Celtics preview: A breakdown of why I believe this team will ultimately be successful

By Trevor Hass

*** Flaming hot take: Kyrie Irving will have a miserable year, Brad Stevens will get visibly flustered every game and the Celtics will miss the playoffs. ***

All right, now that I have your attention, here are my thoughts on the Celtics this upcoming season. Obviously, none of those things are going to happen. Kyrie may view the world as flat, but his game is anything but. I’m pretty sure Brad could watch The Exorcist and just calmly stare at the TV. The Celtics will easily make the playoffs.

In fact, I think they’re going to be quite good. Some people are predicting a clear path to the Finals. I don’t envision that happening. See: LeBron James. However, others expect some turbulence in the early stages and long-term underachieving, and I don’t think that’s going to happen, either.

The thing I like about this team on paper is that it really is a well-constructed roster, top to bottom. I think when you look at star-studded teams in the past, the ones that often flourish have three stars with specific, different roles and a deep, balanced supporting cast.

For example, I think the reason the Heat were so good with LeBron, Wade and Bosh is because they all had unique games that blended well together. Talent is obviously imperative in the NBA, but the teams that are masterfully put together are generally the ones that thrive when it matters most.

I think Kyrie, Hayward and Horford are a perfect trio. Kyrie’s a wizard with the ball and can get into the lane just about every time. Then he has Hayward and Horford, either cutting or on the wings for uncontested 3s.

With LeBron, Irving was a beast, but he was often the second-best player on the floor and was overshadowed. This is the chance he’s wanted, and I think it’s going to bring out the best in him. Hayward can score at all three levels, and Horford does just about everything well.

Next comes the supporting cast, and you have to start with Marcus Smart. In the first preseason game, it was almost like he was playing Pop-A-Shot, or he had to shoot to save mankind. I have no problem at all with Smart taking in-rhythm 3s, but he needs to remember that he doesn’t have to hoist. Overall, though, he’s trimmed down and looks as feisty as ever.

One important thing about this team is that it genuinely has more offensive firepower than last year’s group. I think once everything gets going, shots are going to come really easily to role players. Last year’s team often had to work hard to manufacture shots. This year’s group will have to grind out some games, sure, but it will win many others on talent alone.

Take Aron Baynes, for example. Wait, what? Aron Baynes and talent in the same sentence? No, no, it’s true! He’s actually really good. In the preseason win over the Hornets, Baynes finished 5 for 8 with 10 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes. I wasn’t totally sold on him as a starter at first, but now I think I’m warming up to the idea.

He doesn’t really make mistakes, and he and Horford are very solid passers and defenders at the 4 and 5 who could grow to complement each other well. Baynes showed a much smoother touch than I had remembered. He consistently hits 8-to-12 footers and is enough of an offensive threat where you can’t forget about him. I think he’s going to surprise some people.

Next up is Jaylen Brown, who should have a breakout second season. A lot of people were down on the pick early last year, but he quickly proved the doubters wrong. Brown’s at his best when he’s attacking and finishing at the rim. The shot will come, because the stroke is there. I like having him in the starting lineup over Smart, personally.

Marcus Morris, who officially joined the team this week, could start on most teams. He may even end up starting for the Celtics, but that remains to be seen. He’s a polished mid-range shooter and will provide some intensity along with Smart and Terry Rozier. Morris is tough, versatile and can guard multiple positions, so he should be a major asset.

OK, so Jayson Tatum’s preseason debut won’t be shown in his Hall of Fame highlights. Big whoop. I’ve been high on Tatum since well before the Celtics drafted him, and I’m still high on him. It was easy to see he was overly energized Monday night. I don’t think he was nervous, necessarily, but he seemed so excited to finally be playing that a lot of his shots went long. He was thinking about what to do instead of just doing it, which is often the cardinal sin in basketball.

