Early in the thread I mentioned getting around to doing this... only just getting to it now, lol
But here we go anyway!
Firstly, I gotta preface this with saying a little bit about how I view the top of the draft. I find myself somewhat opposed to CFAN in regards to tiers - I see no clear-cut number 1 pick, sort of similar to what happened when Nerlens Noel tore his ACL. Every prospect has holes, and none of them are sure-things, or even near sure-things. For me, Tier 1 in this draft represents similar things to what it represented in 2000 and 2013 - potential All-Stars, but for my mind no potential Hall of Fame level talents (unlike guys like Luka and Zion). However, I see heaps of guys that have the potential to be decent enough starters.
Emboldened are guys I want on the Celtics,
green text are guys I think are people we could draft.
Tier 1 - All-Star potential:1. Anthony Edwards (6'5", 225lbs, 18 years old, Guard-Wing): He has potential to be a brilliant shot-maker and creator, but he's lacking as a shooter and wasn't too flash in conference play. Not the most aware defender, but has all the athletic tools.
2. James Wiseman (7'1", 240lbs, 19 years old, Big): Perhaps the biggest mystery in the draft, given we saw so little of him. Elite physical profile for a big-man, standing at 7'1" with a 7'6" wingspan. However, his defence wasn't as good as it could've been. Still good potential for a super rim-running big, but he is a weak passer and shooter. Potential really depends on coaching situation.
3. Onyeka Okongwu (6'9", 245lbs, 18 years old, Big): Great defensive big-man who can finish inside with both hands. He's a really solid roll-man as he has good coordination, and he'll likely be the best defensive big in this draft. Needs to become stronger in the upper body and improve his passing to make him a truly potent player on offence, as his shooting hinders him.
4. LaMelo Ball (6'8", 194lbs, 18 years old, Guard): For me he's the most overrated prospect in this draft. Awful efficiency in the NBL, which is a league that allows guards to completely dominate. Similar concerns on offence to Lonzo, but he's a better shooter and in my opinion a worse passer. However, he's not a touch on him defensively. Got to see him a lot as he played in the local league here.
Tier 2 - high-level starter potential:5. Tyrese Haliburton (6'5", 175lbs, 20 years old, Guard): I would probably take him ahead of Ball, as he is super efficient inside and outside the arc, and is considerably better on defence. The injury definitely hurt his stock, but I love his game on both ends. Might need to put on some weight so he can handle bigger guards.
6. Obi Toppin (6'9", 220lbs, 22 years old, Big): Awesome offensive big-man, who is a freakish athlete. Took college ball by storm, and is giving me massive Amare vibes. That includes the "I was never taught defence" aspects of Amare. If a team wants a flamethrower big, he's the one.
7. Deni Avdija (6'9", 210lbs, 19 years old, Wing): I really rate Avdija's game. Great versatility on both ends, can shoot the ball, is a great playmaker, and he's a strong rebounder. Limited by his athletcisim, but he reminds me of Batum a lot (before he got that awful contract).
Tier 3 - solid starter potential:8. Cole Anthony (6'3", 190lbs, 20 years old, Guard): Not a big fan of Anthony as he is super inefficient, and had a ghastly assist-turnover ratio for a PG. He's gotta improve his passing if he wants to be a PG, as he's already sustaining injuries.
9. Saddiq Bey (6'8", 216lbs, 21 years old, Wing): Great 3&D wing potential with his size and elite shooting, but lacks ability to create for others.
10. Aaron Nesmith (6'6", 213lbs, 20 years old, Wing): Laser of a shooter from deep, but is not a strong defender and is a pretty useless passer. Given the state of modern offence his value might be inflated.
11. Killian Hayes (6'5", 195lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Big fluid athlete for a point guard, with a good natural feel for the game. Already 2 years of solid pro experience too.
12. Precious Achiuwa (6'9", 225lbs, 20 years old, Wing-Big): Great athletic rebounding wing, who has the size and wingspan to be a small-ball big. Great physical profile for the modern game.
13. Devin Vassell (6'7", 200lbs, 19 years old, Wing): Amazing athlete with good length, solid shooting touch and the ability to improve rapidly.
14. Paul Reed (6'9", 210lbs, 21 years old, Big): Amazing athletic defender with great rebounding and a developing shot. Ability to defend 3-5 in my opinion.
15. Kira Lewis (6'3", 170lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Makes me think of SGA if he was shrunk, lol. Would like him a lot on this team.
Tier 4 - low level starter potential:16. Isaac Okoro (6'6", 215lbs, 19 years old, Wing): Powerful athletic wing, needs to improve shooting
17. Theo Maledon (6'5", 175lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Big PG with a good feel for the game, great passer, not elite defensively
18. RJ Hampton (6'4", 175lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Almost the opposite of Maledon, not a good PG feel for the game, way more of a SG, but better athletically and more aggressive
19. Nico Mannion (6'3", 190lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Great playmaking PG, can drive and pass with both hands really well, solid shooter potential, but not great athlete.
20. Isaiah Stewart (6'9", 250lbs, 19 years old, Big): Tremendously strong, good athleticism and elite length. Limited ceiling, but could be like a taller DeJuan Blair (before his knees gave out).
Tier 5 - solid bench potential:21. Tyrese Maxey (6'2", 190lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Solid scoring guard, but is neither a combo or even a true PG, as well as being quite small. Needs to offer more.
22. Jalen Smith (6'10", 215lbs, 20 years old, Big): Athletic big who can rebound and protect the paint. If his shot continues to develop he could easily be a starter level guy.
23. Jaden McDaniels (6'10", 185lbs, 19 years old, Wing): Not too sure what his NBA level skills are, but his physical profile and general touch with the ball should enable him to be a solid piece.
24. Reggie Perry (6'9", 250lbs, 20 years old, Big): Great athletic profile, his strength should allow him to play the 5, reminds me of a lesser Julius Randle.
25. Zeke Nnaji (6'11", 240lbs, 19 years old, Big): I've been a fan for a while. Solid all-round game with super high energy, but not a great anchor on either end.
Tier 6 - high potential, but equally high potential to be nothing:26. Aleksej Pokusevski (7'0", 190lbs, 18 years old, Wing-Big): I like Poku because he has super intriguing potential. He has some guard skills, some wing skills and some big skills. Just interesting
27. Vernon Carey (6'10", 265lbs, 19 years old, Big): Really big strong frame, but I worry about how he'll pan out conditioning wise.
28. Daniel Oturu (6'10", 240lbs, 20 years old, Big): Legit NBA size and athleticism, who can get rebounds really well. Not sold on his feel though.
Tier 7 - guys with high chance for bench piece career, but low potential:29. Payton Pritchard (6'2", 195lbs, 22 years old, Guard): A bit undersized, but great touch on offence and a solid enough defender.
30. Jahmi'us Ramsey (6'3", 190lbs, 19 years old, Guard): Solid 3&D potential guard, but worrying lack of size