Series Against Cavs is Making Ainge’s Decision Easier
Danny Ainge’s decision regarding the #1 pick is getting easier and easier.
The Celtics have been blown on their home floor two games in a row by the defending champion Cavaliers. Game 1 was bad, but Game 2 was certainly worse. Boston lost by 44, and Isaiah Thomas left the game with a hip strain that will most likely end his season.
This is a case where the best team in the conference(Cleveland) is rested, and playing their best basketball of the year. The Celtics are visibly gassed from their seven game series against the Wizards. None of their shots are falling, and they are letting the defensive pressure of the Cavs get into their head.
The best player for the Celtics in the series has been rookie Jaylen Brown. Since he didn’t play a ton of minutes in the first two rounds, he has plenty of energy that the main rotation players don’t. Still, Brown playing well is a promising sign for the future of the Celtics.
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Speaking of the future, Ainge has a choice to make regarding the top pick in the draft. He could either trade the pick for a superstar like Paul George, or keep the pick and take Markelle Fultz. This lopsided series against the Cavs has made the decision easier for Ainge. He should keep the pick and wait out LeBron James.
Teams in the past have tried to compete with James and take him out straight up. Indiana tried to go all in and take out Miami, but sacrificed their future and ended up in NBA purgatory. Brookyln tried to do it by trading for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, and we all know how that turned out. Toronto gave it a go this year by trading for Serge Ibaka and PJ Tucker. They ended up getting swept, and their future isn’t so pretty looking forward.
The Celtics can’t make the same mistakes these teams made. Acquiring George would certainly help beat Cleveland, but it’s hard to believe it’ll happen given the way James has been playing. If they keep the pick, Fultz and Brown can be the future stars that will push Boston over the edge. Brown has shown an ability to contribute while developing his skills, and Fultz is the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft.
Ainge runs the risk of wasting Thomas and Horford, who are at the stages of their careers where they need to push for a title soon. But with young studs like Fultz, Brown, and Smart, there would likely be a time where the youth and experience of the team would create an NBA juggernaut.
Next: Hardwood Houdini 1st Round Mock Draft
The Celtics have the luxury that the three teams mentioned before didn’t. They have assets and cap space that can be used to construct a team that can not only challenge James, but win a championship. Ainge will listen to as many offers as he wants, as any good GM would. At the end of the day however, keeping the pick and building towards a title in the future might just be the better move.