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.
It’s getting real!
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) June 22, 2016
Maybe Isaiah knows something is happening with the Celtics, or maybe he was just reacting to yesterday’s trades, or maybe he was just playing with us. I’m going with the third option, because who really knows what Danny Ainge will do tonight? It’s possible even Ainge still doesn’t know.
The NBA Draft is about 12 hours away as this is published, and there’s simply no consensus as to what we can expect. Many fans want to see the No. 3 pick used in a trade for a young star, but no less than Adrian Wojnarowski told Abby Chin of CSNNE that it seems likely the Cs will keep the pick.
And if you think the Derrick Rose trade means Jimmy Butler is in play, he’s probably not. Bulls General Manager Gar said post-trade: “We value Jimmy. He fits in the direction we’re headed.”
The best guess now seems to be either Kris Dunn or Jaylen Brown will be chosen if no trade occurs.
Dunn (another non-shooting guard) wouldn’t be a perfect fit with the current roster, but he’s probably not as bad in that sense as Celtics fans on Twitter seem to fear. With Evan Turner likely gone in free agency, Boston will need another playmaker when Isaiah Thomas does not have the ball. Thomas has shown he can thrive as a miniature shooting guard, Marcus Smart’s defensive versatility allows Brad Stevens to try some funky lineups, and small-ball units with Dunn, Smart and another guard could actually be kind of fun. Drafting Dunn could lead to a trade long term, but I think the Celtics could make it work until they figure out what they have.
Brown, meanwhile, might be the best athlete in the draft. He showed some warts at Cal, but has the size and physical tools to help the Celtics on the wing — where every team wants versatile players like Brown could become. For whatever it’s worth, he believes Boston is “definitely heavily considering” taking him.
MassLive – 2016 NBA Draft rumors: Kris Dunn, Jaylen Brown intrigue Boston Celtics at No. 3
Perhaps one or more draftees will be shipped out in trades – it’s always amusing when a guy is interviewed in what turns out to be the wrong hat – but only time will tell. Until then, have an abundance of links to feed your speculation.
Draft and Rumor Links:
ESPN Boston – The case for Kris Dunn to the Celtics at No. 3
MassLive – Jay King’s NBA Mock Draft: Who should the Boston Celtics take at No. 3? | 2016 NBA Draft rumors: Boston Celtics ‘not getting’ All-Star for No. 3 pick, according to report | DeMarcus Cousins to Boston Celtics at the NBA Draft? Playing Danny Ainge to make it happen in a mock draft
CSNNE – Blakely: Brown And Bender Fit Both Short And Long Term Needs
CBS Boston – The NBA Draft List: Breaking Down Each Position For Celtics | What To Watch For: Busy Night Ahead For Celtics At NBA Draft
The Ringer – Will Somebody Please Take Danny Ainge’s Draft Picks? | The One Side of Jamal Murray
SB Nation – NBA mock draft 2016: Ben Simmons is No. 1, Brandon Ingram is No. 2. Then what?
ESPN – How high is Buddy Hield’s NBA ceiling? Can he shoot like Curry?
NBC Sports – Report: Hawks shopping Nos. 12 and 21 picks to impress Al Horford
Celtics.com – Draft Hopefuls Give Their Take on C’s Pick (video) | High-Level Prospects Feel Connection with Celtics
Herald – Bulpett: For Celtics, it might be ‘wait ’til next year’ | Buckley: Celtics fans just want Danny Ainge to do something with this draft
Globe – For Celtics, questions still abound at No. 3 | Celtics will weigh their options with third pick
Yahoo – Inside the draft rooms of NBA teams
On Page 2: “The truth about how he fared”
His pregame comment on the pressure that comes with a Game 7 now reads like a premonition regarding the Warriors: “It doesn’t matter how you’ve been all year long. You can have one bad day and that’s your season.”
He found an amusing way to suggest LeBron James didn’t carry the same burden into Game 7 as the Warriors: “What pressure does LeBron have in a Game 7? He doesn’t have to face me tonight.”
Most impressively, he was the only member of the countdown crew to pick the Cavaliers to win: “Cleveland has to bring the same physicality that they brought the last two games. LeBron has to go off. Kyrie has to be special. This game is not about the bench, guys. This game is about the stars. Whoever’s stars step up tonight is going to win this game and I believe that’s Cleveland.”
Pierce didn’t waver from that pick at halftime, either, even when the Warriors led by 7.
Boston.com – An in-depth scouting report on Paul Pierce, NBA studio analyst
It would be cool to see The Truth wearing number 34 in green again, finishing his career as the elder statesman to the Celtics’ youngsters, or to see him join the front office where he can woo free agents to come to Boston. If that never happens, it might be because he’ll be on TV every week. There’s no doubt he could pull it off.
And, finally: Celtics Night at Fenway
Tonight we recognized greatness with the ’66, ’76, and ’86 @celtics! pic.twitter.com/Bf8Tlz8nXP
— VOTE #SOXASG (@RedSox) June 22, 2016
Continuing the tradition of Boston franchises supporting each other, the Red Sox last night honored the Celtics championship teams of 50, 40 and 30 years ago. Hall of Famers Satch Sanders and John Havlicek, along with former GM Jan Volk, represented each decade and threw out the first pitch in pre-game ceremonies. Afterward, the Celtics posted this tremendous photo on their Instagram.
The Rest of the Links:
Sports Illustrated – Trade grades: Knicks’ deal for Derrick Rose all sizzle and no steak
Sports Spotlight – Bob Ryan: A Few Thoughts 6/22/16
Boston.com – How Red Auerbach used the Ice Capades to add Bill Russell to the Celtics’ best draft class
Special Link of the Day with Outstanding Photos:
500 PX ISO – A Day in the Life With Brian Babineau, Team Photographer For the Boston Celtics
