Ainge: No deals on the horizon

Posted by Brian Robb on Jun 25, 2009 25802 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2009%2F06%2F25%2Fainge-no-deals-on-the-horizon%2FAinge%3A+No+deals+on+the+horizon2009-06-25+04%3A35%3A20Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D2580

On the eve of the 2009 NBA draft, amidst one of the most rumor filled weeks involving the Celtics in recent memory, the C’s top dog is still denying the likelihood of any deals going down iinvolving the C’s on Thursday night. Here is the latest report by Marc Spears of Boston.com:

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge acknowledged via text message tonight that he doesn’t expect his franchise to make any trades to get into the first round, acquire a second round pick or to get a player. Boston currently only has the 58th overall pick in the second round.

Despite the denial, I still like the odds of Danny making an under the radar move for Thursday’s draft given his sharp eye for college talent and the success he has had in buying picks over the years. The slowing economy combined with one of weakest talent pools the draft has seen in years, should result in a buyer’s market out there. I look for numerous teams to look to unload late 1st round and 2nd round picks for bargain prices, just to free up the roster spot and money they would owe any player signed in those slots.

Ainge can play coy all he wants regarding a deal, but you know there are a few likely seasoned college prospects that he has his eye on to fulfill a need on this team’s bench for next year. This team needs help right now, and despite Doc’s reputation among some Celtics fans for not giving the young guns a fair shake, one has to remember the minutes and meaningful minutes the Glen Davises and Leon Powe’s of the world earned under Doc during their rookie seasons.

There are places for rookies in Doc Rivers’ rotation. The players just have to be the right fit for Doc’s scheme. Danny has struck gold in the 2nd round finding these players in years past. Here’s hoping he will do so again Thursday night, if the right players fall far enough.

So what does everyone think? Is Ainge’s plan of standing pat just a smoke screen for impending moves or will we see a uncharacteristically quiet draft night for Boston?