The thing that impressed me most, though, was his defense and rebounding. His offense is going to improve as he gets more comfortable, but his long arms and instincts will help him earn minutes right away. Fans need to be patient, because he’s oozing with potential. There’s going to be one game early this year where he drops 20 and his teammates go crazy on the bench. He’s 19 years old. 19! Give it some time, people.

This is a key year for Rozier, whether it’s to earn his long-term spot with the Celtics or to audition for another team. He’s explosive, a pest and his plus-minus is usually remarkably high. He’s a perfect eighth or ninth man on a playoff team, and a nice complement to Smart off the bench.

Next up is Daniel Theis, aka the greatest basketball player that ever lived. No, but seriously, like Baynes, he’s really good. He kind of reminds me of Mason Plumlee – an athletic big who rolls well, finishes at the rim and knows how to pass out of the double. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get some minutes.

On the other guys: Shane Larkin’s electric with the ball in his hands. Guerschon Yabusele reminds me of Leon Powe. He has some work to do, but the potential’s there. Semi Ojeleye’s a little small to be a 4 and a little big to be a 3, but in Brad’s quasi-position-less system I suppose that’s a matter of semantics. Abdel Nader, who toasted everyone in the G League, is a quality scorer. Jabari Bird has a tough name to live up to, but he’s a solid wing.

One particular stat to keep an eye on this year is rebounding. The Celtics were 27^th in rebounding last year (not ideal). On Monday (yes, it’s one preseason game), they outrebounded the Hornets 52-45, including 13-7 on the offensive glass.

I do think this team is better equipped to rebound. Last year, Isaiah, as spectacular as he was, really was a liability on the boards. This year’s lineup (Kyrie at 6’3, Jaylen at 6’7, Hayward at 6’8, Horford at 6’10 and Baynes at 6’10/260) has size all around. If you ask me, that’s pretty far from a coincidence.

One thing that stands out to me about the potential of this team is that it should have the ability to win against teams that play a fast, up-tempo style or ones that slow it down. Brad wants them to run, which makes sense, but I don’t think they’ll have any problem winning ugly games, too.

I think Cleveland’s the favorite right now. You just really can’t bet against LeBron considering his track record, and the Cavs are just silly loaded. However, I do think this Celtics team is better-equipped to give them a run than last year’s team was.

That’s really all that matters, right? Anything can happen, but I’d be surprised if the Eastern Conference Finals isn’t a rematch of last year’s one-sided affair. And holy smokes, what a series it could be. So many storylines and fascinating matchups. Isaiah on Kyrie, LeBron on Hayward and Kevin Love on Horford? What else could you want?

But we’ll have to wait a while before that happens. For now, let’s enjoy the preseason and regular season. There’s a whole lot to be intrigued about with this team, and now it’s time to see how it all comes together.

Keeping his memory alive

Family plans to honor Duxbury's Perry with basketball tournament

By Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter

sports@duxburyclipper.com

Twitter: @DuxburySports

Perched in a tucked-away study room on the top floor of the Duxbury Free Library on a muggy Monday in early July, Tamika Perry suddenly stops talking and peers out the window, a single tear flowing down her right cheek.

She shakes her head, breathes in heavily and finds the strength to keep speaking about her son Khai, who died last year.

“I remember him always saying to me, ‘Mom, I’m going to make it big, and when I do, you’re going to get a butler.’”

That day never came, but it’s easy to see she’s still swelling with pride. The past year – her first year without Khai – has been unfathomably difficult for Tamika and the rest of her family, but she’s trying desperately to make something positive out of her dreary situation.

Khai never complained, so she strives to live the same way. He would do almost anything to play basketball or football. The flu, an injury or incessant heckling would never stop him from doing what he loved, and now Tamika is hoping to honor that unmistakable passion and exuberance for life the best she can.

Duxbury’s Khai Perry died May 4, 2016, at 20 years old, and an indescribable emptiness has stuck with Tamika ever since. But she wants to remember the blessings he brought the family and community while he was here, so she’s starting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in his honor. The first Khai Perry All-Star Memorial Basketball Tournament Fundraiser will take place Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at the South Shore Fieldhouse in Pembroke.

