The Boston Celtics appear to be in a good position heading into this Entry Draft as they should walk away with a top-five pick to complement their 17th overall pick which is coming to them courtesy of the Brooklyn Nets. General Manager Danny Ainge has already voiced his opinions on this draft saying that it lacks a true game changer a la Kevin Durant; however, there is no questioning the depth to this draft class and the Celtics should be able to pull a couple solid prospects here.
In addition to having high hopes via the draft, the Celtics also hope to acquire a free-agent with their remaining salary cap space. Rumours are abound and they will pick up steam as the draft nears that the Celtics could make a play for Minnesota’s Kevin Love. While this rumour is just that at this point it certainly would bear consideration for Minnesota if the Celtics lottery pick turns out to be a top three pick.
When it comes to identifying roster needs the Celtics pretty much have them across the board. With Rajon Rondo being the stalwart at the point and assuming he doesn’t get moved before the season tips off, he will be the man for Boston. Rondo will be playing on an expiring contract however and Ainge might just see the writing on the wall and move Rondo before he can bolt Beantown on his own terms.
Biggest Draft Day Need:
Assuming the Celtics keep their picks in this draft, they could get better in a hurry with a couple decent prospects here. With a top-five lottery pick they will be in the running for any one of the best prospects in the draft. With their 17th overall pick they will be looking for the best player available whose left on the board.
A player who impressed mightily at the Draft Combine this year was UCLA’s Zach Lavine. Once believed to be undersized for a two guard, he measured in at 6’4.5” with a 6’ 8.25” reach which is plenty tall enough and long enough for a shooting guard.
Not only were Lavine’s physical traits impressive to scouts but he also impressed with his agility, athleticism and shooting touches. According to the official NBA stats from the combine, Lavine had the second best max vertical jump among point guards with a 41.5”, he tied for the best standing vertical with a 33.5”, he was the fastest in the in lane agility drill with a 10.42 seconds, he was also the fastest in the NBA shuttle run with 2.8 seconds and finished a close second in the 3/4 court sprint with a 3.19 second run.
Coming into the draft Lavine was viewed as a player with a high ceiling; however, his draft positioning was in question. After a strong showing at the combine he left scouts with little doubt that he can play at the NBA level and he would be worth a mid-first round pick.
The Celtics would do well if they could snap Lavine up here with the 17th overall pick. Pair this kid with say a Joel Embid in the paint and Rondo in the backcourt and all of a sudden the Celtics have a foundation that could return them to relevance in the Association.