Washington’s Markelle Fultz has been linked to the Celtics as the likely first overall pick in the NBA Draft, but Kansas’ Josh Jackson is believed to be receiving serious consideration from Boston, according to ESPN’s Chad Ford (Insider-only link).
Jackson, 20, posted solid numbers in his lone season at Kansas, totaling 16.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.7 SPG in 35 contests. He has been praised for his versatility on the floor and as one general manager explained to Ford, that is the reason why the Celtics could change course.
“I’ve picked Danny’s brain for years,” the general manager said in regards to Ainge’s basketball acumen. “Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.”
The concern with Jackson — or any player that Boston selects — is playing time. The Celtics have Isaiah Thomas cemented at point guard with solid complimentary pieces like Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, and last year’s draft pick, Jaylen Brown, all potentially blocking draftees.
Jackson cancelled a scheduled workout with the Celtics earlier this week, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Goodman (via Twitter). The 6’8″ guard had a second workout with the Lakers on Tuesday and Los Angeles is reportedly torn between using its second overall selection on Jackson or UCLA product Lonzo Ball.
Being a Celtics fan, I wouldn’t exactly hate a Jackson selection, but he’s a much more risky pick unless a trade is coming. I just don’t see where Jackson would fit with Jaylen Brown on board. Sure he could play the two, but I just think that Fultz has to be the way to go with the way the roster is built.
Why does Fultz have to be the pick? They have two guys, Smart and Thomas to play the point. How is adding another guy to it a solution? They can’t let both guys go so they are keeping one and then what, keeping Fultz warm on the bench?
Realistically, taking Jackson makes the most sense. Just not with the first pick.
Fultz is a scorer and that is arguably the Celtics biggest need aside from rebounding. I think Fultz is going to have too much talent to pass on.
Also, Brad for whatever reason loves running three guard lineups. A ton of times, he would have IT-AB-Smart-Jae-Al out there. Fultz could easily work into that type of lineup.
He likely would not start right away either. Thomas and Bradley would hold the first unit while Fultz and Smart hold the second unit (thus unfortunately leaving Terry Rozier as the odd man out).
Jackson is definitely no slouch and should be a nice player too. I just think his pick would be much more confusing from the Celtics end unless a trade comes.
You shouldn’t draft based on need. Draft the best players available, trade what you don’t need.
And if the best player is Fultz, then I’d fully expect a guard to be moved, likely Terry Rozier.
I think Jaylen would get pushed to the 2 and Jackson to the 3 but DA shouldn’t let the fact that Jaylen is there stop him from taking Jackson because many pundits say if Jaylen had waited a year that he wouldn’t have cracked the top 5 in this years’ draft.
I’d put Jaylen Brown behind Jackson, Fultz and Fox. It would be tough between him and Ball, depending on how you feel about Ball’s potential scoring ability in the NBA. If you think he’ll be a willing and able scorer and his shot will get off consistently, you like him. Otherwise, its Brown. It would be a tough choice between him and Isaac, but I’d take Brown over Isaac b/c he is currently (also with regard to last year) a better playmaker, and has a better chance to have guard skills, where Isaac may not improve hisnhandle and strength enough, with both being really good defenders regardless. Tatum is more polished offensively, but I’d take Brown in that scenario.
Hope they do take him. Still the lottery fix conspiracy theorist in me says well of course, and Fultz falls into the Laker’s lap instead of the Sixers.
So Jackson to Boston, Fultz would be a no brained for LA, then Philly has to choose between Fox, Ball, Tatum, and a few others.
I say take Fox, Isaac, or Ball and take Frank Mason with 1 of the 2nd round picks
At that point I’d trade back to 5 and 10. Let the Kings take Fox. Sun’s take Ball/Tatum. Sixers take Tatum/Isaac.
Where’s that Sun’s kid? I have a trade for him.
10th Pick for Eric Bledsoe and unprotected Swap of 1sts until it converts 2018, 2019, 2020 then it becomes 2 2nds. I’d say it would convert next season. For money I’d have to check but probably Stauskas is all that is needed I think his contract is 3 or so. I’d hold on to Henderson’s nonguaranteed for a Blazers trade. Even if they don’t give u 3 yrs of Crabbe at 18.5 I would take 3yrs of Leonard at 9-10 as a PT stretch 4 with Saric plus a future 1st which is what they are willing to deal.
Puts Sixers in position to complete the process next year with Porter Duval Bamba Ayton or the Eurokid.
HaI just don’t know it makes any sense for Sacramento to trade both their picks to move slightly up. Also, based on yesterday, I’m starting to think Monk and/or Smith could actually fall towards 10, depending on what Orlando and Minnesota do, barring trades.
As I said, I think we’ve overlooked the while fit thing. There are rotation players late in the QST and into the 2nd round, so that could be part of a teams plan. The Bledsoe deal isn’t terrible. But I don’t think Phoenix would give up Bledsoe in that type of a deal….
