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Post by Admin on Jun 10, 2019 10:25:01 GMT -5
Draft philosophies and overarching thoughts on the 2019 class With three picks in next week’s NBA Draft, the Celtics have a lot to think about. By maxcarlin
2019 General Thoughts
I still haven’t decided if this draft is good or bad. What I can say is that it’s very low on star talent and very high on rotation talent. I expect the 2019 Draft to produce a lot of good players between picks 2 and roughly 45, some of whom will likely hit at least fringe star outcomes, but the odds of more than one true superstar emerging from this class seem low.
Tiers
I have four tiers for the first round of this draft, ranging from 1, 2-9, 10-21, and 21-30 (though Tier 4 would extend to the early 40s if I were to rank that far). Tier 1 is self-explanatory. Tier 2 is very bad for that typical range, and I would not take any of the players in it in a typical draft’s top five picks. However, I expect some of those players to be available in the middle of the first, where they’ll be steals. I’m a big fan of Tier 3, which is filled with players I’d happily take in the teens of a normal draft. Tier 4 falls off a bit, but is so flat extending well into the second round that I don’t mind the potential rotation players it offers.
Trade options
Overall, trading up in a draft this flat would be a huge mistake. There are a couple Tier 2 players (Jaxson Hayes and Brandon Clarke, for example) I could potentially be talked into moving up from Pick #14 to secure (would cost one of pick 20 or 22 to get up to the 8-10 range), but I’m much more comfortable just selecting where the Celtics currently sit.
Trading out is the option that really appeals to me, either for established players or future picks. If for future picks, the 2020 Draft is appealing in that it’s flush with lead guard prospects, should the Celtics need one of those soon. The 2021 Draft is highlighted by a few potential superstar prospects at the top, and the 2022 Draft should include high school players and be overloaded with talent.
StrategyWith the 14th pick, I’d target whichever of my Tier 2 big men is on the board. Clarke is a name that’s been fairly consistently linked to the Celtics and would be an excellent fit. I see this pick as less of an “upside” swing and more a chance to secure a high-probability front court contributor. At picks 20 and 22, I’d want to snag a player with initiator upside, and there should be a few intriguing options. If none of those are available, I’d opt for a high-probability rotation wing with one of the two picks, and several of those will surely be available. With the other pick, I’d take a swing on one of the riskier players with potential high-level outcomes. Some candidates could be one of the bigs with injury concerns, like Bol Bol or Jontay Porter, who would both complement the other two selections well. Thanks for reading and be on the lookout for my big board rolling out on the site in the next few days. If you want to stay up on who the Celtics have had contact with, I’d recommend checking out this workout tracker I’ve been running. If you’re trying to cram draft coverage over the next week, I’d suggest checking out the work by all the wonderful people over at The Stepien and Red Team Scouting, smart friends Jackson Frank, Ben Pfeifer, Trevor Magnotti, and many more. Get excited. We’re in for a wild week.
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 0:40:58 GMT -5
Although I expect 1 or 2 picks to be moved either for Davis, another star to replace Kyrie or to move up in the draft, I will make my selections for each of our three picks as if we were keeping all.
Here are some of my favorites ... after some more research I'll list the three I like best for each pick.
