9 Takeaways From the 2016 NBA Draft

Boston Didn't Make a Draft-Night Splash

Entering the draft, Boston had the most draft picks (8) of an team since the inception of the two-round format in 1989. Knowing the wheeling and dealing styles of Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, everyone was on the lookout for Boston to package several assets to acquire a star player to be the centerpiece for a title run.

After striking out in trade talks for Chicago's Jimmy Butler, Utah's Gordon Hayward, and Milwaukee's Jabari Parker and Khris Middleton, Boston was left with Philadelphia's final offer of Nerlens Noel, Robert Covington, and the 24th and 26th picks in this draft for the 3rd overall selection.

The Celtics passed on that offer and used their three first-round picks on Cal's Jaylen Brown, power forward Guerschon Yabusele from France, and center Ante Zizic from Croatia. It is believed Yabusele and Zizic will remain overseas for at least one year. After all the talk, the Celtics only pulled off one deal, flipping the 31st and 35th picks overall to Memphis for a 2019 first-round pick.