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Boston Celtics: Five Potential Draft Options With #3 Pick

By Mike McDaniel

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jakob Poeltl is an interesting case of offensive development versus defensive development in the modern NBA. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Jakob Poeltl is an interesting case of offensive development versus defensive development in the modern NBA. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

5. C Jakob Poeltl, 7’0″ 235 lbs., Utah

There are two obvious needs for the Celtics heading into the draft and free agency: 3-point shooting and rim protection.

While Jakob Poeltl may not fulfill the first need, the 7-footer undoubtedly fits the mold of a shot blocking, high-octane rebounding, big man that general manager Danny Ainge has been longing for since trading Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.

Coming in at 7’0″ and 235 pounds, Poeltl has the ability to slide in and revolutionize Boston’s post defense for years to come. In his just-completed sophomore season at the University of Utah, Poeltl earned All-American honors after averaging 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest.

While he will need to improve his offense in the post and hit the weight room to survive the rigors of playing an 82 game NBA schedule, Poeltl’s potential to become a defensive stalwart, with high offensive upside, may be too much for Brad Stevens and company to pass up, even at number three.

Next: #4: The Foreign Prospect

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