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 0:44:26 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 0:46:07 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 0:48:02 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 21:56:23 GMT -5
The next Marcus Smart should he be traded for Davis:
Celtics 1st rd options in NBA Draft: Wa guard Matisse ThybulleBy A. Sherrod Blakely www.nbcsports.com/boston/video/matisse-thybulle-one-watch?ls=social-vid BOSTON -- Getting players to buy into playing defense is among the many challenges most coaches face at all levels. And then you come across a player such as Matisse Thybulle, who wants to play defense and only defense if he can help it. A two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at Washington, there’s no question he comes into next week's draft as a defensive specialist whose greatest impact early on will indeed be on that end of the floor. And that is what makes him such an intriguing prospect for the Celtics, who are likely to give some thought to selecting him with one of their three first-round picks (most likely at No. 20 or No. 22). At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan, Thybulle (pronounced THY-BULL) has the kind of build that allows him to guard both backcourt positions as well as some small forwards. Many will point to Thybulle’s gaudy numbers defensively as being a product of being in a zone-centered defense. Here’s the problem with that line of thinking. Teams have been playing zone defense for decades and yet no Division I player at the wing position put up the kind of numbers Thybulle posted last season (3.5 steals and 2.3 blocks per game). Much of his success defensively lies in his instincts, basketball IQ and court awareness. And in this age of the NBA, players do more defending in space, which is a basketball fundamental rooted in zone principles that we’re seeing more of than ever in the NBA. The big concern regarding Thybulle lies in what he can or can’t do offensively. Although he only averaged 9.2 points per game in his four seasons at Washington, he was a career 50.7 percent shooter on 2-pointers and a career 35.8 percent shooter from 3-point range. But he’s not much of a shot-creator for himself or teammates, even though he has shown flashes from time to time of being able to make plays for himself or others. And while they are physically built differently, Thybulle’s approach to the game in many ways mirrors that of Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Smart, named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team this past season, showed progress as a shot-maker by hitting career highs from the field (42.2 percent) and 3-point range (36.4 percent). Still, he knows all too well that it’s his defense more than anything else, that’ll keep him in the NBA for years to come. Thybulle appears to play with a similar mindset, making him an ideal target for Boston. “He has decent mechanics on his shot; it’s just that he doesn’t look for it,” a Western scout told NBC Sports Boston. “But his defense I believe, can be a difference-maker for you, kind of like [Marcus] Smart. That’s why I think he’ll be a solid player at the next level.”
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 22:10:11 GMT -5
JALEN LECQUE, BREWSTER ACADEMY (NH)
The Celtics didn't shy away from prep-to-pros guys back in the day (Al Jefferson, Gerald Green) and the team could take a second-round flyer on Lecque, 18, eligible for the draft after a year of prep ball locally at Brewster Academy. He was ticketed for NC State but decided to go pro. Depending on how Boston’s roster shakes down, the team might have a desire for a player it could stash in the G-League or overseas and develop. Scouts seem to think that Lecque has first-round potential but most teams will be leery without seeing at the college level. Lecque at least got everyone’s attention at the combine with the best vertical leap of 43 inches.
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 22:28:24 GMT -5
CARSEN EDWARDS, PURDUE
The Celtics have had a lot of luck with undersized guards capable of scoring, especially when the rest of the league views them as bench players (miss you, Isaiah). The 6-foot Edwards averaged 24.3 points per game at Purdue and, while he can handle the ball, he’s more likely to create for himself than others (only 2.9 assists per game last season). As former Celtics assistant Micah Shrewsberry dives into his new gig at Purdue, he can funnel all the necessary intel on Edwards to Boston’s decision-makers.
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 22:29:48 GMT -5
TY JEROME, VIRGINIA At 6-foot-5, Jerome is bigger (and slower) than the guards that Ainge has typically targeted but his high basketball IQ is what will intrigue the Celtics. With an NBA-ready pick-and-roll game, Jerome could give Boston’s bench a floor general who can hit the open 3-point shot but is more willing to defer to teammates. Jerome's lack of athleticism could limit his ceiling at the next level but his size and playmaking make him an intriguing late first-round option. www.nbcsports.com/boston/video/2019-nba-draft-highlights-ty-jerome?b
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2019 22:31:15 GMT -5
COBY WHITE, NORTH CAROLINA
The Celtics would probably have to move up to snag White, who’s projected in some mocks to be a top-10 selection but he certainly checks a lot of boxes. Size? Yup. Energy? Definitely. Speed? Oh yeah. Tommy Heinsohn would love to see this kid cranking the tempo in transition. White needs to improve his decision making and limit his turnovers if he develops as a point guard but his 4.1 assists per game at North Carolina prove he’s capable of creating for himself and others.
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Post by Admin on Jun 15, 2019 0:14:38 GMT -5
If any tier two bigs slide they have preference over this pick @ 14 ... (Hayes, Clarke or maybe even Bol or Bitadze)
With #14 a rotation sniper who might help scoring should we lose Tatum in a trade unless we lose this pick too:
Johnson reminds me of Gallinari, long sharpshooter lacking speed & athleticism but he can guard forwards something Tatum wasn't so good at although he could get taken advantage in the P&R by opponents.
Poor handle, fouls alot and not a good passer but don't ask him to create his own shot or get too nifty with passing ... he's got pedigree though as a nephew to Mutombo with a 7'3" wingspan and can shoot the three and protect the rim! Big rebounder & sht blocker that's mobile on switches and out to perimeter. Could be our Serge Ibaka.