“It’s a big void that we’re living with,” Tamika said. “A constant, constant void. His passing was very unexpected. It’s very tragic. He left big shoes to fill, so we’re just going to continue on and try and continue his legacy and keep his memory alive. That’s all we have left, is his memory. For a lot of people, they may move on and it may fade, but for us it will never fade. If we can keep his memory alive and do good at the same time, that’s what we want to do.”

Their Michael Jordan

As soon as he learned how to walk, Khai Perry learned how to dribble. It was more surprising to see him frolicking around the house without a basketball than with one, and he gravitated to the sport immediately.

He wasn’t tall, but he never let that stop him from blossoming into a standout at the varsity level. He started as a freshman and was one of the Dragons’ best players as an upperclassman.

Tamika recalls a playoff game against Easton where Khai was sick with the flu and feeling miserable as he trudged out onto the court. Many in that spot wouldn’t have played, and many more would have played poorly, but it ended up being one of his best games ever.

They know about the Michael Jordan flu game, but to his family Khai’s masterpiece is a much more precious memory. One they’ll cherish forever, even with him gone.

As he developed a personal love for the game, he also helped those around him harness their own zest for the sport. His younger sister, Shaylice, went to almost every one of his games, but one particular moment stands out.

Duxbury was playing Marshfield, and the always-heated rivalry was intensified because the game was tight. In the final minutes, the Marshfield fans heckled him when he took his free throws, but he calmly sank both.

“He and I had a rough relationship,” Shaylice said, tearing up, “but basketball made us close. I miss going to his games. I fell in love with it because of him.”

Khai’s 12-year-old cousin, Devanti, is now a budding star on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit, and he’s gotten where he is largely because of Khai. Part of his success stems from Khai’s technical basketball help, but the more meaningful component is the way Khai played the game.

He was relentless, and he wouldn’t let you stop him. If you took a jab at him, he’d jab back even harder. Devanti plays the same way, with that unmistakable fire.

“He’s following in Khai’s footsteps,” Khai’s aunt, Tylana, said. “If it wasn’t for Khai, he wouldn’t be where he is now. He was like his big brother more than his cousin. You’re looking at a miniature Khai. Devanti’s going to keep Khai’s memory going. He’s going to do everything he does because of Khai. I miss Khai dearly. I wish he was here.”

The Perrys named Tylana’s granddaughter, who is five months old, Khaileah as another way to keep his memory alive. The way they look at it, just because he’s not physically here it doesn’t mean he can’t remain in their lives.

“He was only here 20 years, but he made his mark,” Tamika said. “My goal is to continue that.”

More than just another kid, a true friend

When Max Duggan was a sophomore and Khai was a senior, Khai always went out of his way to say hello.

“All my friends would be like, ‘How do you know KP?’” Perry recalled in a letter to the family.

One day after school, a senior on the football team slurred at Duggan as he left the gym. Khai heard him, approached him and pinned him to the wall. “If you disrespect Duggy you disrespecting me,” Duggan recalls him saying. “And you don’t wanna do that.”

The teammate apologized to Duggan and never insulted him again.

On another night, Duggan threw a party and was flattered when Khai made an appearance. Duggan let everyone know at 11 that his parents would be home so they all had to leave, but Khai stayed and said, “Your mess is my mess, Duggy. Let’s clean.”

“People respected Khai like he was more than just another kid, because he was,” Duggan wrote in the letter. “Khai is the strongest, most loyal person I have ever known.”

Like a celebrity

On that fateful day, when Khai passed away, his great aunt Angela Perry plummeted to the bathroom floor and sobbed when she heard the news.

“To say my heart sunk to my feet doesn’t come close to describing what I felt at that moment,” Angela said. “It was as if I had lost my own son.”

Those who knew him describe him as a momma’s boy with an infectious smile and a gregarious personality. When Khai Perry entered a room, you knew he was there.

