It's really a no brainer to use the pick, especially when you consider how much cheaper Simmons or Ingram would be for the next few years than any of those guys. By making that pick, we'd be adding a potential star to an already solid playoff team AND have the financial flexibility to still try to recruit another couple of stars over the next couple of summers.
And given how young this team is, there's absolutely no reason to pull a Cleveland and trade a top pick for veterans. We can afford to wait a couple of years for Simmons or Ingram to fully mature.
This is pretty much exactly my sentiments as well. If you keep the pick, draft a future star and then entice a current star here you pretty much get a 2 for 1.
But if you trade for a star, that would likely entice another to sign as well, giving us the two for one you talk about.
I think we capitalize on our value contracts now, and go for a championship next year and the years after, by trading this year's picks for Boogie. Then go after Horford, KD, Barnes and solid backups that may include Noah, Mozgov, Teletovic, Scola, etc.
Even if we only come away with veteran back ups from free agency, I think we get an instant 5 year championship window. The cap holds will be all low, so we will be able to retain everybody, and have two nets picks in our back pocket for an additional piece or to invest in our future.
It hinges mainly on if Cousins will be sane with us. I think he will. If he messes up an opportunity with Brad Stevens, with such a good group of guys, his reputation will possibly be irreparable. I think he will understand that, and I think it will work out for us perfectly. I see him as a a Rasheed Wallace with us.