To echo the above, a true tank into the top 5 picks with our own selection (barring injuries) is unlikely with Smart, IT, Sullinger, Olynyk, and Stevens. Fortunately, the Celtics can make small gains up the standings, while also having a chance at a top 5 to 10 pick next year. It's the best of both worlds.
Even more than last season, this is a year to hope the on court product at least inches forward, while rooting against the Mavs and Nets for lottery purposes. More fun that way also.
I will admit, Winslow falling to 10 this year (not going to happen every year) makes me think twice about how last season played out and rooting for making the playoffs. But this time around, rooting for losses is even less likely to be helpful. It's looking more and more like next offseason will be the time to cash in our picks, cap space, and young talent. If this is a still-rising playoff team at that point (instead of a team that has a 2014-2015 Hornet-type collapse), I think that can only help.
Even more than last season, this is a year to hope the on court product at least inches forward, while rooting against the Mavs and Nets for lottery purposes. More fun that way also.
I will admit, Winslow falling to 10 this year (not going to happen every year) makes me think twice about how last season played out and rooting for making the playoffs. But this time around, rooting for losses is even less likely to be helpful. It's looking more and more like next offseason will be the time to cash in our picks, cap space, and young talent. If this is a still-rising playoff team at that point (instead of a team that has a 2014-2015 Hornet-type collapse), I think that can only help.