He’d be the most rambunctious guy at a sporting event one day then go home to watch Discovery Channel and CNN at night. He was confident but caring, an unusual mix of swagger and sweetness.

“Khai was like a celebrity in the halls of Duxbury Middle School,” his friend Nick Kates said.

Those close to him know this tournament can’t bring him back. They’ll never quite feel the same without him, but that doesn’t meant they can’t try to honor him and make his legacy live on forever.

Tamika’s goal is to make this an annual tournament, and she also hopes to provide wellness scholarships in Khai’s name to kids in the area.

“He was an unforgettable kid,” Tamika said, “so we have to make sure he’s never forgotten.”

NBA Mock Draft

1.     Philadelphia 76ers – Markelle Fultz, Washington

The Celtics’ motives behind this trade are a little more complex and layered, but for the Sixers it was really quite simple. The process has been trusted, and now it’s finally time to get a little better. Or maybe a whole lot better. They feel as though Fultz can help them immediately and also blossom into a superstar. If he, Simmons and Embiid all pan out, they could be a contender in five years or so. In my opinion, Fultz will be a very solid starter but never a true superstar. He has some Jamal Crawford and some James Harden in him, which is like a pickup superhuman, but I’m not sure he’ll be efficient enough or consistent enough defensively to be by far the best player out of this class.

2.     Los Angeles Lakers – Lonzo Ball, UCLA

At this point, I’m pretty sure the average basketball fan knows more about LaVar Ball than Lonzo. I’m not entirely sure how that happened. It’s probably a bit of LaVar’s unconventional brilliance combined with Americans’ thirst for anything remotely over the top. For as obnoxious as LaVar is, though, Lonzo is every bit as good. He’s the real deal. I’d be extremely surprised if he ends up being a bust. His natural passing ability reminds me of Steve Nash’s and Jason Kidd’s. He’ll need to bulk up, improve his defense and become a better finisher around the rim, but I think he will. I expect that in his prime he’ll be a 16-point, 8-assist, 4-rebound kind of guy. If the Lakers take Ball, which it looks like they will, that might mean D’Angelo Russell is out the door, which isn’t necessarily the worst thing for Lakers fans. Ball, Paul George, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle in 2018 is a pretty decent core for the future.

3.     Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum, Duke

When the Sixers-Celtics trade surfaced Saturday night, I was out with some friends and they screamed in frustration when they heard the news. They had no idea why the Celtics would do such a thing, but I reassured them that it’s all for the best. Here’s why: Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson are not much worse, if not as good as or better than Markelle Fultz. Jackson is uber-athletic and could become a really good defender. He can play the 3 or 4, and if he develops a reliable jumper he’ll be an all-star in no time. But that’s not who I think the Celtics will take. I’ve been saying all along that Tatum should be their guy, so this trade made me nod my head because I speculate Danny Ainge sees it the same way. Here’s what you need to know about Tatum. First off, and most importantly, he’s really good. Like really, really good. He can shoot the 3, beat you off the dribble, pass and block shots. He’ll need to work on his defense and rebounding, but those are things you can teach. He reminds me a little bit of Paul Pierce, in that he plays at kind of an off pace. He’s a capable high flyer like Jackson, but that’s not really his game. He’s got the old man game, and I think he can come off the bench and contribute right away for the Celtics like Jaylen Brown did last year. In my opinion, Brown and Jackson are too similar. I think Tatum gives them a wing scorer, which is something they really need whether Jae Crowder stays or goes.

4.     Phoenix Suns –Josh Jackson, Kansas

To me, this pick is a no-brainer. Fultz, Ball, Tatum and Jackson are the four best players in this year’s class, and I think the Suns have to operate under a best-available mindset. They actually have some really good building blocks for the future, but they’re not anywhere close to contending right now. Bring in Jackson, get him minutes off the bench right away and help him improve. My best comparison for him is a rich man’s Justise Winslow, but Suns fans will be relieved to see that he’s a lot more versatile offensively. It appears as though his jumper’s not quite there yet, but in fairness he had Frank Mason, Svi Mykhailiuk and Devonte’ Graham around him at Kansas, so there wasn’t much of a need to shoot. I think he can be a 17-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist, 1.5-steal guy for a long time, and I could see him being the third or fourth best player on a championship contender later in his career.

