The Boston Celtics were rumored to be making a deal to move up in yesterday's draft but nothing actually came to pass and the Celtics selected Terry Rozier and R.J. Hunter in the first round. Justise Winslow was the player the Celtics wanted in the draft but he was selected with the No. 10 pick by the Miami Heat.
According to ESPN's Chris Forsberg, the Celtics were so high on Winslow that they tried to trade six draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets for their No. 9 pick.
The Celtics made a strong final push to multiple teams in spots 4-9 on draft day. It culminated with an all-in effort in attempt to get Charlotte to deliver the No. 9 pick with Boston lusting for Duke forward Justise Winslow (the same player they coveted while trying to shuffle higher).
According to sources, the Celtics' final offer to the Hornets was a package that could have featured as many as six draft picks, including four potential first-round selections (a combination of picks from this draft and in the future). But the Hornets could not be swayed and turned down multiple offers to select Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky.
Meeting with reporters in the aftermath of the draft, Ainge hinted at his team’s dogged pursuit. "Maybe we were going too hard at it," he said. "There was a time when I thought, ‘Woah, this is getting a little out of control.’ We’re putting a lot of eggs in one young player’s basket. So I’m not frustrated. In the long run, maybe it’ll be the best."
The Hornets targeted Frank Kaminsky before the draft and taking him with the ninth pick may have been a stretch but it is shocking to hear that Charlotte turned down six draft picks just so they could draft him. Charlotte was a playoff team a year ago and their refusal of this trade may point to their desire to not be a rebuilding team again. They were just awarded the 2017 All-Star game and with their whole re-brand last year, team owner Michael Jordan probably wants the Hornets to be a perennial playoff team.
While the Celtics may have missed on Winslow, according to Forsberg, they are happy with their selections of Rozier and Hunter. Plus, Boston can now use those picks they would've traded to Charlotte in another trade for another player they may covet. The Celtics tried to go in all last night and although the Hornets weren't having it, Boston has all of the right resources for the future.
