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Post by Employee8 on Jan 28, 2018 16:35:44 GMT -5
Celts looking good in 2019 mock draft
By Tom Lane
 George Payan/APESPN's 2019 mock draft is out, and the Celtics are indeed looking very, very good. Yes, I know it's premature, but it is exciting. The Celts have two of the top-10 picks in the mock draft, including the second pick, and also possess the 18th pick via the Clippers. The ESPN mock draft used the new NBA lottery odds and the ESPN Future Power rankings to assemble this list. Here is a portion of the list that may be pertinent to Boston (via ESPN's Jonathan Giverny):
1. Chicago Bulls
R.J. Barrett | Montverde Academy (HS Sr.) | SG | Age: 17
Barrett established himself as arguably the top prospect in high school basketball with a phenomenal showing at the U19 World Championship in Cairo this summer. He's a highly versatile wing player with tremendous scoring instincts.
2. Boston Celtics (via Kings)
Zion Williamson | Spartanburg Day (HS Sr.) | PF | Age: 17
Williamson is more than just a social media phenomenon, although his freakish explosiveness is a big part of what makes him special. He plays with a reckless abandon that scouts love to see and has a good feel for the game along with a willingness to defend. The big question mark is whether he can develop any type of jump shot, since he's not very tall at around 6-foot-7.
The Celtics will receive the better pick between Sacramento and Philadelphia (protected for No. 1) only if they do not receive the Lakers' pick in 2018 (protected for No. 1 and Nos. 6-30).
3. Atlanta Hawks
Sekou Doumbouya | Poitiers (France, international 2000) | PF | Age: 16
Doumbouya wowed NBA scouts at the U18 European Championship last December, despite having turned 16 years old just days prior. He has been producing well in France at the pro level, too. He's an impressive athlete with a budding skill level offensively, but his jump shot and defensive intensity are a work in progress.
4. Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Reddish | Westtown School (HS Sr.) | SF | Age: 18
Reddish's production doesn't always match his potential, but he has enviable physical tools and impressive versatility on both ends of the floor. He can play (and guard) anywhere from 1-4, and has shown improvement with his jump shot. He willingly admits he needs to play with a higher intensity level, as he has a tendency to blend in at times relative to his talent level.
5. Phoenix Suns
Anfernee Simons | Edgewater HS (HS Sr.) | SG | Age: 18
Simons decommitted from Louisville as part of the ongoing FBI/DOJ NCAA investigation. He has recently developed into one of the most gifted scorers in high school basketball and carries significant upside thanks to his combination of physical tools and budding talent. He's the type of player for whom the game comes very easy.
6. Indiana Pacers
Immanuel Quickley | John Carroll School (HS Sr.) | PG | Age: 18
Quickley has prototypical size and length to go along with strong perimeter shooting prowess and multi-positional defensive versatility. He's a high-IQ guard who does a lot of the things you look for in a point guard his size.
7. New York Knicks
Nassir Little | Orlando Christian Prep (HS Sr.) | SF | Age: 17
Little's name has been mentioned in the recent FBI/DOJ NCAA investigation, which might complicate his college eligibility. He made a name for himself among NBA scouts with a strong showing at the Adidas EuroCamp in Italy this past June. His length, physicality and energy level on both ends of the floor, as well as his ability to score inside and out, really stood out.
8. New Orleans Pelicans
Quentin Grimes | Woodlands College Park (HS Sr.) | SG | Age: 17
Grimes is a tough, aggressive guard who does a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. He has very good tools and instincts, but is still figuring out how to put it all together on a consistent basis in terms of polish and decision-making. Grimes improved significantly in the past year and still appears to have plenty of room to continue to grow.
9. Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies)
Romeo Langford | New Albany HS (HS Sr.) | SG | Age: 17
Physical specimen of a wing prospect with excellent size, length, frame and athleticism. Langford is a dangerous open-court player who can also make shots impressively off the bounce. He also has significant potential defensively. His on-court decision-making and polish in the half court is still a work in progress.
The Grizzlies owe the Celtics their 2019 first-round pick, protected Nos. 1-8 in 2019, Nos. 1-6 in 2020 and unprotected in 2021.
10. Orlando Magic
Darius Garland | Brentwood Academy (HS Sr.) | PG | Age: 17
Arguably the most skilled, creative and polished point guard in his high school class, Garland had a tremendous showing at the Adidas EuroCamp in Italy in front of representatives from all 30 NBA teams. He does not possess great size, length or strength for his position, but his ability to play at different speeds and make shots from all over the floor gives him a chance to be a high draft pick if he continues to improve his physical profile.
