2) If we are going to venture into complete rebuild (with KG at least retiring), I don't want the extra 7-10 wins Smith gives us counting against out lottery balls in 2014 and 2015. We're going to need a game changer, a Pierce, a Garnett, a Nowitzki to usher us into the next generation of basketball.
I view acquiring a player like that with trade assets, rather than through ping pong balls, as a much more viable route. The trouble, of course, is getting those assets.
A recovered Rondo, Josh Smith on a reasonable (even if large) contract, and a few high value role players like Bradley and Sullinger, would make a great collection of trade assets.
You could potentially leverage some or all of them to make a play the next time a true franchise superstar -- or a young player w/ the potential to turn into one -- becomes available.
It's a viable route to success, but let's look at the current contenders/powerhouses
1) Miami: Gained through Lottery balls and now-defunct FA signings
2) Thunder: Gained through lottery balls and smart drafting
3) Chicago: Lottery balls/smart drafting
4) Clippers: Lottery balls/smart drafting/Trade
NYK: FA signings/trade
It goes on. Basically, for Boston, FA signings seems to be mostly against our history. Trade remains a possibility, but without the smart drafting by Danny, those trades are unavailable.
In the end, for me, it comes down to drafting. Whether he's keeping them or acquiring assets for a move, Danny built his reputation through the draft.
So again, the better odds for a top 3 pick seems to be our best path to the promise land.