Celtics Pelicans complete major blockbuster

[The Athletic]

    The Celtic and Pelicans agreed to terms on a monster deal that sent Andre Drummond to Boston in return for a package of 1st rounders and up and coming shooting guard Josh Richardson.  The deal came as a surprise to many as New Orleans had seemed pretty set on keeping Drummond throughout the season.  I think the overall feeling around the league is that the Celtics won this deal by a good amount, but i wouldn't be so quick to think that and here's why.  Andre Drummond has proven to be one of the best rebounding bigs in the league when healthy.  He's also started to expand his offensive game and has quickly grown into a very good player.  But he definitely comes with some question marks, his motor, ever since college hasn't always been the best.  Since college it seemed like he had put it behind him, but i think a little bit of that came back this year.  He wasn't getting the touches he wanted and became frustrated.  He's at a little cross roads in his career right now.  I COULD theoretically see him continuing his regression now that he has his money and never fully become a star.  However, i think that is doubtful.  I think a more realistic expectation is for him never to become a super star, but someone who is a fringe star and very valuable to the Celtics.  The trade gives the Celtics the best front court in the league, and clearly puts them in win now mode.  The Boston front office has a huge off-season in front of them.

    Now let's check things out from the New Orleans side.  Like i said earlier most experts think they got fleeced.  Drummond is still very young and has proven he can be one of the better fantasy big men in the game.  But right now the Pelicans are looking to rebuild and  grabbing a high lotto is sometimes all you need to turn a team around.  I think there are a ton of game changers in this draft and if the Pelicans can lock one up cheap and long term that's definitely worth it.  The key is just there is a ton of risk, because again you never know.  That's why i think adding Josh Richardson was a big move for the Pelicans.  He may not ever turn out to be a star, and shooting guards aren't the best fantasy wise, but he's a guy i think turns into a solid NBA player.  The first next year completes the package, and i think it's just a matter of time before the Pelicans start to climb into playoff contention.    

[Yacob (freelance idiot)]

we gotta slay the giant in the Atlantic

[Toronto Raptors (Perk)]

Kendrick Perkins is the giant of the Atlantic