2010 NBA Draft

One of my favorite times of the year is the draft. It is the time when everyones record is back to 0-0, a fresh start for all. Despite being at the same record, there is still an amazing difference in the approach to the draft for each respective team. You have teams that are in complete rebuilding mode, teams that are looking for that one piece to complete the puzzle, and teams that are teeter tottering between rebuilding and making one more run. The Celtics are the former of those categories. Tonight is a huge night in the 2010-2011 NBA season as far as the Celtics are concerned. Tonight is the night that we really get that first domino to drop which tells us whether we aregoing for full on rebuilding mode, or if Danny Ainge thinks we can make one last run with this core. While he has already hinted at this through numerous interviews and press releases, we can't be too sure until actions are taken. So with the

NBA draft upon us tonight here is a preview of what to expect tonight, who to look for as potential picks, and opinions on the numerous trade rumors that have been released in recent days.

Trade Rumors

PG Rajon Rondo and #19 Pick to New Orleans for PG Chris Paul

Don't worry folks, this has as much of a chance at happening as Scalabrine for Brandon Jennings. New Orleans really doesn't want to trade away Paul with the team for sale at this moment. Though it does raise an interesting thought. If the Celtics were to trade away Rondo for Paul and Paul is rumored to be the link that will bring Lebron in. As long as Pierce were to opt out, we could potentially see a lineup of

Perkins

KG

Lebron

Ray

Paul

Can't argue with that lineup much, but again I don't see this happening.

Kendrick Perkins and #19 to Memphis for #12 pick.

As much as I love Perkins' defense, he isnt much valuable other than that. He has hands of stone, hardly any offensive game, and really no big man instincts. I think the Celtics would HAVE to include Perk in a deal to move up. I really like this move because at this point you are moving into the cream of the crop for this draft. You have the potential to get a very talented player at this pick and can find a serviceable Center in Free Agency or in your own system. Don't forget that the Celtics drafted 7 footer Semih Erden last y

ear who played in Turkey throughout 2009-2010 and played quite well. He could be brought in next year during training camp and possibly make the team or even start if Perk is traded. I think this trade is worth looking at and could improve the team greatly.

The Draft:

The Draft itself as we all know is very unpredictable. But holding a high 1st round pick and a decent 2nd round pick here is who I expect the Celtics to take long hard looks at:

Wings

James Anderson-6'6''Oklahoma State

James was the leader of a very good Oklahoma State team. James lead the

team in scoring as well as shot a very high percentage. A very rare feat for someone in that situation. This tells us that Andersons offense is

the real deal, the question comes down to how his defense will fit in with the Celtics. I expect him to be gone by the time the Celtics pick at 19 but this could be someone they try to move up and get.

Damion James-6'7''- Texas

Bringing good rebounding and scoring to the table Damion seems to be hitting his stride. The major question on him though is his outside shot. James could compliment Paul Pierce and give him a break as well as learn the ropes from one of the best SF in the game. The Celtics have been rumored to like James very much.

Devon Ebanks-6'8''West Virginia

Ebanks has always been a favorite of mine. He is an explosive player who was one of the leaders on a very goo

d West Virginia team. Ebanks can score, that goes without saying, he is an excellent transition player and defender. Ebanks is pegged to go in the second round but I would have no issue taking him at 19 with the talent this young man brings to the table.

Big Men

Larry Sanders-6'9''-VCU

Labeled as a "freak" by many experts, that label isn't necessarily a bad thing at this position. Sanders has a tremendous wingspan and a solid frame. Sanders speed is a major factor in his game which could blend in well with a speedy guard in Rondo who likes to push the ball up the floor whereas guys like Perkins clog the lane and prevent this from happening. There has not been many knocks on Sanders, he is a good finisher, has a decent shot and a high IQ. Look to have him go early but I would push to obtain him if I am Danny Ainge.

Daniel Orton-6'10''-Kentucky

Orton's knees are the only question here. Complaining of sore knees at numerous workouts, that could be a huge red flag. High risk, high reward type pick here. Orton is athletic and has a great wingspan which would solve many of the Celtics issues as highlighted in the NBA Finals. Could be a 2nd round pick for Boston.