5.     Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky

Fox is a fitting name for this fleet-footed point guard. He has incredible speed, and his first step will help him get by slower point guards at the next level. His midrange game is money, and he’s a terrific passer. The Kings need a lot of things, but one of them is a steady point guard. Fox can be just that. When he was at Kentucky and Malik Monk was in a rut, Fox would often take over games. He was the one who frequently willed them to victory both against SEC teams and in the NCAA Tournament. He’s a bit skinny, but don’t confuse that with weakness. He’s tough, physical and has a knack for making big-time plays. Pair him with Boogie Cousins and you’ve got yourself a dynamic duo. Oh, wait…

6 . Orlando Magic – Dennis Smith, NC State

It’s always funny how we try to find an NBA comparison for every elite college player. I’m guilty of it, too (who am I kidding? I love it), but sometimes it can be a bit much when they’ve never played a professional game. In this case, though, I think neglecting to compare to Smith to Chris Paul would be a mistake. Paul’s an all-time great, but Smith could end up being that as well. They have very similar builds, and they both have a natural feel for the game. This is a point-guard heavy, top-heavy draft, and Smith is one of the more underrated of the bunch. He has a really nice mid-range game, and he’s a player I could see averaging a double-double someday if the cards fall into place. Smith may not be as explosive as some other guys, but he’s steady and doesn’t have many weaknesses.

7.     Minnesota Timberwolves – Jonathan Isaac, Florida State

Pairing Isaac with Karl-Anthony Towns could be a recipe for success for the Wolves. They’re getting closer and closer to making the playoffs, but they need another rim protector to go alongside Towns and Gorgui Dieng. Isaac is a human springboard. He reminds me a little bit of Aaron Gordon, with maybe a bit more upside as a shot blocker. Some people disagree on this, but I feel as though the Wolves are too good to be bad much longer. I predicted they wouldn’t make the playoffs last year and was right, but I think that changes this year. With Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng and Towns, they’re set 1 through 5. Isaac could be a spark off the bench right away and eventually slip into that 4 spot if Dieng is traded.

8.     New York Knicks – Malik Monk, Kentucky

Monk could end up being the best or second best pure scorer in this draft, if everything goes according to plan. He has a really pure jumper and can create space for himself off the dribble. One concern I have is that he sometimes disappeared for long stretches in big games at Kentucky. He’s very streaky, which has its perks and downfalls. He reminds me of Devin Booker a little bit, with a hint of Quentin Richardson. His wingspan is only 6’0, which is interesting more than anything else. He could be a bit of a liability on defense, but he’s the kind of guy who will get burned on one play then poke the ball away for a steal and dunk on the next. The Knicks need help at most positions, but I think if Monk’s still there at 8 they’d be wise to take him. And if it’s wise, we know the Knicks will do it…

9.     Dallas Mavericks – Zach Collins, Gonzaga

Collins looks more like a frat boy than a future NBA star, but that doesn’t mean he can’t ball. It was a classic example where he wasn’t most people’s radar as a surefire lottery pick in February, but when March rolled around and he went off in the NCAA Tournament everything changed. I like Collins. I think his ceiling is Kevin Love and his floor is Andrew DeClercq, but I suspect he’ll be somewhere in the middle. I think his best attribute is his touch around the basket, and his footwork is a close second. He’s pretty skinny, so if he wants to throw bows with legit 7-footers down low, he’s going to have to bulk up a bit to keep pace. He’s the kind of guy who appears unassuming, but then you look up and he’ll have 14, 6 and 2 in 17 minutes. Mark Few really trusted him in the Tournament, and if Few trusts him so do I. Dirk can’t play forever, so the Mavs might look for a big man to take his place. I’m not saying Collins will ever be that guy. No one can replace Dirk, but he might be a good place to start.

