Philadelphia 76ers Jahlil Okafor, 3rd For 1st. Waddya Say, Boston?

Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Balancing An Unknown Equation

Well let’s focus on a balance of value in a moment.  In many drafts, there is the true one or two shooting stars in the draft.  For lack of a better term, that player either exists or is media manufactured. In this 2017 NBA Draft, that player has been deemed Markelle Fultz.

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Air Alamo

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  • Fultz is truly gifted. He possesses the raw combination of point and shooting guards. As such, he fits two NBA positions with one pick. On one hand, he can run the team as the primary ball handler. On the other hand, he can play equally effectively off-ball.  In fact, he can do both in the same game.

    But he played 25 of 31 college games in his one and only freshman season.  In the NBA, there are three times that many games to play.

    Listen Up

    For now, let’s explore why the Celtics should listen to this offer.

    To begin with, there have been plenty of NBA Drafts where the top overall pick was not the certainty many expected him to be. In 1984, the top pick of that draft was Houston superstar Akeem Olajuwon.  Now you might scoff and believe nobody could outvalue him.  But considering the third player selected in that draft turned out to be Michael Jordan, you may want to check that disbelief at the door.

    So it happens sometimes.