Markelle Fultz explains why he’s top pick in National Basketball Association draft

Fultz is the consensus No. 1 pick in this year’s draft despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson. Obviously the Celtics could do that deal too, and even more deals given the likelihood that Ball may be available at No. 3. At the time it was just speculation, but after discussions reportedly heated up this week, it looks like the deal may be actually happening.

Armstead needs surgery to fix a torn labrum in his shoulder and his rehabilitation is expected to take four to six months, said a person familiar with the situation.

Adding Fultz to the mix would give Philadelphia three young players with tremendous upside.

This might be the best case scenario for Boston as while Markelle Fultz is the best player in the draft, they are not in need of another point guard. Additionally, Fultz’s 41.3 percent shooting from 3-point range is valuable for Philly, who lacks any consistent threats from deep on their current roster. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he fights his way to the glass and is a reliable passer.

The Lakers have also fielded numerous trade inquiries in recent weeks that include their No. 2 pick. They can’t hope that someone valuable will fall into their hands.

Fultz said playing for the Lakers is “going to pretty much feel like college again”, while it could take more time in Boston to carve out a leadership role.

So why would the Celitcs pull off a trade that seems so beneficial to the Sixers? He also could be the predecessor to Isaiah Thomas if the C’s don’t re-sign him. After all, drafting in the second round is not an exact science and teams are dealt with the cards that are given to them.

July 31, 2007: Traded Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 1st round draft pick (Wayne Ellington was later selected) and a 2009 1st round draft pick (Jonny Flynn was later selected) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett. Four years ago, he shipped out the beloved Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to start a new chapter that very quickly turned into conference contention. The GM says Jackson is exactly Danny Ainge’s type of player, and that from his conversations with Ainge, he believes the Celtics will buck the conventional wisdom and go with Jackson.

Fultz’s talent has put him in a unique position between two of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, but he welcomes the possibility of ending up on either side of the famed Celtics-Lakers rivalry. What’s more most of their guards are good enough that they would nearly certainly start on about half the teams in the National Basketball Association.

Suns general manager Ryan McDonough might have appeared to be the draft lottery loser, but he’s going to get a quality player no matter who slips to the fourth spot.