NBA Draft: What Should The Boston Celtics Do?
The Boston Celtics have been in the middle of many different trade discussions for the past week. As we approach the NBA Draft, there are still many questions left unanswered, and general manager Danny Ainge certainly never fails to surprise.
For now, let’s just say that the Celtics are going to stick with making some moves in the NBA draft, whether that means staying put at No. 16, No. 28, No. 33, and No. 45, or moving up in the lottery. Some of the players that are on the Celtics’ radar should come as no surprise.
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C- Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky)
The Celtics are in dire need for a rim protector, and someone who can guard opposing team’s big men. Yes, Tyler Zeller is formidable defender, but the team needs a shot blocker and an athletic big man because the Celtics got hammered in the paint and on the glass last season. Meet Willie-Cauley Stein.
The Celtics will not be able to draft Cauley-Stein if they do not move up into the lottery. Most mock drafts have Cauley-Stein projected to be a lottery pick, and the Celtics have been trying to make their way into the lottery. Cauley-Stein is a 7-foot center that is a prolific shot blocker. He plays way above the rim, and he would help the Celtics immediately on the defensive end.
The Celtics need defensive help before they start focusing on their problems on the offensive end, which is why Cauley-Stein should be No.1 on the Celtics’ big board.
F-Bobby Portis (Arkansas)
If the Celtics stay at No. 16 the team will not find an elite rim protector or an elite low-post scorer, but they could take Bobby Portis, who can do a little bit of everything.
Last season at Arkansas, Portis averaged 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He also shot 46.7 percent from the three-point line. He will be able to play some center in the NBA, but he is most comfortable playing at the power forward position. He has a great motor, and he will be able to stretch the floor for the Celtics because of his ability to shoot from distance.
He is not terrific at one thing, but he is pretty good at almost everything, and he will be able to contribute right away for the Celtics on both ends of the floor.
G- R.J. Hunter (Georgia State)
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Here is a little change of pace for the Celtics; maybe a sharpshooter in R.J. Hunter. The Celtics obviously have some decent shooters on their team in Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas, but they could use a little more help off the bench. Hunter could add a spark off the bench because he is able to create his own shot, and he can shoot from just about anywhere.
Hunter could fall to the Celtics at No. 28, and possibly they could take him at No. 16.
Overall
Those three players could help out the Celtics tremendously in many different ways. There is a big drop off from the first round to the second round this year, which is why the Celtics will need to make the most of their two first round picks. The Celtics are going to try to make some moves on draft night and time will tell whether they stay put, or move on up for a player like Cauley-Stein.
With Ainge as the GM, anything is possible.
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