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

By Bret Stuter | May 20, 2017

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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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) controls the ball at the net during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Behind Pick Number Three

And while you mull it over, consider this some fans are beginning to believe that Josh Jackson is the top value in this draft too:

Or keep IT and draft Josh Jackson. I truly believe he's the most talented and overall player in this draft https://t.co/pIiUsLK6lc
— Justin Golba (@justin_golba) May 20, 2017

On one hand, you see, the reason Sam Hinkie seemed to walk away from the NBA draft with move absolute value in other teams is that he embraced the fact that he could be wrong about a player.

On the other hand, if the Boston Celtics are open-minded about that possibility, then there is enough common ground to work out a deal.

Ultimately, the key is that both teams must possess an objective understanding of value. In this draft, there are more than one prospects with high upside. But there is a perception of great falloff in talent due to NBA draft history. Hinkie knew just how to convert that kinetic energy into draft picks.

Can Boston do the same?