Cashing in on the draft capital
This variation of Hayward-for-Adams brings an even more intriguing player than the seven-footer to Boston: Shai Gilgeous Alexander. The second-year man acquired in the Paul George blockbuster has had an eye-turning first act in this young 2019-20. More-so than his 21 points per game (to go along with six boards and three assists) Gilgeous-Alexander’s poise and playmaking is exceptional for a mid-lottery pick with his second team in as many seasons.
Truth be told, Gilgeous-Alexander was not the type of player that usually finds his way off of the team that drafted him within a year. He shot 47% overall with a 37% clip from beyond the arc. He was a victim of a unique circumstance: trading him (and five first round picks) for Paul George led to the Los Angeles Clippers securing Kawhi Leonard‘s free agent commitment.
The most shocking part of this season has been the fact that his overall shooting percentage has remained the same despite doubling his shot output. His 3-point percentage is over 40% right now in four attempts per game. While it could be a hot start, and he could regress to the mean, that he has shown this much potential at just 21-years-old proves that his ceiling is sky-high.
If all it takes to acquire him is two first round picks (with Boston’s own selection looking like a late first rounder) you get two birds stoned and take a chance on a player who won’t be a restricted free agent until 2022. The other bird would of course being acquiring the center Boston needs at the expense of an oft-injured player with a pricey player option for next season.