“This should be legendary if it happens #TheProcess”
That and a picture of Robert Covington, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and Joel Embiid was the Instagram post from Embiid on Saturday, June 17th that struck a little fear into the NBA. Just think of the potential from a Dario Saric, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz team (that is if they can avoid injuries).
How can the 76ers draft Markelle Fultz though?
Many reports and rumors on Thursday, June 15th came out that both the 76ers and the Lakers were interested in Boston’s prime possession, the 2017 number one overall pick. The rumors were that the Lakers were “in love” with Markelle Fultz and they were willing to trade the number two overall pick and Julius Randle. With the fact that Amir Johnson is leaving in free agency this year, it would be a phenomenal trade for the Celtics and the Lakers because Randle is an upcoming free agent in 2018. Also with the fact that Boston is going after Jimmy Butler and they would have to give up Jae Crowder then that means they would most likely be in need for a power forward. Instead, the Celtics engaged in talks with the 76ers. By Thursday night, there were many rumors that the trade would be a three team trade between the Celtics, Bulls, and 76ers. It would most likely send the third overall pick and Jahlil Okafor to the Bulls, the number one overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft (A.K.A. Markelle Fultz), and Jimmy Butler to the Celtics. As a die-hard Celtics fan, I would’ve loved to see this go down and I think it would work out for each team.
One interesting factor that came out on Thursday night that really triggered the rumors was the fact that Markelle Fultz re-routed his trip to workout with Boston to go workout with Philadelphia.
It was announced on Saturday Night that the deal had been done.
CELTICS RECEIVE:
3rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft
Lakers 2018 first round pick protected (Celtics will get it if it falls between picks 2 and 5)
2019 Kings 1st round pick (Celtics will only get it if they don’t get the Lakers pick)
76ERS RECEIVE:
1st overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft (A.K.A Markelle Fultz)
At first, the rumor was that the Celtics would acquire three picks. It would be the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers 2018 first round pick unprotected, and the Kings 2019 first round pick unprotected. Later it was announced that the Celtics would get the 2018 Lakers first round pick only if it was pick number 2,3,4, and 5. If the pick ends up at number 1 or 6 and higher, the pick will go back to Philadelphia and then the Celtics would get the 2019 Kings first round pick which is unprotected. Confusing right?
Now why did the Celtics trade the number one overall pick? Yes the Celtics are stacked at guard with guys like Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Smart. Even though Fultz has the size and abilities to play at the shooting guard position, but the Celtics decided that Josh Jackson was their guy and they believe he fits in their system better and they could trade down to get him. Markelle Fultz also fits better in the &6ers system as a starting point guard for The Process.
That isn’t the only reason the Celtics traded the number one pick though. As we all know, the Celtics have been negotiating with teams to trade for a star for a while. Their have been many rumors the Celtics are stocking up on picks to trade for the 24 year old power forward, Anthony Davis. Now I highly doubt that rumor due to the fact that Davis is mist likely an untouchable and seven picks and two players wouldn’t be able to acquire Davis due to his phenomenal potential and phenomenal skill set and play. The likely thing i believe the Celtics are trying to do is acquire Jimmy Butler. The Celts have been in trade talks with the Chicago Bulls for the 27 year old shooting guard in Butler. A trade such as Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, 2018 Lakers pick, and a 2019 Memphis first round pick unprotected would be a good trade for Butler. An interesting decision comes at the third overall pick. Magic Johnson and the Lakers have said they are in love with Josh Jackson, but I believe they will draft Lonzo Ball and they are setting a smoke screen so that the Celtics try and trade up with the Lakers. Reports say that the Celtics really like Jayson Tatum as well. Tatum is a better shooter than Jackson but I feel like they both fit Boston’s system well. For now, I think Ainge and company will draft Josh Jackson.
In my honest opinion, I believe the only reason this would be a good trade for the Celtics is if they use those pieces to acquire Jimmy Butler. If the 2018 Lakers first round pick was unprotected and they got the 2019 Kings first round pick unprotected, it would've been a fair trade for both sides.
The 76ers definitely won this trade due to the fact they could still keep the 2018 Lakers pick and they got the number one overall pick. Markelle Fultz has superstar potential. His offense is relatable to James Harden’s and he has good defense as well. Fultz is the type of guy with once in a decade type of potential that should be worth more then a 3rd overall pick and a chance at a first round pick. A team of Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid have a lot of potential if they can stay healthy. I believe in a good 2–3 years the 76ers will be a top 5 seed in the East if they stay healthy and keep improving. It is very reasonable that the 76ers go for a guy like Dion Waiters or J.J. Reddick in the offseason to start at their shooting guard position. They also still have Jahlil Okafor who they could deal on draft night. I’m excited to see how the 76ers turn out and how guys like Joel Embiid and Markelle Fultz turn out because I believe they can both be superstars in their prime. I do think with the fact that the Eastern Conference is weak, I could see the 76ers could sneak their way into the playoffs if they can stay healthy.
In conclusion, the 76ers managed to get the number one overall pick and not paying a high price for it. The Boston Celtics managed to get assets to be able to trade for a star like Jimmy Butler. I believe the Celtics have a chance to win this trade if they can get a guy like Jimmy Butler. For now though, the 76ers have won this trade. Thank you for reading my article and stay tuned for some more articles!