10.  Sacramento Kings – Luke Kennard, Duke

Kennard was one of my favorite players to watch last year. He’s a rare mix of tough, skilled and savvy, and he can score at all three levels. His ability to finish around the rim is impressive. I’m not sure whether he’ll end up playing 1 or 2. He’s not a true point guard, but he’s a bit undersized for an NBA shooting guard. I suspect he’ll be a combo guard but mostly gravitate toward the 2, but he might get swallowed up trying to defend bigger, stronger shooting guards. I don’t see Kennard becoming a star, but I suspect he’ll be in the league a long time as a bench scorer and glue guy.

11.  Charlotte Hornets – Frank Ntilikina, France

I won’t pretend that I watch every Strasbourg game in France. I’ve never seen Ntilikina play, but those who have say he’s versatile, has long arms and can score in bunches. The Hornets could use a combo guard to play behind Kemba Walker, and Ntilikina could be a nice fit.

12.  Detroit Pistons – Lauri Markannen, Arizona

Markannen is a deadly shooter. He’s really a stretch 5, in essence, which is a rarity in the NBA. Picture a less clumsy Kelly Olynyk and you’ve got Markannen. He’s actually a better defender than one might think, and I’m pretty confident he won’t be a bust. He might have a little trouble creating his own shot, but I think he’ll get better at that with time. The Pistons have a lot of good pieces in place, and Markannen’s shooting touch could complement Andre Drummond’s lack of shooting touch and ferociousness quite nicely.

13.  Denver Nuggets – OG Anunoby, Indiana

I think the some of the best available options at this point will be big men (John Collins, Harry Giles, Ike Anigbogu), but the Nuggets don’t need a big man. Nikola Jokic is the real deal, and I’d be surprised if he goes anywhere anytime soon. People forget the Nuggets weren’t too far from a playoff berth last year. They can’t really attract a marquee free agent quite yet, so they need to keep stockpiling assets and getting better. Anunoby is recovering from injury, but when he comes back he’s a weapon with supreme athleticism and a nice in-between game. He could develop into a lockdown defender, and I could see him being a really good sixth man down the road.

14.  Miami Heat – Harry Giles, Duke

Pat Riley likes to think big, and Harry Giles is the definition of a guy oozing with potential. We didn’t really see a whole lot of him at Duke, but it was easy to tell why he was the top recruit coming out of high school. Not a top recruit; the top recruit. Injuries are a major concern, but when healthy he can definitely hoop. He has a pretty solid back-to-the-basket game and is a really smart defender and position rebounder. His agility concerns me. He consistently looked a little gimpy last year in limited action, but I hope he stays healthy in the NBA. I could see him becoming a Tristan Thompson-like player if things go according to plan.

15.  Portland Trail Blazers – John Collins, Wake Forest

I could see John Collins emerging as one of the 5-10 best players in this year’s draft. His story was kind of interesting. He started off as really underrated, but then everyone talked how underrated he was, which made him overrated. In reality, he’s not a nobody and he’s not a once-in-a-generation player. I think he’ll be either a really solid starter on a bad team or a steady contributor to a playoff team someday. He’s long, has excellent footwork and boasts a high basketball IQ. He’s never really played with great players, so having Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum around to feed him inside is a beautiful prospect.

16.  Chicago Bulls – Donovan Mitchell, Louisville

I’ve never been a big Donovan Mitchell guy. Nothing against him, but I just don’t see him becoming a star. I feel like his success was more a product of Rick Pitino’s coaching and having good players around him. That’s not to say I think he’ll be a bust. I just don’t see him becoming a star. His offensive game is somewhat predictable, and I think he’ll get swallowed up inside in the NBA if he tries to do what he did in college. He’s a solid shooter and athlete, but he’ll need to improve in both aspects in order to make the investment worth it.