18. Boston Celtics (via Clippers)
Jarred Vanderbilt | Kentucky (NCAA Fr.) | SF | Age: 18
Vanderbilt is yet another combo forward type vying for minutes and shots on a stacked Kentucky roster. He has the size and length to play quite a bit of 4 in the NBA, but he is a very good ball handler and passer who does an excellent job of crashing the glass and igniting fast breaks. Vanderbilt needs to significantly improve his jumper to maximize his NBA potential, as he has been considered a non-shooter for most of his career.
The Clippers owe the Celtics their 2019 first-round pick, lottery protected in 2019 and 2020; converts to 2022 second-round pick if not conveye
There is a lot of hype over Williamson, projected by ESPN to go to the Celtics with the second pick in the 2019 draft. In the quote below, via SI's Chris Johnson, we get the ever-present Lebron James comparison: Among high school basketball players Williamson is a celebrity on a scale perhaps not seen since LeBron James. Williamson is unique in his capacity to consistently produce stunning plays that send tremors across basketball Twitter and serve as fodder for mesmerizing YouTube clips.
"...he seems like a cross between Larry Johnson and Blake Griffin. Williamson is a bouncy power player in a jumbo tight end’s body with a tight handle, the heft to bang in the low post and the quickness to fly by wings. One high-major assistant describes Williamson as a “freak of nature” and says, “You don’t see people his height play that high above the rim.” Adds Meyer, “He plays with a ferocity that you hardly ever see at this level.”
This December, I will be able to watch the top-two-projected high schoolers, Barrett and Williamson, at the annual Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Zion attends school in Spartanburg, SC so I expect there will be a lot of focus on him at the Classic. Our readers understand how tenuous this mock draft can be. There are a lot of variables. But it is fun to think What-If. What if Williamson goes to Boston and justifies the hype. I never projected Danny Ainge as an NBA mastermind during his playing days in the 80's, but I am a true believer now. From whiner to winner! Damn it, he's good! www.celticslife.com/2017/10/celts-looking-good-in-2019-mock-draft.html
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Post by Admin on Apr 20, 2018 16:33:39 GMT -5
ESPN's latest 2019 NBA mock draft - Nassir Little to Celtics at #2
By Tom Lane
 Photo via Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America
ESPN's 2019 NBA mock draft is out and it shows Nassir Little going to the Boston Celtics at #2 via the Sacramento Kings' pick. Previously unranked two years ago, Little has steadily climbed the charts to his current position. Nassir was named MVP of the McDonald's All-American game where he notched 28 points and five rebounds while shooting 12-of-17 from the field and 2-of-4 on threes. In the Jordan Brand Classic, he was named co-MVP, hitting 9-of-14 shots and taking down six boards. Little is listed at 6'7" and 215 pounds with a massive 7'2" wingspan. He is known for his tenacious defense and solid rebounding. But he can also shoot the ball, as seen in the above stats. He is very strong and already has an NBA-ready physique. He is currently positioned on the mock draft between R. J. Barrett at #1 and Cam Reddish at #3. The following is a profile via NBADraftRoom.com:
www.celticslife.com/2018/04/espns-latest-2019-nba-mock-draft-nassir.html
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Post by Admin on Jun 25, 2018 22:44:26 GMT -5
NBA mock draft 2019: Watch Duke if you want to see next year’s top prospects
Who are the players to watch for next year’s NBA Draft? Three of them will be playing for one college team.
By Ricky O'Donnell
The 2018 NBA Draft is yesterday’s news, literally. The true draft heads are already onto scouting the 2019 class. Only 364 more days, people.
If the 2018 draft was defined by its glut of big men, the 2019 draft is defined by its depth on the wing. The first seven players in this mock are nominal wings who can be slid all over the court. The way the game is trending these days, some of these players are just as likely to be long-term centers as they small forwards.
A lot of analysts aren’t high on this class of incoming college freshmen, but it’s undeniable that the modern NBA demands wings and many of the players projected at the top of the 2019 class are between 6’7 and 6’9. We’re looking at a versatile, athletic group that just needs to prove it can play with high effort on a consistent basis.
Taking an early shot at predicting the next draft class the day after the current one is an exercise we do every year. Check out my Day 1 boards for the 2018 draft, 2017 draft, 2016 draft, and 2015 draft, too.
