The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Boston Celtics selecting Markelle Fultz opens door for Philadelphia 76ers

By Bret Stuter

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) on the bench in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Huskies 81-66. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) on the bench in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Huskies 81-66. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Celtics Determine Immediate Future With Top Pick

It would be different if the Celtics traded the top pick for a front court veteran.  Veterans can play now, produce now, and the Celtics have a standout backcourt already.

But keep Fultz? To play him the Celtics need to bench Isaiah Thomas or Avery Bradley.  To win the Celtics need to play Thomas and Bradley.

And it comes down to that old commercial jingle: “You can pay me now, or pay me later.”

If the Celtics hold onto the top draft pick, there is no doubt in my mind that Markelle Fultz will evolve into a great player. How great? Who knows.