But if Philly takes Fox, assuming he’s there, you could be looking at a roster, before FA and other moves, of McConnell, Bayless, Covington, Simmons, Embiid…Saric, TLC, Fox, Holmes, Stauskas/Henderson, Anderson, Okafor, Frank Mason, Josh Hart, etc(just a random example of potential 2nd rounders, not suggesting they take those guys). Heading into next year, that’s pretty good, and Fox with those shooters/playmakers in that 2nd unit feels super enticing lol. But there are multiple options. I like your previous idea as well, as I obviously like Isaac. Talk about his asthma worries me a bit though, but maybe that’s b/c I just went through a serious situation with that myself
I just noticed that typo in the first word. It was supposed to say Ya
Ball belongs in the West
East plays too slow
Please no. Fultz is too good to pass on. Literally trade down a spot. Lakers won’t take anyone but a guard.
Trade down and get what exactly?
The Celtics are likely losing Fultz if they trade down. Lakers aren’t trading up a pick for Ball (or Fox or Jackson) when all three are likely to be available at #2.
I really do not see how Jackson would fit with the team. They already have Crowder and Brown on the team, and their #1 target in FA will be Hayward. In the end I think they still take Fultz as he would fit better with the team long term.
The only way it’d even work is if they make Jackson a 2 and then move AB or Smart. I just don’t see it.
How does he not work?
He’s 6’8″. How would he not fit at the three? If Jae Crowder is the guy blocking him, I think that’s the indication that he would be the pick. Crowder is a nice piece, but you know what he is. He isn’t getting a lot better.
Jaylen Brown is a 2. And is likely a replacement for Bradley unless Bradley makes some quantum leap as a player. He’s a small two who is good but he will cost a lot of money when his contract comes up.
What happens if you select Jackson and then sign Hayward? Jackson plays backup minutes for years and then leaves as a FA or Celtics trade him for a mid to late lottery pick at best.
Take Fultz who can play the 1 or 2 and look to see what you can get for Smart or Bradley. You also don’t have to fully commit to IT.
Here’s the problem, what if they don’t get Hayward?
They aren’t the only suitor for him and likely can’t offer the full max without renouncing his rights. Then they stay with the big weakness on the roster with an average SF position. If they plan on moving on from IT, then yeah take Fultz. But if you’re sticking with him, I don’t know how you don’t trade down if it’s possible and take Jackson. Though I’m honestly not sold on his potential over the other Jackson in this draft.
Here’s the thing, if they don’t get Hayward, they’ll still have Jae Crowder and Jaylen Brown. Crowder is what he is and I for one am glad he is a Celtic. That said, Jaylen Brown is on the rise and if the postseason is any indication of what he can be, he is going to be a good one. That’s why I’m not sure about Jackson because I don’t know if he’d be a better player than Jaylen Brown down the road.
Danny is in such a unique spot with this team. He can build a contender for now and like 5 years from now. So it’s like if the Celtics don’t get Hayward, it isn’t exactly the end of the world. They can live with Brown and Crowder.
B.S
agreed
Well, if the Celtics need Jackson, them they should pick Jackson. Really they should pick the best player for them.
That is what it should come down to
i’d be shocked if fultz wasn’t the pick
Smoke and mirrors. You don’t pick the third or fourth best prospect #1. Pick will be Fultz.
Not sure how any of Fultz Jackson or Ball would fit with the Celtics with their current build.
I think Jackson is the best talent in the group and best defender I would pick him if I had to choose.
He could play the 4. He arguably is the best all around player in the draft. He has the shooting questions, but that improved as the season went on. He has Guard skills and is versatile as a defender. His skillset is kind of similar to Jaylen Brown though. He’s just probably a better version. But if both get there, and you have Rozier, Yabusele, Nader, Zizic, Demetrius Jackson with those guys for your future, and Crowder on an amazing contract for 3 more years, you’re obviously in a really good position. You could envision them being a great tandem on the wing for years….
Like I said, Fultz motor turned me off when I saw him in college. He had a few good games, and he did make it look easy at times. It’s almost effortless how he used long strides to get to the rim, but I’d like to see how that plays against bigger and quicker defenders. I’m not sold on the jumpshot. I’m also aware that he isn’t a good defender, even though he can sometimes block shots. I’ve said this stuff for awhile. I like him a lot. I never thought he was a consensus number 1, and he never was until the lottery and people just made it that way.
Being a guard with shooting questions is a big problem. And it’s not his make/miss that is the problem but his shot mechanics. A guy with raggedy shot mechanics can’t be the best prospect if he’s a guard. It’s why Ball isn’t the best prospect. Jackson might be the best wing defender, but he has plenty of question marks like his small frame in addition to a busted shot and not being a creator on offense.
I think he’s young enough to fix those shooting mechanics, and I like the rest of his game enough to try to figure that out. He’s already started working on fixing that hitch in his shot. When they get with a pro shooting coach, that’s the first thing they’re going to do. I know that Josh Jackson can contribute this coming year, and he’s going to make winning plays on both ends of the floor. Moving forward, he also has the highest upside. I take that number 1. I like Fultz. I would also seriously consider him. I’m just saying I have Jackson as the best guy available. I’m not saying I think the Celtics should take either of them.
