The Sixer Sense
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Five Reasons Philadelphia 76ers Trade Celtics At NBA Trade Deadline

By Bret Stuter

Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (right) talks with center Jahlil Okafor against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (right) talks with center Jahlil Okafor against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Reason III: Boston Celtics have not been lucky in NBA Draft recently

Despite having eight picks in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics had not uncovered any franchise players in the NBA Draft last year. In fact, the Celtics have selected 20 times in the past five year, at an average of 4 selections per year, and are still in the hunt.

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NBA Rumors: The Lillard sweepstakes have been narrowed to just 2 teams /

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    • The Celtics have uncovered some very good players.  But none rival the franchise changing abilities of a Joel Embiid. Danny Ainge keeps trying, and if he lands the top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, I believe he may finally get his hands on one in the form of Markelle Fultz.

    Markelle Fultz is human though. He will need three years to achieve his potential in the NBA.  Joel Embiid, due to his two years of surgery and rehab, has been the exceptional rookie this year.  His counterpart, Dario Saric, has been honing his craft in the Euroleague.

    Eight Picks, So What?

    The 2016 NBA Draft had the Boston Celtics picking eight times. Right now, eight draft picks would be hugely beneficial for a team like the Brooklyn Nets or Sacramento Kings.  Boston is competing for championships now.  The team cannot dedicate the energy from coaches and trainers to develop eight, six or even four players.

    Plenty of options makes a team sloppy in the draft.  Teams that have many picks go for the higher upside higher risk players for one reason – they only need one good player to make it a success.  The Celtics have four more such opportunities in the 2017 NBA Draft.  But the only pick that matters to the Celtics is the pick from the Brooklyn Nets. All other picks are discretionary currency, to be used in trades.