FanPost

The NBA "Draft Crush"

I am a huge NBA fan, NCAA not so much. I watch only about 10 college games, mostly in March to scout some of the potential NBA players. As the draft draws nearer and the Celtics draft position becomes solidified, I do my research, I read what they experts say, study the numbers, until I discover "my player". The player I really want to see in Celtic Green, you know, a "Draft Crush".

I am not alone, judging from Bill Simmons fist pump and squeal of delight, when James Young's name was announced with the seventeenth selection of the 2014 NBA Draft, Simmons had a full on "Draft Crush" for Young that he had to let out on live television. It happens.

Even General Managers who get to make the actual selections can't always get their man, but do they ever forget? Danny Ainge on the signing of Amir Johnson "I followed Amir from high school throughout his NBA career..." That's over a decade worth of "Draft Crush".

And even, if you get rejected again, and again, and again you keep on trying. Brad Stevens was the highly successful coach of Indians' Butler University. Two hours and eighteen minutes southwest of the Butler Campus lies the town Washington Indiana, population 11,509. Washington High School has the distinction of producing three Mr. Indiana Basketball Players. Luke Zeller - 2005, Tyler Zeller - 2008, Cody Zeller 2011. Do you think Brad Stevens knows the way to the Zeller household? "... then you take a right at the Walmart Super Center, then ..." Could Brad Stevens get even one Zeller to suit up for him at Butler? Luke - Strike One! (Notre Dame), Tyler - Strike Two!! (North Carolina), Cody - Strike Three You're Out!!! (Indiana).

... but as we know Danny gave Brad another at bat, and now Tyler Zeller plays for Brad Stevens and your Boston Celtics. Tyler's mom summed it up best "Brad has been trying to get a Zeller for years and now he has got one". Once you do get a Zeller do you ever let it go?

In preparing for the 2014 draft I formed a "Draft Crush" on Noah Vonleh. Six foot ten, two hundred forty pounds, great rebounder, shoots well, produced as a freshman in the Big 10, local kid from Haverhill, let me count the ways.... I convinced myself that Noah would be great in Green (Michael Jordan drafting him was not the confirmation I was looking for). Apparently, Portland thinks he can play too as they traded Nicolas Batum for Vonleh (Michael Jordan trading him is the confirmation I am looking for).

So, I wait for the day when Noah plays his home games on the parquet floor.

Judging by the love shown for Perry Jones on this site and the lack of an NBA resume (it's ok there are some things you just know) there are some "Draft Crushes" out there for Perry.

So who is your "Draft Crush"?

Your comments are very appreciated - thanks TNB.

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