So passing on NBA players in this draft because we "didn't have the roster space" is not really currently a valid argument in my mind because we have 4 roster spots that are CLEARLY UP FOR GRABS.
Right, except you'll still have to cut or renounce someone, because we currently hold the rights to 16 players and only have 15 spots.
I don't see what's so hard to grasp about the fact that in these circumstances it's better to give up two lesser players now for one better player in the future. It's not rocket science.
That's fair. I didn't realize the concept of renouncing some of the cheapest contracts on the roster (of guys who can't play at this level) would be so baffling to some people.
Also, I don't see trading 2 second round picks for a lottery protected first that could become a second round pick under certain conditions to be the slam dunk you do.
I'd rather just draft the 19 year old 7'2 center who's going to play in the NBA this year.
Even if we waive players they will still count towards our cap. Its not as simple as you think. Zizic and Yab were taken because they can be first round stash. We do not need more guaranteed contracts.
The trade for the future pick is excellent. Why? Because you have traded assets you do not need now for something you can use in the future. GMs cannot live only for today, they have to plan for the future as well. You do not want to be another Brooklyn Nets.
By exactly the same token, Zizic could play in the NBA today if they wanted him to. He played in the same league that Zubac did and his performance was vastly superior.
From what I have read, Zubac was rated slightly higher than Zizic in the mock drafts. See here for example. Zizic was projected a better fit for the Celtics because Zubac was considered a more of a "traditional" big in that he lacks athleticism whereas Zizic runs the court much better. Both were considered projects. However, Zubac played in the summer league much, much better than he was projected to. He put up much better numbers that Yabusele did. There's no way of knowing if Zizic would also play that much better than projected.
Zubac posted 10 and 7 with 2.5 blocks in SL, Yabusele had 8 and 6 with a steal and a block. I don't see these as materially different.
Perhaps that's because you're trying not to. Yabusele shot 48% from the field and 58% from the free throw line.
Zubac shot 61.7% on Field goals and 82% from the line. Also Zubac is 7'2 while Yabs is 6'7.
I dont get why the height difference is important here.
Jordan Mickey averaged 13.8ppg 9.6rpg and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting .529 from the field on a much larger sample size at last year's summer league. He saw little floor time last year. I dont see why you think Zubac will "see time this year" based on effin Summer League.