17.  Milwaukee Bucks – TJ Leaf, UCLA

Leaf’s an interesting one. I suspect he’ll be a solid 10 and 4 guy for a long time but never become a star or be out of the league. He’s an extremely talented offensive player and has every trick in the book scoring-wise, but he may be exposed defensively.

18.  Indiana Pacers – Justin Patton, Creighton

Patton has tons of potential, and his length and athleticism could help a team out in a major way in the future. He’s got plenty of room to grow, so he could be a nice long-term project for the Pacers.

19.  Atlanta Hawks – Ike Anigbogu, UCLA

He’s going to be a really good hustle guy and defensive-minded player. I don’t see him ever averaging more than 10 points per game, but he could get you 8 and 8, probably. At 6’10, he’s a bit short for a natural center, but at 250 he’s not quite mobile enough to be a 4, so that’s the only concern I have.

20.  Portland Trail Blazers – Justin Jackson, North Carolina

The Blazers are set at guard and center, but they could use a wing to complement or replace Al Farouq Aminu. Jackson’s a natural scorer, but his ability to shoot over people in college may not be as much of an advantage in the NBA. He was a volume shooter on UNC’s national championship team, but I suspect he’ll have to become more efficient to last in the NBA.

21.  Oklahoma City Thunder – Bam Adebayo, Kentucky

Bam’s a fitting name for this bruiser, who found his niche for John Calipari as a post defender and rim protector. He’s a 7-footer, which helps, but he doesn’t really have much of an offensive game right now. If he gets a little better feel offensively and develops into the rim protector he’s capable of becoming, I could see him having a nice career.

22.  Brooklyn Nets – Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia

Wait, the Nets were awful last year. Shouldn’t they at least have a high pick? Hmm…Anyway, Pasecniks (whom I’ve never seen play) seems like a natural fit. He’s drawn some Kristaps Porzingis comparisons, and that turned out OK, so we’ll see.

23.  Toronto Raptors – Tony Bradley, North Carolina

I think Bradley could be a steal for whichever team gets him in the mid-to-late first round. He played well when he got a chance last year, and anyone who plays on a national championship team has that going for them. Bradley’s back-to-the-basket game is solid. He’s got a long way to go, but the Raptors could be a good fit so he could learn from Jonas Valanciunas and fight for minutes with Pascal Siakam.

24.  Utah Jazz – Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany

Let’s assume Gordon Hayward stays put for at least one more year. You have George Hill, Joe Ingles, Hayward, Boris Diaw and Rudy Gobert as your starting 5, which is quite good. Diaw and Joe Johnson will retire semi-soon, so that leaves a couple big holes at forward. The Jazz play extremely well together and play great defense, so they could use a wing scorer. Hartenstein seem to make sense here. The Jazz can bring him over now or wait a year or two until they need him and his game is more polished.

25.  Orlando Magic – Jonah Bolden, Australia

I don’t know much about Bolden, but the Magic could use a wing scorer who can provide a spark off the bench. Supposedly he has a solid shot is an athletic playmaker.

26.  Portland Trail Blazers – D.J. Wilson, Michigan

I really think the Blazers’ biggest weakness is wing scoring, and it can never hurt to draft two or three options and stick with one. Wilson burst onto the scene in the NCAA Tournament, and his stock has risen ever since. One thing I like about him is that he has an extremely smooth jumper for a guy his size. He’s super athletic, too, and I think he’ll last.

27.  Brooklyn Nets – Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

I love Evans, and he was a main reason why I picked Oklahoma State to go to the Elite Eight last year. Wait, what? Yeah, I know. I’m stupid. Stop reading now. But anywho, I think Evans is legit. He’s supremely quick and could be a weapon in the pick and roll. The Nets need a lot of help all around, and he’s a guy who could come in right away and help as a playmaker and distributor.

28.  Los Angeles Lakers – Ivan Rabb, California

I was really high on Rabb last year, too. I think he would have had a lot better year if he had better players around him. Rabb excels from 10-14 feet, and I could see him developing into a Myles Turner-esque player. He can block shots, move his feet and rebound, and I bet Magic likes him.

