If Bill Simmons' podcast Monday was any indication, Boston fans are not thrilled with the Celtics' return in their trade with the Sixers for the No. 1 pick.
Simmons, arguably the most influential Boston basketball fan at this point, didn't have a huge problem with trading down but felt the Celtics should have gotten more than one extra pick in return. That could have meant an additional pick, a player, or fewer protections on the 2018 Lakers or 2019 Kings pick.
(Only because I'm certain at least one commenter will take issue with me calling Simmons arguably the most influential Boston sports fan at this point: The guy has 6 million followers on Twitter, penned one of the most well-read columns on the internet for over a decade, helped create 30 for 30 and is seemingly the only sports personality capable of breaking down Kevin Durant's shell.)
Simmons' father, a frequent guest on his Ringer podcast, was specifically upset that the Celtics didn't find a way to include Richaun Holmes in the deal.
The gripe makes sense. Boston's biggest weakness last season was a lack of size and rebounding, and the player they draft at No. 3 won't be a big man. The 6-foot-10 Holmes averaged 9.8 points and 5.5 rebounds last season, breaking out and clearly stepping ahead of Jahlil Okafor on the Sixers' depth chart.
In two games against the Celtics last season, Holmes averaged 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steal.
Philadelphia 76ers
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Other interesting notes from the podcast:
• In trying to identify reasons the Celtics traded down and didn't wait until draft night to do it, Simmons and his guests speculated Fultz's health could have been an issue. It was mentioned that he hyperextended his knee twice in high school and suffered a knee injury last season at Washington.
Seemed more like after-the-fact reasoning than legit concern. Obviously, the Sixers wouldn't have made the deal if they lacked confidence in Fultz's health.
• A reason given by The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor as to why the Celtics didn't seek a player in the trade was that they so badly needed to shed salary cap room, notably the $1.4 million they'll save by trading down. Taking on a contract like Holmes' would have negated that point. Boston is juggling many options right now, including a planned run at top free agent Gordon Hayward and a potential trade for Jimmy Butler.
