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Who Wins the Trade for Number One?
Trust the Process. The Celtics have agreed to trade the number one pick to Philadelphia. In return, the Celtics receive the third pick in this draft and an additional first rounder in 17 or 18.
This should be legendary if it happens #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/234a42aoZW — Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 18, 2017
It is a common belief that Fultz is as close to flawless as there is in this draft. However, rumors have been swirling in recent days that the Celtics have faded on Fultz. Continuing with the path of only drafting prospects who can’t shoot but can guard multiple positions, Josh Jackson has peaked their interest.
The opposite can be said about Philadelphia, as they found themselves in no man’s land of this draft. While it may be hard to believe that third overall is a bad spot for any team, it is if the Sixers want to build a team. The Sixers have done a lot of drafting the last few years however it’s all been for front court players. Sure, Ben Simmons will likely handle a good percentage of point guard responsibilities, but he won’t be guarding them.
The Sixers need a future all-star guard that can move without the ball and defend opposing 1’s and 2’s. At 6’4″ with a wingspan of close to 7 feet, Fultz can do all of that and more. However, at three they were too low for Fultz and generally considered too high for other prospects that would fit that role. Considering this is draft has a huge depth of point guards, most of them don’t fit with Simmons and Embiid, and that was the problem at three.
With that in mind, the Celtics appear not to like any prospect substantially more than another.
Having the opportunity they do, the Celtics are going to play any team they can, and if Danny Ainge can, he’ll trade his Son for future picks. If the rumors of Magic Johnson liking Jackson over Lonzo at two, the Celtics would be more than glad to draft Ball at three.
{ARAM BOGHOSIAN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE}
While now having the third pick we could see Ainge flip this at any point in the upcoming week. Whatever rumors they can drum up to boost the value of their pick the Celtics will gladly partake.
Trust The Process pic.twitter.com/LLNzDiBWpc — Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 17, 2017
Regardless of how Embiid and Dario feel, the Celtics could very well be just as impressed by Fultz. Although the Celtics are in a situation where their future could be defined by how they handle this. Doing something such as trading these assets for Jimmy Butler, is a mistake. While Butler is a solid player and is the ideal wing, he doesn’t get you past the Cavaliers.
However, by that same notion, should the Celtics be so inclined to take Jackson even if he seems legit?
If you’re going to trade the first pick, your sights need to be higher. Greater than trading Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love. Even higher than trading three first rounders for Jason Terry and two throw-ins.
The 2018 Lakers pick to BOS has protections on top and bottom that could keep it in Philly, and if so, then 2019 Kings' pick goes to Boston. https://t.co/l38PneUMdh — Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 18, 2017
With potentially three to four lottery picks in the next three seasons the Celtics need to consider trading for a golden ticket. There few players out there that can transform a team. Anthony Davis is one of those players that can transform a team even with no help around him. Davis has shown an ability to tap into another level of play when matched up against superior opponents. His versatility and unguardable size make’s him a problem for even Golden State. Acquiring more assets gives the Celtics the best opportunity to trade for Davis and get their franchise cornerstone.
Additionally, this trade helps the Sixers be better prepared for the scenario that Embiid or Simmons get hurt again. Fultz appears to be ready to run a team, and by that same notion, he can fit into whatever role they need him to play if the Sixers are lucky enough to have a healthy season.
There’s always tremendous uncertainty when dealing draft picks but both teams have a chance to come out on top. Thus meaning, there is no clear winner or loser to this trade. If Fultz is everything he’s predicted to be than the Sixers nailed this. However is this trade allows the Celtics to acquire like Davis than the Celtics made the right choice.
However, this Sixers team will be something to watch and could be the start of something special.
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