I read an article about potential prospects that could still be available with our 16th pick in this upcoming draft. Danny will have to take a long hard look at some of these guys that still may be around when tha Celtics are on tha clock. One major flaw in this team Danny must address is tha Center position. Danny's failure to find a big man these past years has been part of tha C's Achilles Heel and it must be addressed. I Think Danny can finally do it in this year's draft. Most of tha prospects on this list are big men. Which one would be tha better pick is tha question. But here's tha list.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2013-nba-mock-draft-early-targets-boston-celtics-213800134.htmlJeff Withey, C, Kansas Jayhawks - One of tha best options for tha middle of tha first round. He's 6'11, 24o lbs, and provides good defense. He registered nearly four blocks per game in his senior year. He also offers instinctive rebounding, with 8.5 boards per contest. He defends well on the low block as well as off the dribble, showing good footwork for a big guy. He still leaves a lot to be desired offensively, but his intelligence and ability to catch passes in traffic make him an ideal fit for a Rondo offense. Withey has good half-court instincts, which make him an ideal candidate for the Celtics' offense. He also runs well for a big man, and would complement the younger, speedier offensive talents Boston has nurtured through the years. Rondo and fellow speedsters Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee could benefit from his height, quickness and intelligence.
Dario Saric, SF, Croatia - One of the international standouts of the upcoming draft class, 6'10" Dario Saric could be an ideal long-term option at small forward for the Celtics. He won't be available until 2014, however, so if Ainge decides to buy out Pierce's contract, it might not be worth the risk. Highlights and analyses of this kid seem to portray him as the real deal, though. He delivers the brand of intelligent basketball Rivers loves. He plays aggressively and with confidence, with an inside-outside game that would create position versatility, even allowing him to play a Hedo Turkoglu-type role. Saric can pay dividends in the passing game, and come up with big rebounds on occasion. He offers speed and athleticism, which would certainly reward an offense led by the backcourt duo of Rondo and Avery Bradley.
Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia - The 6'7", 197-pound Russian Sergey Karasev would be Boston's higher-risk but more probable international pickup at small forward. Although he looks as lanky as former New Jersey Net Kerry Kittles, his scoring ability would undoubtedly translate to the NBA level. Karasev can shoot well from all areas of the floor, and also poses problems as a lefty with a pretty good handle. He possesses a strong basketball IQ and could mesh well in a Rondo offense based on ball movement and penetration. If this international talent can learn how to move without the ball half as well as Ray Allen did with the Celtics, he could be a great fit with Boston. Obviously, he could also benefit from strengthening his core in order to provide a better rebounding presence to go with his height.
Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville Cardinals - He seems to be sort of a fan favorite here on this board. If he reaches his maximum NBA value, Louisville's Gorgui Dieng could be a better-scoring version of Dikembe Mutombo. At worst, he will be a poor man's Serge Ibaka. Either way, he would improve a Celtics roster that desperately needs his combination of size and wingspan. With a breakout tournament, the 23-year-old junior demonstrated his defensive dominance on the interior while also exhibiting a strong mid-range jumpshot. Additionally, his strength and intuitiveness near the hoop made him a force to be reckoned with on second-chance opportunities.
Dieng finished the NCAA season with six rebounds per contest, 3.4 of which came on the offensive end. He harassed opposing players in the Big Dance, quickly rising in mock draft ranks across the nation. Dieng's wingspan alone makes him a formidable talent on the professional level. Nobody would be surprised if he went a few picks earlier to the likes of the Utah Jazz, who probably won't be able to hold onto free agent center Al Jefferson. The young, small Milwaukee Bucks roster would also love to add his size and talent. But if Dieng is still available at the 16 spot, expect Ainge to take a long, hard look at him, finally addressing a position he has largely ignored the past few years.
Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil - Yet another big man and yet another international talent, Rio de Janeiro's Lucas Nogueira could be exactly what the Celtics need down low. The tall, lanky seven-footer has loads of talent to go with a massive 7'6" wingspan. Nogueira offers NBA-level athleticism combined with a soft touch and quick reflexes. He can't shoot as well as Dieng or Withey, but he has shown signs of improvement with his short to medium-range jumper. What Boston would immediately improve upon with this pickup would be their rebounding and down-low presence. Scouts across the board have praised his quick feet and natural ability to find the ball, regardless of his 220-pound frame. If Nogueira can improve his mid-range and free throw shooting-and bulk up a bit-Ainge will have trouble passing up this funky, afro-wielding powerhouse from Brasilia.
There's other notables mentioned but ya'll can check tha link to see. Also there's a mention of guys that Boston wishes would slip but probably wouldn't in Trey Burke, Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk, Rudy Gobert, and Michael Carter-Williams. But give your thoughts on who you would rather see Danny choose out of those 5 listed above.
Topic: Mock Draft: Early Targets For The Boston Celtics (Read 6204 times)