5th Pick

It's too miserable to talk about right now. No Greg Oden. No Kevin Durant. Hopefully no more Ainge? My jerk reaction is to trade Pierce while he still has value and gamble on Al Jefferson becoming a stud. Build around Al with Rajon Rondo, Gerald Green, whatever they can get at No. 5 (I bet he speaks Chinese) and whatever they can pull back in a move for Pierce. The C's could also gage Phoenix' interest in a Top 5 pick -- they would have had Atlanta's first pick if it wasn't in the Top 3 -- and see if Shawn Marion is available. The No. 5, Ryan Gomes and Theo Ratliff's expiring deal for Marion would save the money conscious Suns some dough while allowing them to get younger. Does it matter? Right now it does not. It hurts to know that Oden will start his career in freaking Portland and that Durant will open his career in delightful Seattle. Hey, maybe if the C's clear some cap room they can make a run at Oden or Durant in 2012. I have some hope again.