Thread is old but I didn't feel like making another one.
What do people think the Celtics do? It's weird saying they're in a tough spot with the best record in the East and the top pick ... but they are. It's obvious no one can stop what the NBA allowed Cleveland and Golden State to morph into - after nixing the Chris Paul to LA trade for supposedly this exact reason - but the Celtics think they might be able to bridge the gap. With how they got handled in the eastern finals, they might be more than a player or 2 away.
They're loaded at guard and the 2 best college players happen to be guards. Do they trade the pick, reach for Tatum, Isaac or Jackson, or draft Fultz and rework the G position?
Trading the pick is probably the smartest move but won't get them over the top - which is the next step. They traded picks and players for years just to get where they're at now and aren't about to work backwards. It'll be interesting to see what other teams offer but IDK that I see that happening.
Ball is an impending nightmare and has refused to work out with the C's because daddy wants his brand in LA. All I need to know right there. Fultz is the guy. Who do you get rid of if they go that route? Thomas isn't going anywhere. Bradley has come into his own but has durability and streakiness issues. Great defender though. Smart is another great defender but I won't ever trust that shot. Rozier hasn't developed enough to get anything for him - but is growing to be the player they envisioned when he was drafted. His value might be remaining with the team and continuing to develop behind a deep stable of Gs. Gotta get rid of 1 - more likely 2 - to make sense of drafting another G 1 overall. Not to mention agents rallying against Boston because of minute worries with how deep they are at G. There are issues.
Then you have Tatum, Isaac, and Jackson. All big, willing defenders with offensive questions. I don't like this idea to even entertain the thought so I'll leave it at that.
What do they do? What's the best way to catch the Warriors and Cavs? Should they go all in or continue to play it smart until the opportunity presents itself? They picked a really shitty time to be contenders, that's for sure. Thoughts?