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The NBA Draft is just about 24 hours away, so what better way to celebrate than to recap the CelticsBlog community mock draft.
Minnesota Timberwolves | Karl-Anthony Towns |
Los Angeles Lakers | Jahlil Okafor |
Philadelphia 76ers | D'Angelo Russell |
New York Knicks | Emmanuel Mudiay |
Orlando Magic | Justise Winslow |
Sacramento Kings | Willie Cauley-Stein |
Denver Nuggets | Kristaps Porzingis |
Detroit Pistons | Mario Hezonja |
Charlotte Hornets | Stanley Johnson |
Miami Heat | Frank Kaminsky |
Indiana Pacers | Myles Turner |
Utah Jazz | Devin Booker |
Phoenix Suns | Kelly Oubre |
Oklahoma City Thunder | Cameron Payne |
Atlanta Hawks | Bobby Portis |
Boston Celtics | Sam Dekker |
Milwaukee Bucks | Trey Lyles |
Houston Rockets | Jerian Grant |
Washington Wizards | Kevon Looney |
Toronto Raptors | Montrezl Harrell |
Here is how picks 21-27 will pan out, according to Kevin O'Connor's mock draft.
21) Dallas Mavericks- Terry Rozier
Assuming the Mavericks part ways with Rajon Rondo, they should look to add some more depth at point guard. Rozier had a fine college career at Louisville, offensively and defensively. He could bring some of that fiery hustle to Dallas.
22) Chicago Bulls- Delon Wright
The Bulls have been a team hampered by injury, so there isn't too much need anywhere on the roster. However, Aaron Brooks is a free agent and while Kirk Hinrich probably won't leave, he is losing his value as he ages. That means Derrick Rose needs a reliable backup because...you never know. Wright is an excellent perimeter defender and passer. He would be a nice bench piece for new coach, Fred Hoiberg, to toss in when Rose needs a breather.
23) Portland Trail Blazers- Justin Anderson
Justin Anderson has the highest potential at this point in the draft, so letting him slip further than 23 should be a crime. Anderson is a tenacious defender who wants to guard the opposing team's best player. He also showed huge improvements in his three point shot.
24) Cleveland Cavaliers- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Hollis-Jefferson is one of the better athletes in the draft class. He's long, fierce, and fights for every loose ball. However, his shot is a bit shaky. Luckily, the Cavaliers won't need him to score. Hollis-Jefferson can blossom into a highly coveted defender in that type of situation.
25) Memphis Grizzlies- Tyus Jones
Point guard isn't too much of a need in Memphis, but they should be lucky Tyus Jones slipped this far in this first round. Jones was a huge part of Duke's NCAA championship run. He is a smart player who isn't afraid of the moment. He would develop quickly under the wing of Mike Conley.
26) San Antonio Spurs- Jarell Martin
Jarell Martin is a do-it-all kind of guy, the type of player the Spurs like to have. He lacks a feel for the game, but that is something Gregg Popovich can fix because...Popovich can fix anything.
27) Los Angeles Lakers- Rashad Vaughn
Would Rashan Vaughn be considered a higher pick if he played at Kentucky? Potentially. Vaughn has a ton of upside in terms of scoring, and with Kobe retiring soon, they may need some more help scoring in their backcourt.
28) Boston Celtics-???
The Celtics get their second shot at landing a solid player in the draft. They already selected Sam Dekker, who fills a need at SF but has trouble finding his shot in some games. Should the Celtics target a consistent sharpshooter?
RJ Hunter is still on the board, and he may end up being the best three point shooter in this draft. He's got endless range, confidence, and is used to a hand in his face. The Celtics could use a highly skilled scorer like Hunter.
Hunter is the type of player who could benefit from sliding and being drafted by a team where he could find an immediate role, which would be the case with the Celtics. He's a sharpshooter with deep range and his ability to run off screens would be of great value of a team that ranked 27th in three-point percentage last season.- Kevin O'Connor
They also have the chance to draft a rim protector in Robert Upshaw, who has been a talked-about name in the community. Upshaw has one of the longest wingspans in the draft. He's run into trouble and had some heart problems, but his upside as a shot blocker cannot be denied. Chad Ford has the Celtics taking Upshaw in his 'Grade A' mock draft:
Upshaw is the one guy who could be a big factor for them. He has major off-the-court red flags, but he was the best shot blocker in the country last year and if he can stay out of trouble will be an absolute steal for the Celtics at No. 33. He's worth the risk given the Celtics' needs.
Who would you pick?