Fultz has been the consensus number one since before the year started. What are you talking about? I’m sure you watched Washington a ton this year since they were never on tv. His numbers were prolific and basically every scout in the country try had him number 1.
I saw him 13 or 14 times. And there was always a discussion. Most people did ultimately have him on top, but he was never a consensus number 1 guy like Ben Simmons was last year
Oh please
Jackson has the most upside of any of these players in the top 5. Whoever takes Ball will be making a huge mistake.
Best move for all celtic fans, Boston hab Rozier and Smart at PG and JJ is the best fit for the team.
They don’t need PG 13 or G.hayword and can give the money for an excellent Center ala Drummond or Whiteside
Why not get Anthony Davis?
B/c he isn’t getting traded and would take A LOT
Celtics should take this pick, last year’s pick, and next year’s pick and trade them to New Orleans for Anthony Davis. Then sign Heyward. Put them with Horford, Bradley, smart, IT and Crowder and you can go to battle with the Cavs and Warriors. Otherwise you are not beating those veteran teams with 20 year old kids, no matter how talented they are.
Guys like AD don’t get traded, but I posted a scenario recently that might make sense if they could get him.
I don’t think either team would do this, and i havent looked at the Celtics cap to see if it’s possible, but I’m curious to see what people might think. If they have a good idea they can sign Gordon Heyward if they make a big move, like almost guaranteed, I’m curious who’d say no first.
Crowder, Jaylen Brown, Tyler Zeller, Jordan Mickey, 2017 #1 pick, 2018 Nets pick, 2019 Celtics 1st round pick, 2017 Minnesota 2nd round pick for Anthony Davis and 2019 2nd round pick
The Celtics would obviously still have Nader, Yabusele, and Zizic coming over, and could use bird rights to keep Bradley and Smart if they want, and if they’re willing to pay luxury tax. They’d also still have their other draft picks. So obviously a win for them in that scenario.
If New Orleans can keep Jrue Holiday, they’d still be in better position than they were this year, even though they’d unfortunately have to move a potential all time great like Anthony Davis. This would be the best roster Demarcus Cousins would have had around him as well, so they should theoretically compete for the playoffs. Holliday, Moore, Crowder, Solomon Hill, Cousins with Frazier, Jaylen Brown, Markelle Fultz, Cunnigham, Diallo, Crawford, Cook, Asik. That also gives them some cap space when they cut Zeller plus the early 2nd round picks this year. And then they could hope to land Michael Porter in next year’s draft. All of the sudden, they look better than they have in a long time, assuming they can keep Holliday and Cousins in that scenario
Obviously, that’s a lot, but it’s not too much for an all time great, at his age, with 4 years left on his contract. As others mentioned, as did I, players like him don’t get traded. He’s a top 3-4 player in the NBA right now. The Celtics would still have a lot of assets, btw, as I outlined. I did say I don’t think either team would do it, but I personally think the Celtics would if they knew they were also getting Gordon Heyward 100%
Personally, especially since there is so much unknown for them to make a move like this, I’d probably just keep the assets if I’m the Celtics, for the most part, and either try to add a 4 or a 5 without using anything of much importance. Milsap would be a really good fit. There are other options as well. If anything crazy is available though, it definitely has to be a consideration
New Orleans wants to compete now and that trade will not do it — as you pointed out, teams do not trade assets like Davis. I think it is more likely that Ainge puts together a much lesser package for Cousins who did not play well with Davis last season then signs Heyward.
Ainge smoke screen; he wants to trade this pick and using every opportunity to create interest amongst finding more teams wanting to trade up. Ainge isn’t going to get Davis from New Orleans, but it would not surprise me for him to put together a package of players and draft picks for Cousins, then sign Heyward and perhaps Reddick off the bench for scoring.
Reddick would be an expensive sixth man. It won’t happen. You are right about the smoke screen though.
If it isn’t Fultz it will be Jackson, Ball is out of the question. I would be happy to see them take either guy but I would prefer Fultz. You could easy him in by platooning him with Bradley(if he isn’t traded) or Smart at the 2 guard. I wouldn’t minds Jackson either as long as he can play the 4 and play it well. The Celtics were just missing a good PF( or center and move Horford back to the PF) and they could have possibly made it further in the playoffs(not necessarily to the finals but maybe forcing a game 6 and 7 against the Cavs. So either would be a good pick but I would prefer Fultz but would be very upset if they take Ball for some reason. I think Ball is the 3-4 best prospect behind Fultz Jackson and possibly Fox, and he comes with a lot of loud baggage(Lavar) so as long as it’s Fultz or Jackson I will be happy, if it is anyone else I will be upset and confused
Can he run the triangle?
Whoops wrong post
If this post was earlier in the thread, it would have at least 25 upvotes