Boston Converted Welsch Into Draft Flexibility
The Celtics sent Jiří Welsch to Cleveland at the February 2005 deadline, acquiring a future first-round pick and an agreement altering protection on a previous Cavaliers first-round obligation. Boston was trying to balance its current playing group against the ability to make moves in later drafts. Cleveland wanted another wing who could handle the ball and contribute on the perimeter. The two parts of Boston's compensation gave the deal unusual value beyond a straightforward single pick for a reserve.
Welsch Did Not Establish a Long Cavaliers Career
Welsch had shown versatility in Boston, but Cleveland did not receive years of established rotation production after acquiring him. His Cavaliers stay was limited and he moved on during another transaction. The intended appeal was a guard with size and some passing ability, yet the immediate playing result was comparatively modest. His past Celtics numbers cannot substitute for the smaller receiving-team output in Cleveland, which helps explain why the team's inherited grade is only C.
The Boston First Eventually Became No. 24
The future first-round selection was later associated with No. 24 Rudy Fernández in the 2007 draft. Rights to the player followed additional transactions before Fernández became an NBA contributor, so his later career should not be represented as playing time in a Celtics uniform. The first-round asset still held value because Boston could direct its future draft strategy around it. Removing protection on a separate Cavaliers obligation was another practical improvement in Boston's draft position.
Two Draft Benefits Outweighed a Brief Wing Trial
The Celtics obtained a first-round opportunity and improved terms on another existing selection without surrendering a central player. Cleveland received Welsch but lacked the substantial on-court return needed to justify that compensation. The B+ Boston grade reflects the breadth of its draft leverage, while Cleveland's C reflects a short-lived wing acquisition. Those results don't require imagining either pick immediately became a Boston All-Star.
Final Verdict
Celtics Win. Boston earns B+ for a 2007 first-round right associated with Rudy Fernández and removal of protection on an earlier Cavaliers pick obligation. Cleveland receives C for Jiří Welsch, who had a brief and limited Cavaliers stint. The draft leverage Boston secured proved more useful than the guard Cleveland added, without treating Fernández's later teams' performances as Celtics production.