A SG in the mold of Ainge ... gritty & tough, elite spot-up shooter; crafty dribbler and playmaker; efficient scorer, not a great athlete; could struggle defending against quicker, more explosive guards ... our next Malcolm Brogdon (?).
In the 2nd round (#51) we get our PG of the future ...
Lecque is the No. 6 combo guard and No. 33 player overall in the 2019 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. He had committed to the North Carolina State Wolfpack and officially signed his letter of intent last November.
Before Lecque formally pledged to NC State, ESPN.com's Jonathan Givony noted he was eligible for the 2019 draft.
He attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, for what was a fifth year of high school. As a result, he'll be a full year removed from his original graduating class in 2018. Throw in the fact he'll turn 19 in 2019, and he can make the jump to the NBA immediately.
Speaking with Givony, Lecque was on the fence about what he'd decide but acknowledged his NBA aspirations:
"I am interested in everything because the NBA is my goal at the end of the day. I want to be a great college player, but my end goal is to help my family. I want to be a concrete Round 1 player if I do make that decision. If I'm guaranteed a Round 1 position, then you never know. I could see myself doing it if I am in a good position at the end of the year. A college education is so important and making that jump is really hard, so I really gotta think about that, but if I'm Round 1, then that's different."
The allure of turning pro now is obvious. Even if Lecque goes undrafted or is unable to earn an NBA contract for the 2019-20 season, he can ply his trade overseas or in the NBA G League and make money.
At 6'4" and 190 pounds, Lecque has the frame to thrive at the next level. His athleticism is off the charts as well. He could've given the competition a run for its money if he had entered the 2019 Slam Dunk Contest.
Lecque's shooting is a different matter, though. In 20 games on the AAU circuit with New York Renaissance in 2018, he made 43.6 percent of his total field goals but just 15.8 percent of his three-pointers, according to D1Circuit.com.
The Athletic's Michael Scotto examined Lecque's situation in January and spoke to NBA scouts who singled out that aspect of his game:
"The consensus is clear. Lecque has elite athleticism that will translate to the league immediately, but he must develop a more consistent jump shot and his skills as a full-time point guard before he will become a rotational player in the pros. The only reason to enter the draft is if he receives a first-round guarantee from a team that will develop him patiently."
Lecque obviously believes playing in the NBA or the G League will be more beneficial for his development than spending a season at NC State.
His decision is a tough blow for the Wolfpack, who have generally struggled to attract blue-chip recruits. Head coach Kevin Keatts will have been gearing much of his plans in 2019-20 around Lecque, and now those plans are going out the window.
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Post by Cabutan on Jun 15, 2019 1:53:23 GMT -5
JALEN LECQUE, BREWSTER ACADEMY (NH)
The Celtics didn't shy away from prep-to-pros guys back in the day (Al Jefferson, Gerald Green) and the team could take a second-round flyer on Lecque, 18, eligible for the draft after a year of prep ball locally at Brewster Academy. He was ticketed for NC State but decided to go pro. Depending on how Boston’s roster shakes down, the team might have a desire for a player it could stash in the G-League or overseas and develop. Scouts seem to think that Lecque has first-round potential but most teams will be leery without seeing at the college level. Lecque at least got everyone’s attention at the combine with the best vertical leap of 43 inches.
i like it. Looks like a good project worth a try.
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Post by kyceltic on Jun 15, 2019 17:25:16 GMT -5
CLARK, Bol Bol, Carsen Edwards!! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!
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Post by Admin on Jun 16, 2019 1:03:58 GMT -5
Austin Ainge attends Bol impressive workout - who drafts him, and where?
By Tom Lane
Photo via Troy Wayrynen/USAToday Sports
I have been trying to find out if the Celtics Austin Ainge attended the Bol Bol workout a few days ago. Adam Himmelsbach supplied the answer in his tweet below. It looks like Austin was there to see Bol's athleticism, quickness, ball handling and shooting prowess. The son is definitely going to be better than his late dad, Manute - and Manute had a 10-year NBA career.
General Managers in today's NBA fear height. What I mean is that major height often means major injuries - and Bol has a foot issue. But he is not one-dimensional. For guy his size (7'2"), he can move, cover guys on the perimeter, handle the ball - and shoot it as well. But did I mention the foot? Yes, that is scaring off suitors.
