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.
Since last week’s NBA draft lottery confirmed that the pick will be the third overall, It has overshadowed at times the fact that the Celtics will have another pair of first-round picks with the first being the 16th overall selection.
So as Boston focuses much of its energy on getting the No. 3 pick right, this draft has the potential to be one where a difference-maker could be found in the latter stages of the first round as well.
“The higher the draft pick, you just have a better chance. There’s going to be really good players available at 16,” said Austin Ainge, Boston’s director of player personnel. “There’s going to be really good players available at 23. It’s just harder to identify in that range.”
CSNNE – Boston Celtics loaded with 2016 NBA draft picks other than No. 3
Since the Celtics’ draft fate was sealed a week ago, there’s been a stream of unending speculation about what the team will do with the number three pick in the draft next month. That blabber will unpredictably continue through team workouts and with the dropping of each new trade rumor. What hasn’t really been covered, save for above, and what will probably continue to fly under the radar, is the existence of two, additional first round draft picks for the Celtics.
This draft isn’t considered to be a strong one, but what that often means is that teams can unearth gems in the mid-to-late first round that make teams picking in the top ten look foolish a few years down the road. Barring any trades, the Celtics will get two cracks at finding an underrated, rotation-caliber player at 16 and 23. A majority of pundits have the Celtics taking draft-and-stash type guys with at least one of those picks, and I definitely cannot pontificate on the merits of one Ante Zizic or Furkan Korkmaz, but it is a fun exercise to consider where Danny Ainge might go with these picks.
If Ainge selects Dragan Bender at number three, does he look for more immediate help with his next two picks? Maybe Denzel Valentine slips to 16, or Ainge looks to add wing depth with a Taurean Prince of Malcolm Brogdan. Perhaps Danny goes for a project with one of those picks: Cheick Diallo, Thon Maker or Skal Labissiere all fit that mold. If Ainge trades the number three pick for immediate help, or takes a player who can come in and play right away, there’s a solid chance he takes an international player, or looks to deal at least one of 16 and 23.
The opportunities seem endless, but it’s time to start examining the middle class of the 2016 draft. A few of those guys could be wearing green.
On page 2, “They’re cut, They’re cut, the Warriors have been cut!”
It just looks so odd
Draymond Green -43
Klay Thompson -41
Stephe Curry -39
Andre Iguodala – 34— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) May 23, 2016
The Oklahoma City Thunder was playing possum for this entire season. They’ve now made the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors look downright incompetent for 48-minutes in the playoffs. The Warriors looked completely devoid of the mojo that led to 73 wins in the regular season.
By no means is the series over, but anyone who thought the Warriors would simply wake up and dispatch of OKC after game one is now severely mistaken.
Additionally, if Draymond’s kick to Steven Adams’ Land Down Under engenders a suspension, the Thunder have to be considered favorites to take this thing.
