Ford: Celtics showing significant interest in Malachi Richardson

[Eddie20]

Malachi Richardson, SG, Fr., Syracuse

Richardson was late to the conversation as a potential one-and-done, but since he has committed to the draft, more and more teams have come to see him as top-20 pick. His combination of size -- 6-foot-6 with a huge, 7-foot wingspan -- NBA body and quickness makes him an attractive wing.

What scouts love most about Richardson is his ability to get his own shot off the bounce. He's one of the few guards in this draft who can really create offense for himself getting to the rim.

It's his jump shot that raises questions. He shot a solid 35 percent from 3 as a freshman but just 22 percent on 2-point jumpers. His workout on Tuesday in Vegas was designed to try to quiet the skeptics. He shot extremely well, going 13-for-15 from the NBA 3 in one drill and 20-for-25 in the second. He also shot well in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 action.

Teams have concerns about his defense, but it's almost totally based on the NBA's discomfort with Syracuse's zone defense schemes, as they just don't translate to the NBA. Richardson will face a learning curve there.

For the most part, however, teams don't seem to be turned off. From my canvassing of the gym, most had him in the No. 12-22 range. The Jazz, Bulls, Celtics, Nuggets, Pacers, Hawks and Hornets are showing significant interest. Richardson has already worked out with the Jazz and Hawks and has the Suns on Wednesday and Denver later in the week. I think his floor will be Philly at No. 24.

[saltlover]

In other words, the Celtics aren't drafting him.

[cltc5]

Started a thread about him during the tournament.  Hmmmm.  I'd grab him at 23 or 31

[dreamgreen]

If we take a guard with our later first round picks I'll throw up all over myself!! Think we have taken enough gambles on late round guards time to take some on bigs!

[Who]

Sounds like James Young

[hpantazo]

I hope we don't use #16 on him, but any of the later picks on him is fine.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Wow, another guard who can't shoot? Awesome.

And Syracuse alums haven't exactly been tearing up the NBA in recent years; doesn't give me much confidence in their program.

[vjcsmoke]

The next James Young?

[chiken Green]

22% on 2 point Jumpers... ouch..  He sounds like he might be worse than a guy who cant shoot. And questionable defense to boot...

is Going 13-15 in a drill with no defense enough to say this kid can shoot in a game?