Celtics expected to add a dominant 7'4 center in Bleacher Reports' latest mock draft

The Boston Celtics are currently running away with the best record in the NBA this season, putting them in the best position for a deep playoff run. However, the offseason could see them get even better, at least according to a recent mock draft by Bleacher Report.

Bleacher Report projects the Celtics to select one of the best college basketball players in the country, Perdue's Zach Edey, with the last pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. If that is the case, then that would be highway robbery.

Especially considering Edey is one of the most decorated college basketball players in recent memory and is averaging an outstanding 25.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season for Purdue. He is also a towering 7'4, which would make him the tallest player in the NBA along with Victor Wembanyama.

Should the Boston Celtics draft Zach Edey?

If they get a chance to take Zach Edey late in the first round of the draft, then they should jump at the chance since he'd provide them with an NBA-ready rotation player with plenty of upside. Despite the accolades and dominant numbers for Edey, there are questions surrounding his game and how it will translate to the NBA.

The NBA used to be dominated by 7-footers but as the game became more perimeter-oriented, they began to be replaced with smaller and more mobile big men. At 7'4 and more than 300 lb, his mobility is a concern and his ability to defend a way from the rim has been called into question.

Were the style of play in the NBA similar to how it was in the early 2000s, then Edey would probably be a top-5 pick but he is currently projected as a late first-round pick. Even then, there isn't a clear consensus about where he could be drafted. ESPN's Jonathan Givony has him as a lottery pick and his 40-point and 16-rebound performance against Tennessee in the Elite 8 probably will have him moving up draft boards.

Ultimately, he may not be around at 30 come draft night given his strong play in the NCAA Tournament. However, if he is, then the Celtics should absolutely select Edey.