A couple of thoughts.
Remember what they do well and go from there.
Sometimes to much emphasis is put on what they can’t do.
Don’t over think it.
Rajon Rondo

As in past drafts, pure athleticism seems over-rated, size gets disproportionate attention and past performance slides to third place on the importance list. With Brandon’s athleticism, size etc., he was not the dominant force that many had expected. Like Noah, he slides because draft gurus expect to see collegiate dominance in prospective draftees and they expect to see similar dominance when compared to peers in predraft exercises.

People are beginning to come around to my thinking. I forget who it was on the board, but some one compared him to Mark Blount because of his looks. I copied the same clip that Jeff did and said it was more than looks.

Jump on the Arc boys, Noah will guide us to safety!

he was only a freshman and his true colors would have emerged over 4 years. that sounds more like a project than an immediate fix. i must say that i saw a few nc games and he was hard to find where the action was. good on the breaks and a semblance of defense.

I thought i was seeing things to..

didnt think Mark Blounts career regressed that much that he ended up in college again 8)

Assuming Horford and Yi go 3 and 4,if Wright is still on the board when we have to pick, he will be a Celtic. Let C. Ray work with Wright and see how he turns out in 3 or 4 years.

Wright will certainly be there when the Celtics pick. He can’t dribble, he can’t pass, he can’t shoot. What he can do is run, jump and dunk.

Rusillo ‘s mock draft has him going to Minn. What more proof is needed he’ll be a bust.

  I expect some surprises and also some trades on draft day. So hard to say who will be available at 5 IF the Celts even keep it. Conley could go as high as 3 according to some of the mocks. And Yi could go as low as 10 or 12.

One thing you can say about the players Danny Ainge has drafted is that the overwhelming majority of them appear to be players of which you could say “have heart.” Starting with Al Jefferson and continuing with Delonte West, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Ryan Gomes, Leon Powe, Rajon Rondo and, yes, Gerald Green, Ainge has found guys that like to play the game and give all-out effort. Of course, you could talk about his fascination with talented but troubled point guards like Marcus Banks and Sebastian Telfair, but his record is pretty good. So if Ainge feels Wright (or Yi, Conley, Horford) is the right guy to take, I have to go along with him.

This shouldn’t be that hard. Stop thinking and take Brewer. Unless Memphis passes on Horford and then you have a descision to make.

If we take Brewer, we are overloaded at the 2 and 3 positions. We need a 5 and a 1, in that order. Taking Brewer or another 2/3 position player means trade time.

Cool Jeff, you know you’re big-time when you can quote yourself! (your rookiepedia site)

You have to have desire to succeed and desire to work as a team with talent and experience. San Antonio has that. I look at the retired Celtic numbers and they had that too. The draft this year on paper is deep with potential, this year it might not matter what pick you have from pick 3 to 10 and maybe even the top 25. I know I don’t know who to pick. They will have to find the player or players who want to work hard. Atlanta and Charlotte have two high picks there will probably be alot of manuevering draft night. The Celtics have a recent history of making trades and changes so I doubt we will pick at 5 this year but I could be wrong.

Do you think it’s possible that he actually wants to “fall” in the draft? i.e., he’s hoping to play for a good team?

I agree with halfman/halfoyster that we need a 5 and 1, but Brewer might be too good to pass up. He’s 6’8" lock down defender. With him and Rondo in the backcourt they could create a lot of problems for opposing guards. Since the Celtics want to run, a Brewer/Rondo backcourt would create a lot of turnovers, thus leading to fast break points. I don’t think we can rely on Allen just yet. He doesn’t make the smartest moves on court, like looking at the basket after he dunks instead of watching how he lands. They could trade Theo’s contract and the other pieces they have to get some front court help. They could get some decent bench help for Theo, Telfair, Gomes, or Wally.