Be nice.
1. Cameron Reddish, G, Duke
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Reddish is such an effortless scorer when he’s cooking that there have been questions about his ability to bring a consistent competitive fire on every possession. That just underscores his natural talent as a 6’7 guard with a 7’1 wingspan who can play on or off the ball. He can hit jumpers off the dribble or space the floor as a catch-and-shoot threat, and is already comfortable operating in ball screens and making reads in the half court. His length makes him a versatile and pesky defender who can smother opposing offensive players when he’s locked in.
It will be fascinating to see how Reddish, R.J. Barrett, and Zion Williamson coexist at Duke. Will Reddish blend in or stand out? Most view Barrett as the alpha dog and the No. 1 player in this class, but we’ll take Reddish’s silky-smooth game by a hair to be the No. 1 pick at this point. He can be as great as he wants to be.
2. R.J. Barrett, G, Duke
Barrett has aced every test he’s faced on his way to Duke. His crowning achievement was leading Canada to a gold medal at the under-19 World Cup last summer, which was highlighted by a 38-point performance in an upset win over John Calipari’s USA team in the semifinals:
Barrett is an athletic 6’7 guard who can handle the ball and get to the rim. He’s a force in transition and a developing facilitator. His jump shot is the question mark in his skill set.
3. Nassir Little, F, North Carolina
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Little has surged up the recruiting rankings late in his high school career, placing as high as No. 2 in the country, according to Rivals. He was the MVP of the McDonald’s Game and Jordan Brand Classic, establishing himself a physical forward with a developing skill set and intriguing versatility. He has a strong frame and broad shoulders at 6’7 with a 7’1 wingspan, and is able to aggressively attack the paint, clean the glass, and compete defensively.
If he can prove he has a consistent jumper at UNC, he’ll have a good chance to go No. 1 overall in this draft.
4. Sekou Doumbouya, F, France
A 6’9 forward with great defensive potential and impressive catch-and-shoot ability, Doumbouya is a French teenager already playing pro ball who appears to be just scratching the surface of his talent level. He drew rave reviews at Basketball Without Borders earlier this year in Los Angeles:
5. Zion Williamson, F, Duke
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11555197/usa_today_10739418.jpg) Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsYou know Zion Williamson as the viral internet sensation whose incredible dunking ability made him a household name before he ever entered college. How does he fit into the modern NBA? That’s the million dollar question. Williamson is such a unique player — the height of a shooting guard (6’6), the weight of a center (270 pounds), blessed with powerful finishing, rebounding, and shot blocking ability. Still, he must make major progress with his jump shot. Can a player his size be an NBA center in the modern era? He’ll be the most compelling player to track in this draft class.
6. De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia /cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11555203/918013880.jpg.jpg) Photo by Eric Espada/Getty ImagesHunter likely would have been a first rounder in the 2018 draft, but he chose to come back to school after suffering a hand injury that prevented him from playing in Virginia’s historic NCAA tournament loss to No. 16-seed UMBC. The reigning ACC Sixth Man of the Year, Hunter is a 6’7 wing with a developing jump shot and ball skills. He should be a long, versatile defender with the type of body and skill set the league lacks now. This is probably a few spots higher than most have him, but Hunter has already proven it at the college level, making him a safer bet than some of the freshmen in this class.
7. Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
A huge forward at 6’8 and 225 pounds with a 7’ wingspan, Hachimura improved immensely throughout his redshirt freshman season at Gonzaga last year. He’s ideally a versatile modern front court player who can rebound and finish in the paint while he continues to fine-tune his shooting stroke. He couldn’t hit threes last season, but he did make almost 80 percent of his free throws, hinting at his potential as a shooter.
8. Bol Bol, C, Oregon
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11555207/usa_today_10735337.jpg) Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsBol Bol is a 7’2 center with a 7’8 (or greater) wingspan who hit 40 percent of his threes on Nike’s EYBL circuit. His physical talent resembles Mohamed Bamba’s, only he’s a lot further along as a shooter. There are questions about Bol’s ability to remain consistently locked into the game. If he proves he has the mental and physical toughness required to get the most out of his talent, he should be the first big man selected in this draft.
