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The rebuilding undertaken by the Boston Celtics, the transition period (quite troubled) of the New York Knicks, the future of Kevin Durant and much more: these are the topics covered by Mike Ortiz Jr. in the exclusive interview with ‘NbaPassion.com’. The founder and web editor of ‘DYSTnow.com’, former writers for ‘Bleacher Report’ and ‘Fansided.com’, has made with us a provisional assessment of rookies who made their debut this season, also spending a few words on the Italian basketball players who play in the NBA.

Mike Ortiz jr.

How do you think will evolve the rebuilding of the Boston Celtics? In your Rajon Rondo will be part of the project, or will leave the team? They’re now officially in rebuilding mode. With tons of draft picks and young talent the team has the tools for a fast rebuild. They’ll stick by Brad Stevens and continue to add to their young roster that includes building blocks such as Marcus Smart and Jared Sullinger. How quickly the Celtics turnaround is contingent on Danny Ainge’s ability to turn the teams slew of draft picks into competent players.

How you evaluate project of the New York Knicks of Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher? The rumors about a possible departure of Carmelo Anthony are true in your opinion?

The Knicks are a dumpster fire. The plan by no means included being Sixers bad, but it’s not the end of the world. With tons of cap space, a high lottery pick on the horizon, and Carmelo Anthony there is some hope. Unfortunately for the Knicks, high end free agents in the next few seasons such as Marc Gasol and Kevin Durant are long shots. The Knicks need to mold the team around Carmelo because he’s not going anywhere. The biggest challenge is not constructing the roster, but getting Melo and the team to buy into the triangle offense.

The Golden State Warriors can aspire to the final victory of the title?

The Western Conference is a juggernaut and so far nobody is playing better ball than the Warriors. If they stay healthy there is no reason they can’t make a run and win the title this year.

Who is the rookie who has impressed you the most so far?

This hyped rookie class has been doomed by injuries and inconsistency. The guy that has made the greatest impression on me is Nikola Mirotic. Overseas players have been hit or miss, but Mirotic is certainly a hit and is only getting better.

What do you think about Italian basketball players in NBA?

Italy has not been an NBA pipeline the same way other countries such as Spain and Argentina have been, and that isn’t going to change any time soon. In the NBA, Italian players have mainly found their niche as three point shooters. Players such as Bargnani and Gallinari have come into the league with high expectations, but their careers have been derailed by injuries.

The future of Kevin Durant will be even with the Oklahoma City Thunder, or we will soon see with another team?

The Oklahoma City Thunder would be a dynasty right now if only they had kept who they drafted. The James Harden and Jeff Green trades are the difference between the Thunder emerging as the next San Antonio Spurs or the next Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder still can win titles but they are merely another playoff contender in the west rather than “the” playoff contender. This could drive Kevin Durant away. The team to watch is obviously his hometown Washington Wizards. Going to the east and teaming with John Wall and Brad Beal could be enticing enough to leave OKC.

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Exclusive-Ortiz (DYSTnow): “The Knicks need to mold the team around Carmelo. KD could leave OKC”