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Boston Celtics: 5 Potential Draft Options With No. 16 Pick

By Mike McDaniel

Jul 5, 2013; Waltham, MA, USA; General Manager Danny Ainge talks about hiring new Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, center, as owner Wyc Grousbeck, right, listens in during a news conference announcing Stevens new position. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2013; Waltham, MA, USA; General Manager Danny Ainge talks about hiring new Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, center, as owner Wyc Grousbeck, right, listens in during a news conference announcing Stevens new position. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) motions while guarded by Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Perrin Buford (2) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. SF Denzel Valentine, 6’6″ 210 lbs., Michigan State

While the Celtics have an extremely versatile two-way player in wing Jae Crowder, who’s to say that they couldn’t add another in former Michigan State forward, Denzel Valentine?

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At first glance, with Crowder in the fold, this pick may not make much sense. However, with the obvious ability of Valentine to play multiple positions at the NBA level, this could be the perfect pick as a player to slide into the lineup alongside Crowder when Brad Stevens goes with a small-ball group.

Averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.5 rebounds as a senior, Valentine used his full offensive arsenal en route to a First Team All-American selection. With excellent court vision, a decent handle for a big, and an above average jump shot, Valentine may be one of the most well-developed offensive players in the entire draft.

Defensively, Valentine is no slouch either. He more than holds his own as an on-ball defender, using his deceptive quickness to stay in front of his man and switch effectively on smaller, faster guards.

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The lone knock on Valentine is that he is not an “elite” athlete, and will be turning 23 in his first season in the league. If those are the two worst knocks on Valentine, there is little question that he will be well worth the gamble if available at No. 16 overall.

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