9. Romeo Langford, G, Indiana
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11557719/usa_today_10814923.jpg) USA TODAY NETWORKLangford is a long, smooth 6’5 shooting guard who put up historic scoring numbers as a high school player in Indiana. NBA teams will be looking to see just how efficient he is at the college level. Is he as good of a three-point shooter as his reputation suggests? Can he finish inside against length? Teams will also want to see him stay healthy after a prep career marred by injuries.
10. Quentin Grimes, G, Kansas
A smooth scoring shooting guard, Grimes was the best player on the USA Basketball under-18 team that just won gold. He could be the offensive focal point on a Kansas team that may start the year No. 1 in the preseason polls.
11. Jontay Porter, C, Missouri
Porter is another player who could have been a first-round pick this year. The younger brother of Michael Porter Jr., Jontay is a cerebral big man who can shoot and block shots. His athleticism is a major question mark. We’ll see if he can get himself into better shape for his sophomore season.
12. Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky
Listed at 6’6 and 225 pounds, Johnson is a big off-guard with impressive shot-making ability. He’s good going to the basket and has shown an ability to hit jumpers off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. Kentucky will be stacked as always next season, but Johnson has a chance to establish himself as the team’s go-to scorer on the perimeter.
13. Jaylen Hoard, F, Wake Forest
Hoard is a French forward who came to the United States a couple years ago and will play for Danny Manning at Wake Forest next season. He’s a versatile 6’8 playmaker with a 7’1 wingspan who can handle and pass like a guard. He’s a versatile and terrific defender, too.
He’s not a big-time scorer yet and needs to improve his perimeter shot.
14. Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas
Another player who would have been a first rounder this year. Gafford is a long and bouncy center who can fill a rim runner/rim protector role. He should be in for a huge sophomore season at Arkansas.
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Post by Admin on Jun 25, 2018 22:53:38 GMT -5
Danny Ainge does it again: Boston's 2019 draft situation
By Dustin Lewis
It's hard to argue that the Boston Celtics are primed for one of the more successful futures in the NBA. They've got a starting lineup filled with stars, Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford. And they're more than capable off the bench with talents like Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart (pending re-sign), Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye, Guerschon Yabusele, Robert Williams, and Daniel Theis, among others.
Speakerpedia.com
 In Ainge we trust
However, the future could blossom into something even brighter with the assets inside GM Danny Ainge's treasure chest. The Celtics own four potential first-round picks in the 2019 draft. This is how they acquired them;
Boston moved down from the No. 1 overall selection in the 2017 draft in exchange for the No. 3 pick and a future protected first-round selection from the Sacramento Kings that helped the Philadelphia 76ers land Markelle Fultz.
The Celtics traded Jeff Green to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Tayshaun Prince and a future protected first-round pick.
Boston acquired a future protected first-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for picks No. 31 and No. 35 in the 2016 Draft.
The C's hold their own selection in the 2019 Draft.
On top of four potential first-round picks, Boston also holds two second-rounders, giving them six potential selections after having just one in the 2018 draft.
So why would Boston want to have four picks in the first-round in 2019? In all honesty, they probably don't.
The Celtics currently are projected to have nine players under contract in 2019-20. That doesn't take into account players like Smart (RFA) or Aron Baynes, who are expected to be back with the team, or Brad Wanamaker, who reportedly was close to signing a deal with Boston earlier today.
Adding four to six rookies onto the team would be extremely difficult with the number of players the Celtics will likely bring back. Luckily for Ainge, the protections on some of the picks might result in them not conveying in 2019.
The Memphis pick is top-8 protected in 2019, top-6 protected in 2020 and unprotected in 2021. The Los Angeles pick is top-14 protected in 2019 and 2020. The Grizzlies likely won't be good enough for their pick to convey next season. The Clippers will have a tall task ahead of them to make the playoffs in 2019.
Nonetheless, this makes Boston's future even scarier for the rest of the league. The 2019 draft is projected to be weaker than some of the more recent drafts in history. The Celtics also have a shot at landing another top pick in the future if Memphis initiates a total rebuild, which could happen as Marc Gasol and Mike Conley continue to age.
Ainge and his staff have done an absolutely phenomenal job of setting Boston up for sustained future success. Now it's time to enjoy the ride.
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Post by Employee8 on Aug 28, 2018 23:41:51 GMT -5
An early look at the top prospects of the 2019 draft class
By Eddie Masciari
As the Lakers pick by way of the Sixers failed to convey last June, the Celtics are likely set to own the Kings selection (via Philadelphia) next summer.