I was a big believer in the “if you don’t dominate in college why will you dominate in the pros” theory of scouting. That is why I didn’t like Rudy Gay last year. But, then Rudy Gay goes out and has one of the better rookie years last year. So, you can never tell. Despite the concerns of his being lazy,it is awefully hard to find a guy with his wingspan who actually knows how to play with his back to the basket. Hard to pass up a guy with legitimate basketball skills. The question is, what does he do that Al Jefferson doesn’t? Do the Celtics need another big man with low post skills but little or no mid range shooting or ball handling skills? I really wonder how a guy like that, even if he did pan out, would fit with Jefferson.

Agree Jeff. I think of all the top half lottery guys, this is the one that I don’t want, and I think he’s the most likely to slide.

There was a thread about this here: http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=669868&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=13
with some pretty decent commentary a fews days ago too.

I’m with boscel33: Noah is the man. Draft Express has us taking him at 5, and has a terrific profile at http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=589.

Noah measured out at a full seven feet in Orlando and may actually still be growing. The knock on Noah is his girth (only 227 pounds) and his shooting. I’m not worried about the size, particularly given his work ethic. He’ll work his ass off with some of the best trainers in the world and fill out in a couple of years. Then he’ll be a seven foot BEAST.

As for the shooting, DX says Noah’s fine around the basket, which is where we want him to be. He’s also a pretty good free throw shooter (over 80% in the tournament).

I want the Cletics to pick someone who’ll rip a guy’s heart out for a rebound and take it personally when someone scores on him. I want someone who can’t sleep at night when he loses. I want someone who’ll leave it all out on the court every single game and get angry when he sees anyone else on his team not doing the same.

Noah’s a winner. He would have been the number one draft pick last year. He’s gonna look great in green (and make the Green look great).

I would rather have Noah than Wright. All of these guys are a gamble. You don’t know who is going to have NBA skills and who will be a dud. Given that, I would rather have the guy who works hard and won in college than the guy who did neither in college.

Count me in on the arc. I do really like Brewer as well and wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with Yi. I like many wnat help now in the form of a vet or polished collegiate player. We do need to be sure that need does not dictate choice altogether (Shelden Williams anyone) of course the Hawks are a great one to look at for the opposite…best player available Marvin Williams (thought to be at the time) instead of need and they pass on Williams and Pual…so who knows really.

John CK, good point on how Wright may not fit with Jefferson. That could be a big reason why, if Ainge does not select him. I keep going over and over the names. Lately, I like Hawes quite a bit, wanting more size for us. But I keep coming back to Noah. I know quite a few don’t think he’s worth #5. I just like him a lot for his size, defense and intensity.

Right on celty86. I’m not sure Noah would ever be an all-star, but I think he can develop into a solid NBA starter who can give us some real presence in the middle.

Noah doesn’t give you anything that Perkins can’t give you. We don’t need a second big man with limited offensive skills.

“Noah doesn’t give you anything that Perkins can’t give you. We don’t need a second big man with limited offensive skills.”

So you are saying Noah, will average around 4 points a game as a rookie? Because that is what Perkins averaged last year. No way. Noah has better than limited offensive skills. Further, he is more athletic than Perkins and a lot quicker. If Noah doesn’t give you anything Perkins doesn’t give you, then your beloved Conley doesnt’ give you anything Rondo doesn’t give you.

It’s starting to feel like Yi and Horford will go 3 and 4.

I’m just praying Atlanta is silly enough to take B. Wright at 3 and drop one of those guys down. Otherwise, maybe just go with Conley? Picking Conley might also create options for a good trade with Atlanta or Portland. If not, we could use help at the PG more than any spot other than Center.

Perkins came right out of HS and was hurt as a rookie. Noah played 3 years in college.

Noah and Perkins are the same age. If they draft Noah, is he good enough to take minutes away from Perkins? I think not. And if I’m right, why draft him?

You don’t waste a #5 pick on players like Anderson Varejao or Dan Gadzuric.

Perkins was in his fourth year out of high school last year. I am sorry, the “he is just out of high school” dog doesn’t hunt anymore. Perkins is a vet. If he was ever going to be better than 7 or 8 point a night scorer, he would be that by now. Noah would start over Perkins, take all of his minutes leaving Perkins to take Scal’s minutes.