Recent mock drafts generally have Bol being taken in the early 20's in the first round. Some analysts feel he is worth a shot much sooner, maybe in the early teens. No one knows for sure where he will go in the draft. He is a wild card. But at #22, if he remains on the board, Danny Ainge needs to grab him. Could he be a bust? Sure! But add some strength and muscle mass to that tall frame, and Bol could become a rebounding, rim protecting, floor-stretching big - unless, of course, that foot issue erupts. We'll know more in five more days.
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Post by hedleylamarr on Jun 16, 2019 11:56:56 GMT -5
Bol Herro Semanic
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 10:00:04 GMT -5
Rumor: Celtics have been aggressive trying to trade picksWoj reports that the Celtics don’t want 3 rookies next yearBy Jeff ClarkThe Celtics have 3 first round picks in the NBA Draft (picks 14, 20, and 22) as well as a 2nd rounder (51 overall). They also have a pretty young roster which centers around 2 guys under 23 years old (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown) and includes Robert Williams, whom they are trying to develop. It should come as no surprise that they aren’t very eager to add 3 or 4 more kids to the mix. Woj reported on ESPN just that: I’m told that they have been really aggressive out in the marketplace... again, 3 picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft, I’m told they don’t want to have 3 rookies on the team. You can expect one way or another at least one, maybe 2 of those picks end up somewhere else.This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that rumor, but it is interesting to hear it in the wake of the Anthony Davis trade. Regardless of the Kyrie Irving decision, it sounds like they’ll be looking to make some deals on draft night. Trading up doesn’t make a ton of sense in this draft (many consider it to be very “flat” meaning there’s not a lot of separation between players within certain tiers). They might try trading out of the draft for future assets if only to kick the can down the road a bit. There aren’t a lot of great draft-and-stash options this year.So that leaves the option of trading picks for current players. The problem there is that you still have to match salaries in most cases and there aren’t a lot of middle-range salaries the Celtics can offer up to teams without giving up someone they want to hold on to.Now, they can want to make a move and still not find any takers. Having future assets is great until you can’t use them to trade for anyone and you are forced to pick a player that other teams may or may not have any interest in. Draft night is always an adventure and this year should be must-see TV once again.
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 12:01:29 GMT -5
Now that we know Tatum & Brown will be the core of the Celltics for years to come, I'm revising my draft pick selections since we no longer need to replace Tatum's offense. That said, I believe Ainge only keeps 1 or 2 of the 3 picks. He'd be well served to trade at least one pick this draft for a higher pick in a future draft that will have more talent. As stated in the report above, it's too difficult to trade a pick & contract for another player having to match contracts when you have few mid-range contracts and the ones you do have are players you want to keep.
Given the situation at PG (Irving going, going, gone ... and Rozier wanting out and not the best qualified to be the starting PG anyone) one might feel pressure to draft a PG in the 1st round but I think the C's will want some experience at that position right now and someone like Rubio makes a lot of sense. We will have a chance at that future PG in round 2 but I admit, if Coby White were to slip some and the C's be able to move up to get him (highly unlikely) that be my first option. Hayes (Center) would also give me pause to make a move though we still have Williams and Baynes at center as well as Horford (PF/C) should his contract be redone as expected. For my book, you can never have enough bigs and rebounding but Ainge has never valued the center position or proven an ability to draft/develop a center unless Williams is given an opportunity and breaks the ice.
So with PG & C out of the equation for pick #14, that brings us to the next couple of needs ... PF & SG.
Clark, Doumbouya, Hachimura & Washington are all intriguing at PF but they are all lacking in length (6'9" or under) and I prefer 6'10" and someone with strength and stamina who won't be pushed around or as Danny would say, "a full grown man."
That limits us to one of two PF's as I see it ... Kabengele or Samanic. Both are 6'10" or 6'11" and 256 lbs/ 227 lbs respectively. #14 is too high for Samanic and maybe Kabengele as well but in this case to beat other teams out we may have to reach some to get him as he probably won't be there with the #20 pick.