The Kings, who finished last season with a 27-55 record (tied for the 6th worst record in the league), are in the midst of a full-on rebuild. With young, inexperienced guys like Marvin Bagley III, De’Aaron Fox and Harry Giles likely to garner substantial playing time, expect the team to be just as bad, or even worse, than the 2017-2018 squad.
Considering this, and being in the doldrums of the NBA offseason, it wouldn’t hurt to look into the some of the top prospects that the upcoming draft has to offer.
R.J. Barrett
Duke | Freshman | Wing | Ht: 6’7" | Wt: 210 | Ws: 6’10"
The Canadian phenom is one of the smoothest shooting guard prospects to come along in years. The incoming Duke freshman has a great feel for the game and really thrives running the pick and roll. Standing 6'7" with a 6'10" wingspan, Barrett has the size and length to dominate opposing guards on both ends of the floor, if he ups his defensive intensity. Although Barrett isn't the most explosive athlete, he is very fluid and crafty. While he does have great movement off the ball, he must improve his streaky three-point shooting to be an elite threat in that aspect of the game.
Barrett would be an immaculate fit on the Celtics, as Stevens could really make him a force of the defensive end like he does so well. At their peak, a young core of Kyrie, Brown, Tatum and Barrett would be something that the league has never seen before, as they'd all be able to create shots and score on every level. The sky would truly be the limit with Barrett on the team.
Play-style comparison: Penny Hardaway
Cameron Reddish
Duke | Freshman | Forward | Ht: 6’7" | Wt: 210 | Ws: 7’1"
One of the most polished scorers in the class, Reddish has the ability to score on all three levels. In addition, the freshman has well-above average athleticism and insane length (6'7" with a 7'1" wingspan), giving him potential to be a huge positive on defense.
Possessing four high-quality wings in Tatum, Hayward, Brown and Reddish would make the Celtics even more intriguing, as they'd have amazing versatility on both ends of the floor.
Play-style comparison: Tracy McGrady
Zion Williamson
Duke | Freshman | Forward | Ht: 6’7" | Wt: 285 | Ws: 6’10"
Williamson, a once in a generation type of athlete, has been on the scene for the past few years due to his super-human dunks. The incoming freshman will punish opposing forwards due to his massive 285 pound frame, great rebounding instincts and solid ball-handling ability.
He would be a great fit on the Celtics as the team could utilize Williamson as a small-ball five or play him alongside Al Horford, which would hide his insufficient three-point shooting. Once Horford starts to hit a decline (or leaves in free-agency) then Williamson would be able to slot into the starting lineup.
Play-style comparison: Charles Barkley
Nassir Little
North Carolina | Freshman | Forward | Ht: 6’6" | Wt: 215 | Ws: 7’1"
An incoming freshman at the University of North Carolina, Little draws a lot of similarities to Jaylen Brown at the same age, most notably his size, standing 6'6" with a plus-5 wingspan. Little's presence and NBA-readiness on the defensive end is unlike any other forward prospect in recent years. Even casual fans will admire Little's motor, which will help him dominate in transition, in college and in the league.
Little is the prototypical prospect that the Celtics seem to covet, due to his defensive instincts, physicality and energy. Although his shot is currently a work in progress, the Celtics would have the luxury of being patient with Little, as they wouldn't need to rely on him to rack up wins.
Play-style comparison: Ron Artest
Bol Bol
Oregon | Freshman | Big-Man | Ht: 7’2" | Wt: 220 | Ws: 7’8"
Son of the late NBA icon Manute Bol has made a name for himself as a top prospect with a diverse skill-set. Bol, while still very raw, projects to be a 3&D center with the ability to put the ball on the floor. The incoming Oregon freshman possesses a lanky 7’2" frame with a whopping 7’8" wingspan.
If the Celtics (or any team for that matter) would be patient with Bol, as he remains extremely raw and thin, he would have the potential to be one of the best players from the entire class. Bol, if drafted by the Celtics, would be their big-man of the future.
Play-style comparison: Kristaps Porzingis
Other prospects to keep in mind: Romeo Langford, a long, talented scoring guard with the potential to become a solid secondary playmaker. Charles Bassey, a solid big-man prospect in the mold of LaMarcus Aldridge. Jontay Porter, a polished offensive-oriented big with the ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot from three and make plays. Daniel Gafford, a freakish athlete set to thrive in a Clint Capela type of role in the NBA. Sekou Doumbouya, a raw, athletic international wing with a great frame and work ethic. Luka Samanic, a modern-day combo-forward euro prospect who projects to shoot the three and pass the rock at high levels.