Perkins came right out of HS and was hurt as a rookie. Noah played 3 years in college.

Noah and Perkins are the same age. If they draft Noah, is he good enough to take minutes away from Perkins? I think not. And if I’m right, why draft him?

There are 96 minutes to go around up there, and Al and Perk aren’t playing 48 each. Yes, there’ll be plenty of time for a quality big like Noah. He’ll be way better than Gadzuric and better than Varejao too. He’ll be a very nice compliment in our rotation.

Perkins isn’t out there to score points. He knows his role: defend, rebound, pass, hustle. He doesn’t need to score a lot to be effective for the team. He played on a hurt foot all season. How can you shoot your hook shot (even if it is flat) on one bad foot?

I still say Brewer or Noah. This team plans on running, so they don’t need another low-post scorer like Jefferson.

They’re two different players with limited offensive abilities. Noah is going to rely on speed, Perk on strength. Noah can finish with either hand, Perk has to wind up to finish.

Oh geez, when did this Noah fan club start. I was under the impression that everybody on this site knew that Joakim would be a disastrous pick for the Celtics. I am sick of effort players. I want skilled players, which is something Wright has to offer…and if you’ve seen this kid play more than once, you would know that his skills are far superior to Blount’s- nevermind his agility. I honestly don’t care which of the three (Wright, Horford, Yi) we get. Not getting a top 2 pick stinks- drafting 3 or 5 is virtually the same thing. Now we don’t have to make a decision (unless someone takes Conley).

Wright is over-rated because he wears tar-heel blue, so people assume there is something to him. I’ve never been impressed with his game, and never saw anything special that he brought to the table with his size.

Just draft Brewer to replace Green, and send Gerald and Theo/and filler somewhere for a good big man. He’s an upgrade over everything Gerald can do, besides dunking. Conley is my next choice.

Bill Russell just received an honorary degree from Harvard Law School. His daughter is an alumna. Congrats Russ.

Brick & Co— (Brickowski)..

1) Ironic to be talking of our Perkins and Wright w/o thinking of “the Perkins”..the great Sam Perkins of NC, the great sleepy bobo, who everyone thought was a dog but could play (and shoot). B Wright is a tough call. Our Al likes it close, Paul can go in and out…our Perk is better close and I’m sure is working on his jumper to 17 ft right now. Our Perk tends to get in foul trouble so we want size and then..it’s a choice…a better shooter or better down low?…I think a better board crasher so I’d go w the quicker player or one who prefers closer. I don’t want YI. I got the bad feeling he’ll make LaFrentz look like Moses Malone. Yeah he’ll hit the 15 footer that Perk can’t but what will he do on D? the boards? Re-call the number of games we lost when we shot nearly 50%. DEFENSE and rebounding in the middle with the 5th pick. I like Noah because he’s unique…Horford for his power..is B Wright tough enough to play close? Dunno. Green of Georgetown measured bigger than expected..some say average foot speed…hmmm… Corey Brewer will add size, D and speed at the 2 (I don’t expect Allen to return to form right away if ever—2 diff prob knees now?). With Thornton’s speed one would pick him if concentrating on scoring at the 2 yes , the 2(shorter than expected). Julian Wright measured longer than Noah on the
standing reach and played the point in high school…a great athlete..defends..hmmm…
I’d pick Hawes over Yi if offense at the 5 if O is the focus. I pick Noah, Horford/ Brewer(any of Fla boys will be ok),Julian Wright,
Green, Hawes w 5.

2) OK Brickowski…I respect your analysis…shoot!

I agree with Jeff 100%. Wright is a slider, he may even end up going after Noah in the draft. His size won’t be as big of a factor as it was in college and it’s certainly not enough to make up for the fact that he can’t shoot and doesn’t seem to want to play. Chris Bosh, on the other hand, can shoot, and must feel insulted by the comparisons.

