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

By Bret Stuter

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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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 /

Overcome Ego

Now Danny Ainge, and many fans of virtually all NBA Teams, take great pride in their NBA organization. That pride translates into “I don’t want that player everyone talked about not wanting” in this case.  But there are reasons to push that to the side and rethink that attitude.

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    • The Boston Celtics fans have queued in on the “Best Player Of This Draft Is Markelle Fultz” while ignoring the obvious.  Fultz will arrive to the Boston Celtics as a rookie trying to earn time among a playoff experienced team.  He won’t get the 30 plus minutes required to develop rapidly.  He missed six of the last eight NCAA games, playing just 25 games.  That does not translate into “sure thing” when considering the 82 game NBA season.

    Flawed Confidence

    But moreso that that. The perception of this pick is that it’s instant currency for a franchise player. Perhaps. But that value only works for distressed teams with a desire to jump start a new rebuild. The Chicago Bulls would listen to that trade for Jimmy Butler. The Indiana Pacers would listen to that trade for Paul George.  But the list of teams in that market is small enough to urge caution. Neither George nor Butler move the needle much for the Boston Celtics right now either..

    And that is the mirage. The Celtics need front court help, but the passion of fans focuses on the shiniest players and prospects available.   Fools gold.