Of course, even without a top pick in next years draft, the Celtics are nearly perfectly set up for future success. With one, Brad Stevens and co. could have a potential dynasty on their hands. Stay tuned.
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2018 19:47:44 GMT -5
Duke's trio, key returns and pick swaps: What to expect from the 2019 NBA DraftBy Sean Deveney Zion Williamson (Getty Images)We are just weeks away from the start of NBA training camp, and not long after, the start of the NCAA season. Considering the increasing importance put on the draft in recent years, it’s worth looking ahead to how the coming draft will shape up. One NBA executive labeled this a "mediocre draft, as of now." The implication there is that, though there are not a ton of one-and-done talents — Kentucky may not have a first-rounder on its entire roster! — some players could work themselves into an NBA career with a good season. Here’s what to look for, draft-wise, in the coming months...
The Blue Devil trio: Duke has three incoming freshmen sure to take the one-and-done path, because all three are likely top-10 picks: R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson and Cameron Reddish. All three have different styles, with Barrett more of a combo guard who can handle the ball, run the offense and find ways to score himself, Williamson an undersized power forward with tremendous athleticism and Reddish an explosive wing who creates shots with ease.
The problem? All three need the ball.
"Barrett is the best player in college this year, in terms of NBA talent," one league executive told Sporting News. 'He has great size (6-6) and point guard instincts, sort of like James Harden. So I think things will go through him, but what does that do to the other two guys?
"If Reddish does not get the ball, he tends to fade during games. Williamson needs to get it in transition. I don’t think any of the three fall out of the lottery just because of the talent level, but it might not be smooth there."
We saw that, to an extent, last year as center Wendell Carter had to find ways to contribute around high-scoring forward Marvin Bagley III. Despite watered-down production, Carter still went seventh in the draft, and Bagley went No. 2.
Someone among the Duke threesome could wind up the odd man out in terms of scoring. What’s uncertain is whether, and how much, that will ding their draft stock.
The returns: Last year’s class was good enough to spook some of the more interesting prospects in the draft crowd to return to school. The challenge now is to prove that there has been improvement. This year’s freshman class is not great, so the quality of the upperclassmen will determine how good this draft is.
One scout told me the most intriguing prospect is a guy who might have been a lottery pick had he come out this year: Gonzaga junior wing Rui Hachimura. He is, predictably, a physically gifted guy with long arms and a flowing athleticism that makes him excellent in transition and on the defensive end.
But he can’t shoot. He was a 19.2 percent 3-point shooter last year, and was not much better from midrange. He’s very raw, but if he can show some jumper development, he has the potential to be a top-10 pick.
There won’t be very many big men in the upcoming draft, so keep an eye on a trio of sophomore centers: Arkansas’ shot-blocking paint patroller Daniel Gafford (2.2 blocks in 22.6 minutes); all-around big man Jontay Porter of Missouri, who hopes to rise into the lottery as much as his brother, Michael, nearly fell out of it; and Maryland’s Bruno Fernando, who averaged 12.6 points and 8.3 rebounds in his final nine games to bring some momentum into his second season with the Terps.
A pair of UCLA sophomores, point guard Jaylen Hands (who must show his collegiate theatrics can translate into an NBA career) and wing Kris Wilkes (who needs to be a better 3-point shooter and boost his overall game) bear watching, too.
Western Kentucky gets another try: Things did not work out for the Hilltoppers last year, when they managed to land sought-after center Mitchell Robinson, but saw Robinson bolt from the school before the year even started. Robinson worked out on his own and wound up a second-round choice by the Knicks.
Now, coach Rick Stansbury gets a lottery talent in center Charles Bassey, a Nigerian-born Texan who has become the product of the kind of recruitment that makes NCAA fans hold their collective noses — after he committed, Bassey’s legal guardian was given a $200,000-per-year job as an assistant on Stansbury’s staff.
No matter how he got to Bowling Green, Bassey will be a test case on whether Stansbury can develop a one-and-done lottery talent. He is a 7-footer and a smooth, natural athlete, but remains a raw prospect. Can WKU help him bulk up? Can he improve his perimeter game? Will the Hilltoppers play enough major opponents (Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia) outside Conference USA for Bassey to prove himself?
