:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66516625/1157254936.jpg.0.jpg)
On one hand, I’m not really emotionally ready for offseason transaction discussions, including the NBA draft.
On the other hand, hey look, content. And when it comes down to it there’s a potential that this is the end of the regular season and we might have our final standings in place right now.
SBNation posted their Mock Draft and if you are into that sort of thing then here you go. If the following plays out, the Celtics will have more depth at PG, center, and another long wing. Oh yeah, and there will be three more young players on this team... that struggled with competent depth this year.
17. Boston Celtics (via Grizzlies) - Theo Maledon, PG, ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
Tony Parker’s understudy in France, Maledon is a 6’5 point guard who can hit shots while playing a heady floor game. Maledon isn’t going to dust defenders off the dribble or have the speed/power combination to finish through length at the rim. What he can do is run offense as a secondary creator and stretch the floor with his jump shot. How he holds up defensively could be the biggest question.
25. Boston Celtics - Precious Achiuwa, F/C, Memphis
Achiuwa certainly passes the eye test. At 6’9, 225 pounds with a wingspan over 7’2, the freshman forward is long, strong, and explosive athletically. He has the perfect frame to be a modern four, with the size to pinch hit as a small-ball five. Achiuwa is capable of some incredible moments because of his physicality, but making consistently good decisions every possession remains a work in progress. His jumper (13-for-40 from three) is his biggest swing skill.
30. Boston Celtics (via Bucks) - Vernon Carey, Jr., C, Duke
Carey was a top prospect out of high school who perhaps didn’t get as much attention as he deserved because it felt like his game didn’t totally translate to the NBA. While there’s still some truth to that, Carey had such an impressive season at Duke that he’s worth a shot late in the first round in a weaker draft. The 6’10, 270-pound center and son of the long-time Miami Dolphins left tackle by the same name, Carey has soft hands as a finisher inside and was much better as a rebounder than expected. He also hit 38.1 percent of his threes in 21 attempts. He might never be the type of switch frontcourt defender the NBA loves, but his talent is obvious.