Boston Celtics: Trading top pick would be a mistake

Last time the Boston Celtics traded the number one overall pick, they acquired Robert Parish and a pick that became Kevin McHale in 1980. It is not 1980 and Robert Parish and Kevin McHale are not walking through that door.

Reports have surfaced indicating that the Boston Celtics are deep in trade discussions involving their number one overall pick.

According to Marc Stein, Zach Lowe, Adrian Wojnarowski, and several other connected reporters, the Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers are seriously discussing a pick swap.

League sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me that the Sixers and Celtics are in serious talks on a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2017

Deal talks are far enough along that Fultz could be on his way to Philadelphia for a meeting Saturday, sources say. https://t.co/kR8vwZu8i2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2017

Phaildelphia’s intention with the pick seems to be to take Washington point guard and consensus top pick Markelle Fultz. The Celtics would likely receive a package including the Sixers’ pick this season, which falls at number three, and future first round picks. The Sixers hold both their pick and the Los Angeles Lakers’ first rounders in 2018.

The Celtics, meanwhile, would be giving up a chance at Fultz, who has the potential to become one of the most talented guards in the league as he matures. Instead, they would be targeting Josh Jackson, a forward from Kansas who Danny Ainge is apparently enamored with.

Is Jackson really a fit?

Jackson is a talented player, but plays the same position as Jae Crowder, last year’s third pick Jaylen Brown, and free agent target Gordon Hayward.

In today’s position-less league, that means less than it would have five years ago, but the same thing could be said for Fultz. He may play the same position as Isaiah Thomas, but both of them can play off the ball.

Jackson is an athletic defender who can score and rebound, though some question how his strength will translate to a tougher NBA game. He averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for Kansas last season. While that is a fine performance, Fultz has shown better scoring abilities from a position that the Boston Celtics do not already have a young player lined up to fill.

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In addition to not having Fultz on their team through this trade, the Celtics would be handing the 76ers, a team in their own division, an extremely bright future.

With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons already on the roster, the Sixers would be picking up one more piece to the puzzle that could turn them into a contender sooner rather than later.

If Fultz goes to Philly, the Celtics may end up acquiring a late lottery pick rather than another top five pick.

One other thing to consider is that Jackson has had some character issues while at Kansas. He was charged with property damage after following a woman to her car, shouting at her, and reportedly causing over $3000 worth of damage to the car. Jackson is only 20 years old, but he is the only top prospect in the draft with something this concerning in his background.

Some teams consider character as important in a potential draftee as other basketball-related measures and while Fultz has received several glowing reviews from former teachers and coaches, Jackson has these off-court issues hanging over him. His talent is likely enough to keep any legal trouble from changing his draft stock, but it should be kept in mind.

Danny Ainge mind games?

The best case scenario for these reports are that Ainge is letting this story out to drive up potential offers for the number one pick.

As it stands, the team needs to hold on to what they have and take Fultz. Ainge has spent several season stockpiling these assets and sending them away to draft a player who most have lower on their boards than Fultz at a position that is already filled for the future would be a mistake.

If it is all a smokescreen, the Celtics certainly fooled both media and fans alike. If it is not, this could be a franchise-altering decision. With six days until the NBA Draft, anything could happen.

Next: Boston Celtics draft prospects: Making a case for Josh Jackson at No. 1

But if Danny Ainge wants a legitimate chance to win a championship within the next ten years, the number one pick must stay in the hands of the Celtics.

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