The international market: Even with a relatively mediocre incoming American class, the international field should not have too much of an impact on the depth of this draft. One player — the uber-athletic and long Sekou Doumbouya — should land in the lottery, but there won’t be many other international first-rounders.
Doumbouya, a 6-9 athlete who is only 17, was a sensation two summers ago at the U-18 FIBA European Championship. He firmed up his status as a lottery guy back in the Basketball Without Borders Camp during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
He will go back to play professionally in France next season, moving up to the French A division with Limoges after spending last year with B division team Poiters. He needs to become a better all-around player, particularly as a passer, but scouts rave about his desire and willingness to learn the game. Keep an eye on the Limoges box scores.
Pick watch: Because teams have been so reluctant to cough up first-rounders in recent years, there are not many outstanding swaps in the coming draft. But two teams — the Hawks and Celtics — will be watching others with keen interest.
Atlanta will get Cleveland’s first-rounder this year, if the pick is not in the top 10. Some projections for the Cavs would seem to have them landing in that range this year, but a closer look at the East shows Cleveland has a shot a playoff spot. The bet here is that Atlanta will wind up with a pick between 11-16 from the Cavs.
The Hawks also have Dallas’ pick, top-five protected. The Mavs may not make the playoffs, but unless they luck out in the lottery, they won’t have a pick in the top 10. So Atlanta could come away with another 10-14 pick.
The Celtics are probably the last team that needs more lottery picks, but they’re almost certain to have one from the Kings, a pick they got through Philly by trading down from No. 1 to No. 3 in 2017 (the Sixers took Markelle Fultz, and the Celtics took Jayson Tatum). The Kings will be bad this year, and Boston should have a top-eight pick.
They’re unlikely to get an owed pick from the Clippers, which is top-14 protected and would thus require that Los Angeles makes the playoffs. That’s a longshot.
More interesting is a pick owed to Boston from Memphis. It’s protected in the top eight, and the Grizzlies did the Celtics a favor by hanging on to veterans Mike Conley and Marc Gasol in an effort to make another run at the postseason. The Grizz might not be good enough for the playoffs, but they should be good enough for 37 wins or so, which will keep them in the 11-14 range.
So the Celtics, for all their assets, could be in line to have a top-five pick and an added lottery pick.
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Post by Admin on Dec 5, 2018 21:05:24 GMT -5
The way too early 2019 Celtics draft guide (part 2)
Looking at Celtics options in the draft for knockdown shooting and sparkplugs.
By Alex Kungu
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
In our previous section, we went through some players that could begin to be groomed into Al Horford’s role. In this installment we’ll look at some perimeter option that could help bolster a Celtics offense that has left much to be desired.
Knockdown Shooting
The Celtics usually prioritize versatility, toughness, and defensive upside when drafting players and they haven’t had much luck when they haven’t (pouring one out for R.J Hunter and James Young), but with the amount of versatile wing pieces that exist in this draft, the Celtics could use the opportunity to cash in one that can play off his teammates in a way that a player like Rozier hasn’t. Here are some options the Celtics could look at.
Cameron Reddish (Duke)
Reddish’s stock is a little volatile in the sense that some scouts believe he’s the most talented player in the draft while others have him at the border of the top 5 or lower. Duke’s ecosystem doesn’t do him much favors using him as more of a floor spacer and not allowing him to showcase some of his playmaking ability as a lead ball-handler that made him such an intriguing prospect at 6’8. Reddish has a way of gliding on the court and not being sped up by the environment around him. He’s not a super athlete with great burst or an electric first step, but he’s able to use hesitations, and heightened spatial awareness to get to the rim (though finishing ahas been a bit of an issue).
On the flip side, he’s a very raw prospect on the defensive end where he falls prey to ball watching and hasn’t shown a consistent effort of getting down in a stance and keeping guys in front of him. That problem will most likely follow him to the next-level and will take the right coach and motivation to get him to use that 6’11 frame into creating havoc. From the Celtics perspective, Reddish could be a project worth taking on, his offensive potential could flourish in Boston’s free-flowing offense that would enable him to showcase some of his ability as a playmaker and shooting while the team would be the best equipped to help him make strides on the defensive end.