Perk began to play in the last qtr of season like he maybe had skill after all. Prior to that he was foul prone and club handed. But he always had heart and pride. If his skill was masked by injury then I think we have a power 5. Heart & pride are hard to find in NBA. I think Noah would add an athletic five – much better than Chris Mihm – and could split the #5 mins in a very good change-of-tempo way. And he has heart. I’m with boscel33, p-dawg and JohnCK on Noah. I like him for our needs. Trading off Gerald Green would be a bad move at this point. His flashes are really flashes and he is young and has good attitude influencers around him. Thus I don’t favor picking another wing. Brewer, if he is a great defender might be a good move given that T.Allen may not come back. I’m quite sure Danny won’t blow it. I thought Brickowski was headed for Toronto?

I am so on the arc as well. Give me a player with motivation and something to prove over a player with lots of talent but little motivation…..

We might be stuck with choosing between Wright and Noah. Not sure which one I’d rather have. I hope either Horford or Yi drop. IF not mabey the best choice is Corey Brewer and then trading for another big. Wright will take several years to help us.

I’m completely soured on Wright now. I knew he had the “unmotivated” tag, but I could hardly imagine he’d start dogging it in workouts. How can you take a guy who’s not even trying his hardest during a job interview?

I heard that the Hawks may be stupid enough to take Wright at 3, and I pray it’s true.

One thing I don’t see mentioned much is how well Noah’s speed could complement Al’s game. Al is easier to double-team because there are really no guys cutting to the hoop when he has the ball down low. When Perk is out there, it’s easier for the opposition big to switch over for the double-team because Perk ain’t making that fast move to the hoop.

The ideal complement to Al is a big with range, but a big with speed will help keep defenders honest.

I think we are screwed in these players because I have shifted my thinking on who is the best pick about 5 or 6 times here now internally. Initially I was 100% sold on Wright and that was the only choice if available. Then Brewer was okay as well, or Conley. Then Yi, and then there are some arguments for Noah even who I hated the thought of before. The only reason with Noah, is that I look at what I love about Delonte. Not the best 2 guard in the league, but the one with the most heart. In close games that 2-3 extra hustle posessions we get from Delonte made a huge difference. One of those 5-6 guys is going to be an all-star and we will be upset having not chose him. 3-4 of them will be solid. One will be a bust. The scary part is that you can make a point on both sides for all of them! If I could get Shawn Marion for the #5 and Theo I think we would have to give that some thought. He is a guarantee of the type of player we all know we need.

Well RmbrRuss, my analysis is the same as it was yesterday; select Mike Conley, Jr. if available. He’s the best basketball player in the draft after Oden and Durant. He’s a also a winner.

My next choice would probably be Brewer.

I’m still for gambling on Yi, although now I figure Atlanta will grab him. It’s getting me depressed.

I keep thinking of a starting five of Rondo, Pierce, Yi, Perkins, Jefferson. Let Jefferson play down on the blocks, Perkins at the high post (setting picks and making passes), and Yi cutting in and out with Pierce. That’d be a tough team to defend.

I see that Conley wasnt on the Celtics’ professed short list. That doesnt make much sense. I’d figure they would include him on the list if for nothing more than to create confusion amongst the teams picking before the Celtics. Honestly, once Danny decides he likes a player there is no disabusing him of the notion. He can be pretty irrational, and I can remember how hot headed and frenetic he could be on the court. He has a tendency it seems to lapse out of cool headed analysis. How could he put Thornton on the short list and not Conley? I’m hoping this down to 6 list is nothing more than smoke. Well, whatever. We have the 5th pick and we are at the mercy of the decisions of two other teams, and that BLOWS.

In Danny I trust!

I did not want Rondo last year, and am happily eating crow as I type. Whoever DA thinks is worth it at #5, is a go for me.

BTW, has enyone considered the possibility of us trading down? Why reach at 5 if you think your guy will be there at 8 or 9? Just a thought.

Personally, I’d like to see Yi for us at #5. He looks like he could be a Dirk type player. I’m guessing he will be gone though.