If not Kabengele then for SG's we have a few options ... Herro, Keldon Johnson, Alexander-Walker or Jerome (Porter Jr too inconsistent and not worthy of top 15 pick). We all know how talk of the Herro workout for the C's got attention but who let that news get out? Wouldn't the C's want to keep that quiet if Herro were their pick? I'll consider him from all the hoopla but I don't like his stats when compared to the other options. Johnson sounds like a player needing 4-5 yrs to develop while we need someone to fit in with the J-Team now! That leaves Alexander-Walker or Jerome. Walker is a guard somewhat like Rozier in that he could player any wing position in 1-2 yrs and could bust out right away in the SG position and have a top 5 season ... a nice fit for the J-Team with size & athleticism! Jerome as already been written about and is another great fit but he s/b there at #20 or #22.
So either we take Alexander-Walker or Kabengele with #14.
If we are keeping two picks then I go with Kabengele with #14 and Jerome with the other pick (20 or 22) ...
If we move two picks and just keep #14 I suppose Alexander-Walker would be the obvious pick for that slot given team needs and his flexibility of 3 positions. That said, I still like Kabengele and in round 2 another potential J-Team member in Jalen Lecque (PG).
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2019 12:11:32 GMT -5
Still partial to Bol Bol.
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Post by Cabutan on Jun 18, 2019 12:21:57 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 12:32:28 GMT -5
Still partial to Bol Bol.
I hear ya but he'd have to be taken with #22 and either we won't have that pick or Bol will be gone ...
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 12:35:37 GMT -5
I'd be happy with either Garland or White if we can move up that high (#4) but from #14 to #4 is an unusually big jump and the cost makes that generally impossible. It does make sense that the Pels & Celtics work together so both teams get what they want/need but I'll believe it when we see it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2019 12:50:53 GMT -5
I'd be happy with either Garland or White if we can move up that high (#4) but from #14 to #4 is an unusually big jump and the cost makes that generally impossible. It does make sense that the Pels & Celtics work together so both teams get what they want/need but I'll believe it when we see it.
I have read that any talk of the acquiring #4 pick from NO "starts with the Memphis pick..." Not sure I am willing to go that high for Garland.
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 13:00:52 GMT -5
Best fits for the Celtics on Draft NightThe NBA Draft is right around the corner. There is no telling which picks they will have, but who are the best prospects out there for the Celtics to choose?By Jack Noonan
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA Finals has concluded, and now all eyes shift toward the 2019 NBA Draft this coming Thursday, June 20th. It will be a day full of speculation for the Boston Celtics as they come into the draft with three first round picks (and a second) and a flurry of trade rumors. Of course, for our coverage, we will assume that the Celtics will be keeping all of their draft selections so that we all can get a better understanding of which college prospects are out there and could help the Celtics roster. Make sure you also check out Max Carlin’s draft coverage of his Draft Big Board and his draft philosophies for the 2019 class. Let’s take a closer look into which draft prospects would be the best fit for the Celtics. It is important to distinguish between the top prospects and the realistic options in this draft because there will be hidden talent throughout with a player being ranked 15th overall on one person’s big board and 30th on another. The Celtics will have a good opportunity to hit a home run with one of their late first round picks. As a refresher, the Celtics will have picks #14, #20, #22, and #51 coming into Thursday night. The prospects around these selections will differ, so I will have three tiers of prospects to be on the watch for the Celtics to choose on Draft Night. The main priorities for Boston should be looking to add to their depth at both the point guard and power forward/center positions.
Pick # 14
Coby White- 6’5” Guard, North CarolinaThis may be wishful thinking, but if Coby White falls down to pick #14, he would be a great selection for the Celtics. The point guard need will be important to address with Kyrie Irving inevitability leaving on July 1st. White is a high upside point guard who has the handles and basketball IQ to quickly help whatever lineup is around him. His elite scoring ability and shot-creation will also be transferable into the Celtics system which will be a nice addition after losing the production from Kyrie. He would slide nicely into a roster in need of point-guard depth.
Brandon Clarke- 6’8” Forward, GonzagaPersonally, Clarke is my favorite player at this pick. He has become the mid-round darling of the draft. Clarke comes in as another defense-first prospect that is working to develop his offensive game. He is a versatile defender who can stay in the post or switch out around the perimeter and still hold his own. He is a great pick here for the Celtics because he can (hopefully) learn from Al Horford on how to translate his game to become a five-tool player on the floor. Clarke brings the effort and intensity to translate well on the current Celtics roster.
