Kobiyashi Maru

[Ryan, Patrick S Maj RES USAFR 439 MSG]

This is REALLY going to upset the fire Ainge crowd, but I think (much like
Ryan alluded to in his earlier post) that even if we get let's say the 3-6
picks in the draft that it can be turned into a big win for the Celtics
setting up for next year.

 

I know, I know - I'm crazy. Ainge will screw it up, and even if he doesn't
Doc will finish with a flourishing coup de grace anyway destroying all hope.

 

We sit in a very nice position.  Of all the chips needed to make a
significant trade happen we have most of them (except maybe a trade
exemption & significant cap room).  We have "upside" kids at almost every
position. We have a large expiring contract. Said contract is insured. We
will have an (at worst) top 5 pick unless we win every game from this point
forward. We are not so far over the luxury tax threshold to scare the owners
into saying no (at least I don't think we are). 

 

Wouldn't the Pau Gasol scenario now be ideal if we fall out of the top 2
picks? Wouldn't Memphis salivate over our THIS year's pick (Let's just say
#4 for argument's sake) to go with either Jefferson or Green and an
expiring, yet insured Ratliff?

 

Jermaine O'Neal and yes (I'm about to shock Steve Ouellete to his shoes)
Garnett might (heavy on the might - let's ASSUME availability) also be had
if combined with any combination of Jefferson/Green/West/Gomes and the
expiring contract of Monsieur Ratliff if combined with let's say the #3 pick
in this pipe dream? 

 

I'm not saying I would do those things, but I am saying that such scenarios
are now much more POSSIBLE then ever before because we have the combination
of very high pick, expiration, and intriguing youth.  Now instead of the pie
in the sky "we can get Garnett for Green and a pick" which takes no account
in reality of the cap system and trade rules, the opposite is true and such
matching of salary along with other factors are for once within our reach.

 

For the first time in many years Ainge has real options. He's no longer
restricted (at least I don't think he is) to nibbling at the edges. This is
the first time he can in reality be a player for not just a veteran player,
but a veteran player that will have an immediate and franchise turning
impact. We have the contract to even out a draft pick trade (necessary for
cap) and sweetener in our youth instead of just having a pick which limits
options greatly.

 

Do I think he'll do something risky, splashy, and uncommon of his past
endeavors? I don't know, but I do think he's sees the writing on the wall.
He's in the same hot seat Isiah Thomas sat in last year (and sits in now)
realizing that he's got to _______ or get off the pot.  I do truly think
he's one and done - either he gets Oden or Durant OR makes a huge, big
splash move if he gets an other pick then 1 or 2 - otherwise he'll be gone.