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Boston Celtics: Redrafting the last decade of first round picks

By Reston Kaufman

BOSTON - JUNE 24: From left, Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, draft picks Carsen Edwards, Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, and Tremont Waters, and General Manager Danny Ainge take part in an introductory press conference at the Auerbach Center in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston on June 24, 2019. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 24: From left, Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, draft picks Carsen Edwards, Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, and Tremont Waters, and General Manager Danny Ainge take part in an introductory press conference at the Auerbach Center in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston on June 24, 2019. (Photo by Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images /

Original pick: Robert Williams III

New pick: Devonte’ Graham

In his first two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Robert Williams III has already experienced a number of injuries and yet to make a significant impact on the team. In his first two seasons, he has played fewer games than Devonte’ Graham this year.

In those games, Williams has only played 11 minutes per game. This summer, Williams was expected to be the starting center for the Celtics, but as soon as the season started he got hurt. On the other hand, Graham has become one of the best shooters in the league, shooting 37 percent from three, while scoring 18.2 points a game, and the most improved player of the year candidate.

Related Story. Celtics: 3 former players who could've helped. light

With Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier on expiring contracts, it would not have been crazy to add another point guard to the roster. Graham mostly sat on the bench in his rookie year anyways. This season the lack of depth at the guard position has become a vise that has potentially pushed the Celtics out of championship contention.

As a prospect, Graham had the quickness, work ethic, and shot to succeed offensively, while his foil, Robert Williams III seemed to be a future defensive specialist. With Tatum, Hayward, Theis, Brown, and Smart the Celtics already have one of the best defenses in the league. What they have been missing the last couple of seasons, was a flood spreader.

Graham has suddenly turned into one of the best shooters in the league, with the ability to shot off the dribble, and has been working on his passing. His exceptional abilities from range are exactly what the Celtics need with their young core, giving the Celtics much-needed depth.

The Celtics in 2017 made one of the best picks in team history, selecting Jayson Tatum. But could the Celtics have selected someone better?

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