as compared to the Celtics’ brain trust.
This article reveals the astonishing depth of preparation performed by Boston’s draft team, down to details such as what to do if the power goes out at Celtics headquarters while they’re on the clock to submit their selection. These guys know everything there is to know about every draft prospect and every current NBA player. Sometimes they hit a home run (Brooklyn trade) and sometimes they strike out (Fab Melo), but whatever happens tomorrow night, rest assured that they are more than ready.
Related: Bleacher Report – How an NBA Executive Unearths Hidden Gems Around the Globe (Q&A with Austin Ainge)
On Page 3: Do NOT disrespect IT
@chadfordinsider that’s how you feel huh? LOL This is what keeps me motivated, thank you!
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) June 22, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThat chip on Isaiah Thomas’ shoulder got a little bigger yesterday. The Celtics’ all-star point guard heard ESPN’s Chad Ford say that if the Cs were to draft Kris Dunn, the rookie would immediately be the best PG on the Boston roster. The lesson for Ford: Do not mess with The Little Guy!
Related: MassLive – Chad Ford thinks Kris Dunn would be the Boston Celtics’ best PG immediately and Isaiah Thomas isn’t pleased
On Page 4: Building Smart basketball players
Ya. Today was a great day! #Blessed #YGC pic.twitter.com/7Ax1b3aGYh
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) June 21, 2016
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsMarcus Smart was in a slightly better mood yesterday than his teammate. Smart is holding his basketball camp at his former high school in Texas this week, to be followed by sessions in Boston next week and the Canary Islands (why Spain?) next month. The camps teach basketball skills, of course, while also aiming “to reinforce the discipline needed in today’s young men and women.” Obviously, they’re having fun, too.
And, finally: LOL, SAS
I avoid TV blowhards like Stephen A. Smith at all costs, but it’s totally worth making an exception for this short video. Smith has picked the wrong Finals winner not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but six years in a row. It takes a special skill to be wrong every time, so we should all look forward to the day when SAS picks against the Celtics.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r06rvgRLSw]
The Rest of the Links:
MassLive – Boston Celtics summer league schedule 2016: Las Vegas game times released
Herald – Bulpett: LeBron James is the NBA’s best, just ask him
Slam – adidas Signs Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray, Dragan Bender and Kris Dunn
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