29.  San Antonio Spurs – Frank Jackson, Duke

Jackson’s a winner, and the Spurs win. He’s a classic sleeper. Playing behind Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard will do that to you. I’m not sure if he’ll be a star, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t last. He reminds me of Deron Williams.

30.  Utah Jazz – Jarrett Allen, Texas

It’s very possible Allen will be gone before here, but if he’s not I think the Jazz would have to take him. He’s a good post defender and solid finisher in the pick and roll. 

This is a dynasty, and we've got to get used to it

By Trevor Hass

Two years ago, when I lived in Oakland, I was all in on the Warriors. They had been one of my favorite teams ever since Steph entered the league, and I was thrilled to see them succeed like they were.

It almost seemed serendipitous and too good to be true that the summer I moved there was the summer they captured their first championship in decades. I splurged on tickets for game six of the Western Conference Finals, rendezvoused at a bar with the local diehards when they clinched the title and weaved through a sea of people at the parade.

I loved the Warriors. They embodied everything I enjoy about basketball – free-flowing poetry in motion, lethal shooting all over and unending unselfishness. They drafted most of their top guns and assembled their star-studded roster the right way. There wasn’t much not to like, and I was in basketball heaven for a couple months.

Fast-forward two years, when the Kevin Durant-led Warriors won the 2017 championship Monday night. I was back in the Boston area, watching on the couch as they cemented their place in history.

To be totally honest, this whole series was weird to me. It was like watching your best friend from middle school turned bully fighting an equally nasty and burly acquaintance. You’re just standing there, wide-eyed and in disbelief, hoping they beat each other up like crazy but not knowing what outcome you want. Five games later, even now that it’s over, I’m not entirely sure who I was rooting for. That sounds funny to me even as I type it out, but it’s true. I was so conflicted the entire way.

All I wanted was for the series to be competitive, intense and go seven, so once the Cavs went down 2-0 I had no choice but to root for them. What happened to 2015 me? Where was that guy craning his neck at the parade to catch a glimpse of the Warriors as they floated on by? On what planet would I be rooting for the Cavs to beat the Warriors? If 2008 me found out 2017 me was pulling for LeBron, he’d be very disappointed. 

I’ve followed the NBA religiously since I was a kid, and I’m not sure I’ve ever had such mixed opinions on a saga as I do about this one. For the record, I love Steph’s game more than just about anything. I’d never bore watching Klay drain jumpers all day, I respect Iggy and Livingston like crazy and (though his temper leaves a lot to be desired) there’s no denying Draymond’s a wizard when it comes to intangibles. I even love Kevin Durant.

That’s right. I said it. People who have criticized him all year need to give it a rest. It’s his choice. How would you like it if someone said you couldn’t take your dream job at a better company in a better city? Chastising someone for doing what’s best for them is just straight up mean. I think there’s a very fine line between hating Durant and hating his decision. I can’t say I hate either, but I can wholeheartedly say I don’t hate Durant.

Do I love the decision? No, I really don’t, and I think the bulk of my apprehension with the whole thing stems from my deep-rooted infatuation with and gravitation toward the underdog.

During March Madness, nothing gets me quite as revved up as when a mid-major slays Goliath. We all love the unexpected, and the Warriors winning last night was anything but that. We saw it coming months away, and it felt like the playoffs were mostly just a formality.

Once Durant joined the Warriors, the only thing stopping him from getting his first ring was time. Once June hit, whether we wanted him to or not, he was finally going to claim that elusive championship.

When the Warriors won, I didn’t jump for joy and I didn’t scream in frustration. I just kind of sat there and watched it unfold, like a fly on the wall. It was like seeing the end of a really well done movie that someone already spoiled the ending for.

Whether we like it or not (and I’m still not entirely sure where I stand), this is the NBA now. This is a dynasty, and we’ve got to get used to it.