Here come the draft rumors! This time the Celtics are in the news and are looking to move up in the draft. Boston holds the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft but may have their sights set on adding a difference maker in the top 10. Mo Bama, according to this particular report, seems to be the target by the Boston brass led by Danny Ainge. The Texas big man has the longest wingspan in NBA history and seems to be an intriguing project by any team that drafts him.
Sean Deveny of Sporting News was the first to report the news:
“Sources told Sporting News that Boston has expressed interest in Bamba, including interviewing him at the Chicago pre-draft combine two weeks ago. Bamba measured in with a record wingspan of 7-10 in Chicago, reinforcing his status as the most ready-made rim protector in the draft.
Of course, the challenge is securing a pick that will be high enough to land Bamba. He could go as high as No. 3 to the Hawks, and there has also been talk that the Magic — picking sixth — are high on Bamba and won’t let him drop past their slot.”
First, let’s start off by saying that we have no idea what Danny Ainge is actually thinking. Remember when convinced everyone that he was taking Markelle Fultz despite going on the record numerous times saying he would have taken Jayson Tatum first overall? This could very well be a smoke screen for another player or maybe he’s really not interested in trading up at all. I would caution everyone to take this rumor with a grain of salt.
Second, the details of this report are way off. Deveney describes Jaylen Brown, the 27th pick, and the Grizzlies protected 2019 pick as fair compensation for Bamba which is beyond hilarious. Brown is virtually untouchable and is an 18 point per game scorer in his 2nd season. Even if Bamba is an all-world player, he would have to reach that ceiling to even come close to what Brown is already doing. So very dumb on the reporters part for suggesting that is even a possibility.
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Third, Danny Ainge isn’t going to get swindled on a deal. He might trade that Kings 2019 pick but it won’t be in addition to Terry Rozier and the 27th pick which would be a complete overpay. We all know the Magic never win a trade so there’s no way they are smart enough to pull off a deal like that.
