BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics made a strong final push to trade up into the top 10 in the draft, culminating in an offer to the Charlotte Hornets that included as many as six draft picks, including four potential first-rounders, for Charlotte's No. 9 pick, sources said.
The Celtics, whose offer was rebuffed by the Hornets, wanted to move up from No. 16 in order to draft Duke forward Justise Winslow, who was ultimately selected by the Miami Heat at No. 10. The Hornets took Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky at No. 9.
The Celtics were also unsuccessful in attempts to acquire a pick in spots Nos. 4-8, sources said.
Meeting with reporters in the aftermath of the draft, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge hinted at his team's dogged pursuit.
"Maybe we were going too hard at it," he said. "There was a time when I thought, 'Whoa, this is getting a little out of control.' We're putting a lot of eggs in one young player's basket. So I'm not frustrated. In the long run, maybe it'll be the best."
The Celtics drafted Louisville guard Terry Rozier with the 16th pick, the first of four selections they made on the night.
Ainge has accumulated a treasure trove of picks in remaking the Celtics over the past few seasons. The team could have as many as 16 picks -- including four potential first-rounders in 2016 -- over the next three drafts.
