What was supposed to be a (potentially) banner-raising season for the Boston Celtics was nothing more than an absolute bust. All season, the team battled chemistry issues, egos that were larger than they should be, and playing time imbalances. Even after Kyrie Irving promised Boston that he’ll stay during a season ticket holder event this preseason, it surely looks like he’s a liar. And honestly, I’m pretty positive everyone feels the same way about Kyrie after witnessing a full season of his antics: GTFO.
Thankfully, Danny Ainge refused to give up Jayson Tatum in a deal for another rental, as AD’s agent repeatedly confirmed his client would be leaving after a year. He too, can GTFO. I would love to see this Celtics team re-embrace the grit that came along with the 2007-2008 Celtics, and even the Isaiah Thomas teams. One season of constant whining is enough. Let’s get back to what makes Boston, well, Boston.
With that, we’re onto the off-season, and the impending 2019 NBA Draft.
Celtics Roster Needs
Aside from a “#1” the Celtics need a few pieces. Lucky for them, they have 3 first round picks and plenty of options. While this draft class isn’t thought to be very deep, there are quite a few “good fit” players expected to be available where their selections fall.
To many, the most glaring need for the Celtics is a spot-up 3 point assassin. There were far too many times where they had good spacing and the perfect shot lined up, only to clank it off the front or back rim. The Celtics are really efficient at getting to the hoop or creating open opportunities with their passing (unless they have decided to play hero ball), but they lack a guy to consistently knock down a shot. Of course, I’m not talking about needing a Steph Curry or Klay Thompson (though that would obviously be ideal). Think Lou Williams or JJ Redick.
Next, Boston needs a force in the paint. Aron Baynes has become a fan favorite during his time in Boston, most notably impressing Tommy Heinsohn. And while he’s an all-out, max-effort guy, the problem is, he’s not that great. He’s the ideal 5 off the bench, but the Celtics struggled with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid as there was nobody there to contest the rim. Perhaps Robert Williams will fill that need someday, but the Celtics certainly could use some help there.
Finally, the Celtics need someone to run the point. With Kyrie leaving, people expect the Celtics to resign Scary Terry Rozier, who is currently a restricted free agent. However, Terry didn’t seem too enthused at the idea of returning to Boston during his end of season weigh in on ESPN. Hopefully he feels better knowing Kyrie’s all but packed his bags, but there isn’t certainty yet. Fans, myself included, would welcome Isaiah Thomas or Rajon Rondo back to Boston with open arms, but if Rozier resigns, those options become less likely, as all three players are ball-dominant PGs.
So, get to the punchline. Who are they taking?
Celtics Draft Targets
The Boston Celtics have picks #14, #20, #22 and #51. For each pick I’ll outline who I expect them to take, along with two other options. I do expect the Celtics to try to trade at least one of their 3 first round picks, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they dealt to move up in the draft to take a player like Nassir Little, who I expect to be gone somewhere between 8 and 12, but for the purposes of this blog, we’ll pretend there aren’t any trades.
Round 1, Pick #14
PROJECTED SELECTION: Tyler Herro, SG – KENTUCKY
The latest 6’6″ product of Jim Calipari’s Wildcat factory has the effort and fire of a Marcus Smart, but the shot of a JJ Redick. He’s also lights out in pressure situations. While he’s not the best defender, his hustle makes up for it. Herro is known to have a high basketball IQ, something that is increasingly important in a faster paced NBA. Herro put his quick thinking and shot-making skills on display in the SEC and NCAA Tournament, leaving scouts thinking that he’s better than his 35% mark from behind the arc. (He did have a stretch of 5 out of 7 games where he shot better than 40% from three point land this season).
Herro has worked out with the Celtics, and he apparently impressed. According to the report, he knocked down 80 of 100 threes, which is eerily reminiscent of Jayson Tatum’s 81 of 100 showing during his pre-draft workout.
Herro is moving up draft boards as we speak, and he’s left some wondering if he’s got the upside of Devin Booker. The Celtics and Herro seem to be a match made in heaven. If the Celtics grab him at #14, look for Herro to become an instant fan favorite.
Other targets to watch for at #14
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG – VIRGINIA TECH
Alexander -Walker led Virginia Tech to one of the best seasons in recent memory for the Hokies. At 6’6″, Nickeil is a long guard, who is also known for his high basketball IQ. He understands when to attack the rim, pass the ball (4.0 APG), or pull up for a jumper. He also uses the pick-and-roll offense well. Perhaps his best trait is his three point shooting. Alexander-Walker drained 37% of his threes on 4.5 attempts per game last year. Defensively, he’s very instinctive, averaging 1.9 steals per game. He needs to improve on fighting through contact if he’s to fully utilize his frame on the defensive end, but he does make hustle plays.
