Celtics stay quiet on draft day

June 26, 3:43 PMBoston Fantasy Sports ExaminerMark Fuery

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Danny Ainge has yet to make a big move this offseason.

Rumors were swirling around the Boston Celtics in the days leading up to the draft, including a rumored trade proposal that would have sent Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Detroit Pistons, but draft day came and went without a move being made by the 17-time World Champions.

The Celtics came into Thursday’s draft with only a second round pick, 58th overall. Meanwhile, around the league deals were being made.

In the Eastern Conference, two big names moved to contenders on Thursday. The Cleveland Cavaliers made arguably the day’s biggest splash when they acquired Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, a 2010 second round pick and $500,000. The move created buzz around the league and many thought it made the Cavaliers the clear favorite to get to the Finals next season.

Later in the day, other teams across the conference started to respond. The most notable move was the Orlando Magic’s acquisition of Vince Carter. To get Carter, the Magic had to give up mid-season pick-up Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie.

However, Orlando’s apparent gain from that move could be wiped away as Hedo Turkoglu announced he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1, likely ending his tenure with the Magic.

In other less notable moves, the Atlanta Hawks picked up guard Jamal Crawford from the Golden State Warriors for former first round pick Acie Law and Speedy Claxton. The New York Knicks also added former number two pick turned journeyman Darko Milicic for veteran swingman Quentin Richardson.

While all of these moves were going down, the Celtics stayed quiet. They kept their late second round pick and selected guard Lester Hudson out of Tennessee-Martin. Hudson was the nation’s second leading scorer last season with an average of 27.5 ppg, and also added 2.3 steals and 4.2 rebounds. He is an undersized shooting guard at 6’0, a full three inches shorter than his listed height, but he is helped by his enormous 81-inch wingspan and great vertical leap. He projects as a point guard in the NBA, but will have to take some time to progress his game before he can play a significant role.

With all of the other moves that were made across the East on draft day, the Celtics sent what may be the strongest message. They believe that they can win another championship with the same core of players they had last season.

With a healthy Kevin Garnett, the Celtics will certainly be looked at as one of the favorites next season, but with the new additions in the East it will be the toughest journey so far for the Boston Three Party.