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2016 NBA Draft: 5 Best Landing Spots For Thon Maker

By Carter Johnson

GARDEN GROVE, CA - AUGUST 2: Thon Maker poses for a portrait during the 2014 adidas Nations on August 2, 2014 at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove, California. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images)
GARDEN GROVE, CA - AUGUST 2: Thon Maker poses for a portrait during the 2014 adidas Nations on August 2, 2014 at Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove, California. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
April 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates with guard Marcus Smart (36) against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11, far right) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Celtics defeated the Warriors 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics’ desperate need for an upgrade in the frontcourt obviously makes Maker a viable target for them, but it depends totally on what they do with their third overall pick.

The C’s have the opportunity to select another 7-foot hybrid forward in Croatian big Dragan Bender, and doing so would nullify the need to pick Maker as they do a lot of the same things on the court.

However, should Danny Ainge and company decide to go with a wing like Jaylen Brown, Buddy Hield or Jamal Murray, Maker would be the perfect player for them to take either with their 21st pick or their 31st pick at the top of the second round.

It’d be safe to say that Maker would be an upgrade from Jared Sullinger, Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk — all of whom are solid players but don’t possess nearly as much upside as Maker does.

He shoots just as well as Olynyk and Sullinger do from outside, is more athletic than Johnson and already provides what the Celtics currently lack and desperately need — a defensive presence at the rim and tenacious rebounding.

The Celtics will likely grab a big in the draft either way, but adding Maker would give them a major boost in the frontcourt on both ends of the floor.

Next: No. 3

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