Picks #20 & #22Matisse Thybulle- 6’6” Wing, Washington
If the Celtics are to keep one of these picks in the 20’s, the selection should be taking Matisse Thybulle. Defense is the name of the game with this player. He is your stereotypical long-armed wing prospect with a wingspan measuring at 7’0”. Thybulle had unbelievable defensive numbers in his four years at Washington. He averaged 4.5 steals and 2.8 blocks per 40 minutes and was the catalyst for the Huskies’ zone defense. The biggest question marks come from how he will transition to an NBA defense and, above all else, his offense. Over time, I feel like the Brad Stevens system could help him develop into a decent scorer. His college free throw percentage was 85.1%, so that tells you that the shot is there, but it just needs to be adapted for a consistent NBA game. Next to Marcus Smart, Thybulle would wreak havoc on defense. Pair them with some more consistent shooters and that is a competitive lineup against any team.
Grant Williams- 6’8” Forward, TennesseeAs a graduate of the University of Tennessee, I saw first-hand Grant Williams’ development in his three years in Knoxville. These past two seasons, he has taken his game to another level. No one is certain where he fits at the NBA level and is someone who has been all across draft boards heading into Thursday night. Williams was a Naismith Finalist this year and a two-time SEC Player of the Year.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Offensively, he turned into Tennessee’s go-to option crafting into a multi-use player scoring effectively both in the post and on the pick-and-roll cutting and finishing around the rim. Williams still needs to find a three-point shot to be able to make it in the NBA, but the opportunity can be there with the Celtics. He could fit behind Horford and learn to be a reliable player in the league. Williams has the effort and motor to work on his game to become a long-term asset for the Celtics. Bol Bol- 7’2” Center, OregonIt felt necessary to add this prospect to the list because of the continuing speculation of the Celtics taking a risk on this center from Oregon. Personally, I would stay away, but the Celtics three first-round picks is the reasoning behind this gamble. Bol is one of the biggest question marks in the draft, but his measurables alone make him an enticing pick.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY SportsHe has a 7’7” wingspan for rim protection while also being able to shoot a solid three ball. The biggest turnoff is the question of his physicality down in the post at an NBA level. Will he be able to hold his own to make an impact down there without much weight on his bones? That is a huge concern, but, as many have said before, he could be an interesting flyer for the Celtics to take in this draft.
Pick #51In all reality, if the Celtics somehow keep all their picks, this pick will most likely be used for an international player that they can stash overseas for a season or two to spread out the influx of rookies coming in to an already young roster. It may very well be a prospect no one has heard of. So, instead of speculating on that possibility, I wanted to still add two names that would impact the roster next season.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Shamorie Ponds- 6’1” Point Guard, St. John’sFirst up is the do-it-all guard out of St. Johns. Ponds is a pure scoring point guard that did everything for the team last season. He can get to any area on the court and create his own shot with ease. Occasionally, he finds himself getting into trouble taking shots that are not always good looks. Ponds biggest knock is that he forces either passes or shots that result in mistakes that do not translate well at the NBA level. If the Celtics are looking for a scoring-first point guard that can be a good source of depth, Ponds could the late round steal for them.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jontay Porter- 6’11” Forward/Center, MissouriThe last prospect to highlight is Jontay Porter out of Missouri. Porter is another one of those question marks in this draft as he is coming off his second torn ACL in six months. In terms of positives, he is a passing big man who can impact the game outside of committing to the paint. He actually does not have the best rebounding skills, so he makes up for it creating space in the paint pulling his defender out. For the Celtics to draft Porter, it would be a huge risk. It makes things a bit easier at #51, but nonetheless, there are multiple red flags attached if Porter is the selection. The Celtics will almost certainly be making moves leading up to or on Draft Night. Even as that may be the case, these prospects would all be solid fits with the Celtics heading into next year. There is always a common theme of high motor, defense-first guys that Danny Ainge is attracted to. This draft class has some diamond in the rough prospect which fit that mold perfectly for him and the Celtics.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2019 13:06:37 GMT -5
I do like Thybulle, but if we select him I think it means Marcus Smart may get moved.
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Post by Admin on Jun 18, 2019 13:11:09 GMT -5
I do like Thybulle, but if we select him I think it means Marcus Smart may get moved.
Exactly ... no need for another defensive player with questionable offensive skill unless Smart is gone and that no longer seems to be the case.
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