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Boston Celtics: 2016 Offseason Grades

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) drives against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Evan Turner (11) in the second quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) drives against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Evan Turner (11) in the second quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jaylen Brown (California) is interviewed after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Draft Pick No. 1

The Celtics had a plethora of options with the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft. They were trying to package that pick in a blockbuster trade to bring a superstar to Boston, they could’ve invested in the upside of someone like Dragan Bender, they could’ve forced a trade in the backcourt by taking the highly coveted Kris Dunn; the list goes on and on.

Instead, the Celtics opted to address the 3-spot for the long-term future by taking California’s Jaylen Brown, a somewhat controversial prospect who has undeniable star potential despite his shortcomings.

In his lone season with the Golden Bears, Brown averaged 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 43.1 percent from the floor and 29.4 percent from three-point range.

Brown has the length (7’0″ wingspan), athleticism, speed and defensive skill to make it in this league, especially on an elite defensive team like the Celtics. For him, the key will be developing his perimeter touch to expand his offensive repertoire beyond just being a slasher and monster dunker.

In NBA Summer League, Brown pretty much confirmed what we know about him: He’s a good defender, solid rebounder and gets to the line with ease. He averaged 16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in Las Vegas, getting to the line a whopping 61 times in six games. But it was also clear he still needs to work on his efficiency (30.7 field goal percentage) and perimeter touch (27.2 three-point percentage).

If Brown can shoot as well in the NBA as he did during his two Boston workouts, the Celtics will be in great shape with an eventual replacement for Jae Crowder on the wing, but there are questions about what happens if neither he nor Marcus Smart can knock down a three-pointer.

Brown has a high ceiling and comes into the league with a solid defensive foundation. But he also has some work to do on the offensive end, and higher upside picks — or perhaps even a blockbuster trade — might have served as a superior alternative.

Grade: B+

Next: Draft Pick No. 2

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