Danny, like a world-class chess player, set his plans with an eye to the immediate future. What most people fail to realize is Danny has to pay very special attention to working within the salary cap and keeping everybody happy within the scope of their importance to the team. He sure done THAT.
If you look closely at the players he selected the Celtics could very well have "stolen the draft.'
First off you have to realize that Danny prizes some of the same things as Red Auerbach that some other GM'x don't think of. CHARACTER and WORK ETHIC are right at the top of the list along with
talent "upside," Basketball "smarts" and leadership qualities. His picks show just that.
1)---Jaylen Brown was captain of his CHESS TEAM. There's your smarts as well as leadership qualities and work ethics. It's often been said of him that "No one works harder" and his versatility on defense as well as offense has made a few scouts just say "WOW." I'm very impressed with his opening remarks when introduced to the Boston media and fans:---"I'm going to war for this city."
That attitude alone reminds me of Celtic's greats of the past like Cousy, Russell, Larry. Cowens, etc. just to name a few. Be prepared Boston.....
2)---Guerschon Yabusel, second ist round selection at #16. Never heard of him? Of course not. He played in France. BUT, Danny did and that's the important thing here. At 6'9", 275 pounds with his great lateral moves, toughness and work ethic to go along with his very positive attitude I'm expecting him to be somewhat of a force here in Boston.next year. HIS opening comments to the Boston media were, "I want to bring my "energy" to the Celtics." Says lots to me...
3)---Ante Zizic, the third ist round selection (7.0' center) is a most exciting possibility. He's only 19 but led the PRO league he played for (the Adriatic league, full of tough, seasoned players) in rebounding, (8.0rpg) scored 13.4 ppg, 1.4 blocks and shot 63.9% from the floor. He' strong, tough and the most productive ever in the Adriatic league. This kid projects to becoming a real MONSTER when he gets another year or two of development under his belt.
4)---Demetrius Jackson, (2nd round) point guard from Notre Dame was on several "wish lists" in this draft. All the usual Celtic attributes and known as a great play maker. He will be an asset to the Celtics either as a player OR a trade chip. He'll certainly push some of the younger Celtics guards who fit the same position. (Rozier, Young, etc). Averaged almost 40% from 3 pt. distance.
5)---Ben benti--PF, (2nd round) (Providence college). A very hard worker with a great upside.
6'8" with a 7 foot wingspan, 22.1ppg (46.2%), 7.7rpg, 33% from 3 point arc. He's strong, has a great upside, is a very hard worker and is definitely NBA ready. (Not just MY opinion).
6)---Abdel Nader---(SF), Iowa state. Very versatile, can play point guard, SG, SF or PF. at 6'6", 230 pounds with a 40 inch vertical leap he brings all kinds of assets to each position. AND, he's a nice guy and a great teammate. He worked out for 17 teams, the Celtics twice. The way the Celtics, and the rest of the NBA eventually, value versatility he should be around for a while but I expect him to spend next year in Portland on the Celts developmental team.
Danny also managed to trade two of those second round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future #1 pick (L.A. Clippers, 2019). Deyonta Davis and Rade Zagorac).
AND...there's more to come. Have faith in Danny. This season will see them deep into the playoffs. Trade talk for Blake griffin, or Russel Westbrook, OR Okafor?? I'm okay with whatever Danny does. Don't worry...he won't trade ether one of Brooklyn's first round picks (2017 and 2018. Both are sure to be lottery picks and next years draft could give them a player better than ANY of those guys.
Especially if the ping pong ball finally drops for US....Stay tuned to this spot.....