Nickiel Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)
Alexander-Walker is starting to get a lot of NBA love as stat-stuffing big guard. Through his first five games, the 6’6 prospect is averaging 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals on 60.9 percent shooting from 2 and 40 percent from 3. Alexander-Walker’s biggest jump has been his increased on-ball activity where he’s shown legitimate playmaking ability out of the PnR and a fluid pull-up jumper that paints a player who may be able to create for himself. His ability to play at his own pace and his wiry frame will draw some comparisons to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but while Gilgeous-Alexander is more of pass-first oriented guard, Alexander-Walker’s primary goal is to find his own offense and at times that leads to tunnel vision when attacking the basket. He’s currently shooting 40% from three on 5 attempts and is shooting 92.3% from the FT line which is historically an indication of a players shooting upside.
On the defensive end, Alexander-Walker has shown a willingness to sit down and a stance and guard his position. Despite his smaller frame, his 6’9 wingspan gives him the potential to guard either backcourt position and smaller 3 and D wings. He’ll come into the league at 21 which is old for a prospect so the overall upside question will linger, but if you’re a team like Boston, it might not be a huge negative to get a versatile player who might only top out as a starter-level or high-end reserve prospect. The question will be making sure that he’s open to and able to play and be effective on or off-ball and that he’s just as comfortable shooting off the catch as he is off the dribble.
De’Andre Hunter (Virginia)
Hunter has done the rare thing of actually raising his stock by going back to school. The 6’8 wing is fresh off a ACC player of the week award after winning MVP of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament where he averaged 19.3ppg, 7.7rpg, and 3.3apg. With an added offensive role, Hunter has risen his TS% from 58.4% to 68.8% and has boosted his AST% from 11.8 to 18.8. Hunter has started to make some ceiling-raising strides in Virginia by showing an awareness to find cutters from the post and shooters when he penetrates which was something that wasn’t a part of his game this time last year. Virginia even uses him as a screener for ball-handlers where he can leverage his catch and shoot ability or improving dribble penetration skills to keep defenses honest.
Defensively, he’s really good at getting skinny on screens, moving his feet laterally and uses his length well to shut off passing lanes. Truth be told, he’s probably going to be a lottery pick barring any major dips and is the type of player that has the ready-made skills that can help a playoff team now with the type of all-around upside that make him seem worthy of a big investment.
The Sparkplug
Another way the Celtics could go about filling the potential void of Rozier and maybe Morris is using a later round pick to grab a sparkplug scorer off the bench. *NOTE* this primarily an excuse to talk about my two favorite prospects in the draft.
Ky Bowman (Boston College)
Just about everyone in New England knows about Bowman so I’ll try not too go on too long about him, but the man is literally a walking bucket. In three seasons, Bowman has increased his scoring total every year and is now averaging 20.2ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.2apg and is shooting 36.8% from three on 6.3 attempts. Bowman is a strong athlete with a quick first step and ability to rise and finish in traffic. His size will put him at a bit of a disadvantage against bigger, stronger wings but he’s surprisingly active on the defensive end though he can get himself out of position chasing steals. Outside of size, the biggest knocks on Bowman are his size, defensive versatility, and ability to create for his teammates. If you’re a team that’s looking to find your point guard of the future, those concerns combined with his age (21) might give you pause, but if you’re a team like the Celtics with the intentions of drafting him and allowing him to play to his strengths, you could find yourself with the Allonzo Trier of the draft.
Carsen Edwards (Purdue)
Edwards is in the same mold as Bowman when it comes to projecting NBA roles. Bowman projects a little better because he applies his functional athleticism on the defensive end better but Edwards is every bit as much as scorer if not better than Bowman. The Purdue junior is currently averaging 25.3ppg including 41% from three on 10 attempts, but like Bowman, he’ll come into the draft as an older prospect (21). The question for both Bowman and Edwards are whether they can harness their elite ability to put the ball in the basket on smaller usage or does their talent only come through when they’re the focal point of the offense. You’ll hear a lot about things that both Edwards and Bowman can’t do, but any team that makes an investment in them should be doing so based on how they can utilize their talents rather than how they can mold them into other players.
The best case scenarios
We’ve already gone long enough and discussed a lot of interesting prospects, but in the event the Celtics get a top 2-3 pick here’s the short list of players that I’d consider home runs.
Zion Williamson (Duke)
Enough said.
Nassir Little (UNC)
Tools and foundation to become a modern two-way star at the wing position are there, has been underutilized at UNC thus far.
R.J Barrett (Duke)
There’s questions about his jumpshot, ability to make those around him better, and off-ball awareness on defensive end. However, he plays with a high motor and has such a strong group surrounding him that betting against him figuring it out would be foolish.
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