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Redrafting the 2016 NBA Draft class

By Simon Shortt

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Trade Deadline
Jan 24, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) stands during a break in action against the LA Clippers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Celtics

Original Pick: Jaylen Brown
New Pick: Jamal Murray (traded to Philadelphia for Nerlens Noel)

The first change of this re-draft comes at one of the most anticipated selections of the night. Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics had a bevvy of options to choose from, none of which looked like a BAD move.

The pick they ended up making, Jaylen Brown, looks like it will be a good one in time, but they could have done better. With a lack of rebounding, some inconsistent play from Al Horford and a multitude of openings in the post on their roster, having a young athletic center could go a long way.

It was reported the 76ers were offering either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor for this pick, and given the opportunity the Celtics should take that offer…of Noel. This would allow them to save money by not signing Horford so they could pay their other core players in upcoming years, and shore up their post defense and rebounding.

Feb 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

With their newly acquired pick, Philly would take Jamal Murray of Kentucky — a secondary ball handler for Simmons, but more importantly a floor spacer to open up the paint for the team’s young stars. Fill the starting lineup with Robert Covington and Dario Saric, and you have a good starting lineup for the future.