Overall, he profiles close to a Spencer Dinwiddie type. He’s more of a SG and not likely to be a starting PG, but he definitely has the upside to log a ton of minutes. If he’s able to fill out his frame, he’s got the chance to become a starter someday.
As an added benefit, Celtics fans would have two different Nickeil/N’Keal’s to root for.
Nassir Little, SF – NORTH CAROLINA
In all likelihood he’s going to go around 8-12 as mentioned above. Little has it all. He averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds as a Freshman at North Carolina after coming out of high school as a top recruit. Unfortunately, he never found his rhythm at North Carolina, shooting only 26.9 percent from three. He’s got a 7′ wingspan and huge athleticism, but hasn’t put any of those pieces together. Physically he’s got Kawhi Leonard upside, but more realistically, he’s closer to Gerald Wallace.
However, as Jonathan Wasserman tweeted, Little shot well during his workout with the Celtics. If teams have really cooled on his stock and he falls here, it could be the steal of the whole draft, should Little reach his mouthwatering potential ceiling.
Bol Bol, C – OREGON
Scroll down.
Round 1, Pick #20
PROJECTED SELECTION: Bol Bol, C – OREGON
Quite possibly the most polarizing person in the draft, the 19 year old son of the NBA’s tallest player ever (Manute Bol – 7’7″), Bol Bol is somewhat of an enigma. At 7’2″ with a 7’5″ wingspan, and able to absolutely Drano® three-pointers (52% on 2.8 attempts per game), Bol Bol’s game might be the most unique of anyone’s in recent memory. His standing reach was measured at a whopping 9’6″ – giving Bol the ability to dunk without even needing to gather.
Bol Bol’s numbers were monstrous. He averaged 21.0 PPG, shot 75.7% from the charity stripe, was aggressive on the boards with 9.6 RPG (2.1 of which came on the offensive end), and had 2.7 blocks per game. Quite honestly, he’s got the potential to be downright lethal on both ends of the floor.
However, Bol missed all but 9 games at Oregon due to a stress fracture in his left foot. And at 7’2″ and an extremely thin 226 lbs, injuries are the main concern. While Joel Embiid battled the same question marks coming out of Kansas, scouts believed it would be easier for him to add muscle to his frame than it would be for Bol.
Still, with three first round picks and the need to take a high-upside player, the Celtics have the ability to take on this kind of risk at pick #20. If it doesn’t pan out, as many #20’s don’t, no harm no foul. However, if Bol Bol can stay healthy, the Celtics might’ve found their version of Milwaukee’s 2013 first round steal.
Other targets to watch for at #20
Bruno Fernando, C – MARYLAND
Fernando is a big dude. He’s actually only 6’10”, but the violence with which he plays makes him seem larger than that. He’s an explosive athlete who finishes really well around the rim. From the line, he shoots an impressive 75%. However, beyond 12-15 feet, Fernando’s shooting ability is pretty non-existent. While he does show good touch for a big man and he’s great at dunks and alley-oops, his complete offensive game simply isn’t there yet.
Defensively, he’s exactly the type of player Celtics fans have wanted ever since Kendrick Perkins was traded away. Fernando loves contact and he’s willing to give up the his body in the paint. He’s a very good rebounder, attacking the rim with two hands every time.
If he can develop more of an offensive game, his upside will only increase, but for now, Fernando profiles as a Steven Adams or Serge Ibaka type player.
Goga Bitadze, C – GEORGIA (the country)
Bitadze is an intriguing option for the Celtics, should they not find a trade partner for one of their picks. Although it’s believed that he’d begin his career in the NBA right away, he could return to Europe for another season as a “draft-and-stash” prospect.
Goga rebounds well, doesn’t shy away from contact, and has a nice mid-range game, but he does lack explosiveness. Bitadze has drawn comparisons to Nenad Krstic and Jusuf Nurkic for his size and mobility.
“One thing that’s well known right now is the plethora of international starting centers in the league. He fits in that mold eventually. He’s big, he’s tough, he’s sturdy. He’s skilled and he continues to improve his 3-point shooting. He definitely has the capability of being a modern NBA big man in the Enes Kanter, Nikola Jokic realm. I don’t want to say he’s as good as any of those guys but it’s certainly similar background and experience coming into the NBA. In my opinion, unless someone decides to bite on him a little early, he’s right in the Celtics wheelhouse.”
– ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla on Goga Bitadze’s upside
Round 1, Pick #22
PROJECTED SELECTION: Carsen Edwards, PG – PURDUE
Carsen Edwards has Celtics written all over him. The undersized, high-octane PG is, in my opinion, a much better version of Isaiah Thomas.
All you need to know about Carsen Edwards can be seen in his Elite Eight performance versus Virginia in this year’s tournament. While his Boilermakers lost 80-75, Edwards’ heart was on full display for all to watch. He ended the contest with a whopping 42 of his team’s 75 points. He hit TEN (10) THREES during the game, something only 3 other players have done in tournament history.
That one game wasn’t a fluke. Edwards managed to average an unreal 34.8 PPG during Purdue’s 4 tournament games. During his epic run, Edwards broke the three-point record for most by a player in a single tournament. He had 28 in only 4 games, breaking Glen Rice’s record of 27 in SIX GAMES.
In a time where every point guard seems to be 6’4″ or taller, the undersized Edwards wasn’t in the conversation to be a first rounder before his March Madness run. He’s had a really great career at Purdue and he’s only continued to prove that he can excel in the biggest of moments. The Celtics would be lucky to take him here.
Other targets to watch for at #22
Ty Jerome, PG – VIRGINIA
Jerome was the starting PG for the March Madness champion, Virginia Cavaliers. At first pass, Ty Jerome possesses many of the tools you would drool over in a PG. He’s extremely efficient, makes great, quick decisions, plays lockdown defense, and he’s able to shoot well from three (40%).
So why would he be available so late? Quite honestly, he’s really just too slow. Jerome doesn’t have any explosiveness and oftentimes gets lost on defense when he’s matched up against a faster guard.
If the Celtics take Jerome, they’re buying into an NBA ready role-player with good intangibles, as Jerome is noted for his fiery leadership.
Kevin Porter Jr., SG – USC
If it weren’t for off-the-court bad behavior, Porter Jr. would easily be a middle of the lottery pick. A newly minted 19 year old standing at 6’6″ and 218 lbs, Porter Jr. has high level NBA athleticism. He’s fast with the ball and like James Harden, doesn’t hesitate to stop on a dime to take a spot-up shot. He shot 41.2% from 3, while still slashing towards the rim with ease. Porter logged 7.2 rebounds per 40 mins while at USC and definitely puts in the reps defensively.
Now to the bad stuff. Porter Jr. was suspended indefinitely by USC due to ‘Personal Conduct Issues’ and the details were never disclosed. One can feel free to speculate, but the point is that his conduct must’ve been pretty bad for the Trojans to suspend their 5-star, 28th in the nation, ranked freshman for the season.
The Celtics did draft Robert Williams, who had work-ethic questions, and they did invite Porter Jr. to Boston for a workout, so perhaps Danny Ainge can see past the teenager’s troubles.
Obviously Bruno Fernando and Bol Bol make sense here, too.
Round 2, Pick #51
PROJECTED SELECTION: Jalen Lecque, PG – USA
Lecque has now had two workouts with the Celtics. Coming out of Brewster Academy, the 6’4″ 18-year old Point Guard from New Jersey chose to enter the draft instead of attending NC State. Lecque is an absolutely explosive athlete. “Baby Westbrook” as they call him, has some serious bounce and ability to get to the rim.
At this point though, Lecque is nothing more than a high-upside project. If he puts it all together he can really turn some heads.
Other targets to watch for at #51
Shamorie Ponds, PG – ST. JOHN’S
Ponds, a lefty from St. John’s definitely has some intrigue in the late second round. Ponds made the First Team All-Big East for the second season in a row after averaging 19.7 points per game, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 steals. He led the Big East in both steals and assists. Ponds shot 45.4 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three point territory.
He’s got some nice playmaking ability and he’s visited the Celtics for a workout.
Luguentz Dort, SG – ARIZONA STATE
Lu Dort looks like a football player and sometimes plays like one. He’s very physical and he’s never going to shy away from contact. Dort is able to cause turnovers with his good footwork and lateral movement and his vision allows him to intercept passes on occasion.
Offensively Dort is, well, meh. While he doesn’t shy away from shooting, he might want to consider doing so, as he isn’t consistent enough to warrant a shot as often as he takes it. He’s improved his perimeter game, but it’s still not NBA ready. Dort’s physicality gives him upside here, but that’s about it.
TL;DR Recap
Round 1:
#14 – Tyler Herro, SG – KENTUCKY
#20 – Bol Bol, C – OREGON
#22 – Carsen Edwards, PG – PURDUE
Round 2:
#51 – Jalen Lecque, PG – USA (Brewster Academy)
