Nikola Vucevic, USC

[theswitch]

Here's the guy currently projected to fall to 25 according to ESPN. I'd be a pretty big fan of this pick, based on my limited knowledge of what I've read. He's 7'0, 260 pounds with a 7'5 wingspan. A solid finisher around the basket with range out to the 3-point line, he can be dynamic on offense and has the physical tools to be tremendous defensively too. The only real downside I've seen listed is that he doesn't have great ballhandling ability, but that's really the last thing I'm worried about as a big fella - I'm okay with that.

He averaged 17/10 last year, steadily improving every year, and can play 35 minutes a game as maybe the only true legit center in this draft, along with .5 steals and 1.5 blocks every game. He's a rebounder who shoots over 50% from the field and 75% from the line.

The only real downside I can see is that we might have to trade up to get him, but I think Vucevic could be a pretty solid pickup and piece for the future, even in this draft. Since I don't claim to be an expert on this guy, what am I missing? Is there any reason he wouldn't be perfect for the Celtics?

[Chris]

He is definitely an intriguing prospect.  I wouldn't be surprised if he goes even higher as the draft gets closer, but if he is there at 25, he would certainly be worth a shot.  I can't say too much about him, as I have not really watched him play, but the measurables are hard to argue with.  He has the size and production at a major program to suggest he could be a quality center.

[CeltsAcumen]

I get where you are going with him, and I can see the upside to his game.  However, I think the Celts can either trade up in the 2nd round and not waste a 1st or see if he falls to the Celts 2nd round pick. 

[theswitch]

I get where you are going with him, and I can see the upside to his game.  However, I think the Celts can either trade up in the 2nd round and not waste a 1st or see if he falls to the Celts 2nd round pick. 

Folks are saying he could go as high as Philly or New York at 16 or 17, I would be shocked if he made it out of the first round, and surprised if he made it to 25.

[Who]

I read that Vucevic was a little soft. That he got pushed around a fair bit for a guy his size in the college game.

Any truth to that? I haven't seen him play.

[Lucky17]

Funny, NBAdraft.net has him at #43, while DraftExpress has him at #21. Heck of a range there.

[MBz]

I get nervous with guys like him.  You fall in love with him at work outs then during games he disappoints.  He was a guy that people thought was borderline of getting drafted when he first entered the draft and was said to be soft with a poor work ethic, whether those are true I dont know.  If we go big, I don't think he's the big I want, he's not your typical brusier of a big man which I think would be better for this team.

[Silent Storm]

I get nervous with guys like him.  You fall in love with him at work outs then during games he disappoints.  He was a guy that people thought was borderline of getting drafted when he first entered the draft and was said to be soft with a poor work ethic, whether those are true I dont know.  If we go big, I don't think he's the big I want, he's not your typical brusier of a big man which I think would be better for this team.

I agree with this. We have too many bigs who have resorted to living on the perimeter (Baby and Krstic being the main culprits). Here's a nice article on Jeremy Tyler: http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/05/tyler-the-creator/

Notice where it says "He thinks that he's Kevin Garnett". Well now he has a chance to learn from KG if we draft him.

[Who]

I get nervous with guys like him.  You fall in love with him at work outs then during games he disappoints.  He was a guy that people thought was borderline of getting drafted when he first entered the draft and was said to be soft with a poor work ethic, whether those are true I dont know.  If we go big, I don't think he's the big I want, he's not your typical brusier of a big man which I think would be better for this team.

I agree with this. We have too many bigs who have resorted to living on the perimeter (Baby and Krstic being the main culprits). Here's a nice article on Jeremy Tyler: http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2011/05/tyler-the-creator/

Notice where it says "He thinks that he's Kevin Garnett". Well now he has a chance to learn from KG if we draft him.

Isn't the story on Jeremy Tyler that he is more comfortable playing away from the hoop?

[Silent Storm]

Not sure about that, at the combine he showed some nice post moves and authority around the rim. In Tokyo he played with Robert Swift so maybe that's why he spent more time outside the paint.

[Who]

Not sure about that, at the combine he showed some nice post moves and authority around the rim. In Tokyo he played with Robert Swift so maybe that's why he spent more time outside the paint.

Okay, I might be confused here. Reading so many different profiles. Muddled up.

I thought Bob Hill said he was more comfortable at the four vs the five + playing away from the rim than in the paint ... but I could only find the quote for the first part. Not the second part.

Might be confusing Tyler with someone else (the away from the rim bit).

[MBz]

Not sure about that, at the combine he showed some nice post moves and authority around the rim. In Tokyo he played with Robert Swift so maybe that's why he spent more time outside the paint.

Okay, I might be confused here. Reading so many different profiles. Muddled up.

I thought Bob Hill said he was more comfortable at the four vs the five + playing away from the rim than in the paint ... but I could only find the quote for the first part. Not the second part.

Might be confusing Tyler with someone else (the away from the rim bit).

I don't know what position he's more comfortable at, but from what I've seen he does most of his work 15 feet in.  He's athletic and he can definitely finish around the rim, but he also showed a solid 12 foot jumper at the combine.  I don't know what position he'll play at the NBA level, but he's not your typical outside big like someone such as Nenad Krstic.

[CeltsAcumen]

I get where you are going with him, and I can see the upside to his game.  However, I think the Celts can either trade up in the 2nd round and not waste a 1st or see if he falls to the Celts 2nd round pick. 

Folks are saying he could go as high as Philly or New York at 16 or 17, I would be shocked if he made it out of the first round, and surprised if he made it to 25.

Really?  wow, never thought he was that good.  No way he gets drafted before the Morris Twins and I value them mid to late 1sts.  I ve seen USC play about 5 times live this season and as I said he has upside, but he is not, imo, a 1st round pick.  He cannot guard anyone who has quickness.

[Scribbles]

I get where you are going with him, and I can see the upside to his game.  However, I think the Celts can either trade up in the 2nd round and not waste a 1st or see if he falls to the Celts 2nd round pick. 

Folks are saying he could go as high as Philly or New York at 16 or 17, I would be shocked if he made it out of the first round, and surprised if he made it to 25.

Really?  wow, never thought he was that good.  No way he gets drafted before the Morris Twins and I value them mid to late 1sts.  I ve seen USC play about 5 times live this season and as I said he has upside, but he is not, imo, a 1st round pick.  He cannot guard anyone who has quickness.

One site said some scouts thought Vucevic looked as good as Kanter and Kanter is projected to be one of the top five picks.  So either Kanter wasn't impressive in workouts, which I heard he was, or Vucevic has been flying a bit under the radar. 

[17wasEZ]

My reaction if the Celtics got him in the 1st round would be bleh!  I've seen the guy play a lot.  He's a nice NCAA player. Didn't come up big when he needed to though.  Plus, the PAC-10 has been pretty weak the last couple of seasons.

To his defense, USC played with a short bench for the last two seasons.  He played a ton of minutes which may have affected his play at the end of some games.  But, in no way would I say he is anything but a project.